Help?! Stuck in the mud!

[Natashajade]

Hi guys just wondering I've brought a pony about 3 weeks ago and he's livi bout until a stable comes up! He's legs are very muddy all the time! I curry comb them to get as much mud of as I can but his hoof and just to the top of the long pastern is covered in wet mud tht I can't get off! Any idea of anything I could use? Don't want him getting mud fever! thanks in advance

 

[be positive]

Leave wet mud alone, brushing will rub it in and increase the risk of mud fever, under the mud his legs should be clean and dry if his feathers are doing a good job, even if he is not that hairy. You can wash off with cold water, ideally hose them, once they are dry apply pig oil or baby oil which may help keep the mud from sticking so much.

 

[khalswitz]

If he lives out, he will get muddy - especially if they lie down/roll in it. My TB lives out all year, and is constantly minging. DON'T brush in wet mud, let it dry then brush off, or hose the legs - but do dry them off after washing otherwise poor pony never gets a chance to dry out.

Also mud fever isn't technically from mud - it's a bacterial and/or fungal dermatitis that starts when the epidermal skin layer is compromised - and can happen if you soak legs regularly and leave them standing in a stable, as it is the abrasion of grit or bedding on wet, cold skin that triggers it.

Because it is bacterial, you should treat it as infectious - don't share boots/bandages with horses who have it, use specific sponges etc.

The feathers act as a great barrier for the skin from wet and mud, so try not compensate for that. Otherwise, having a period where their skin can dry out is the best thing too prevent mud fever, as it is continually wet/cold skin that is most at risk - and don't over-wash, as this compromises the skins natural barrier oils.

 

[Natashajade]

Thanks I think I'm going to tack him up go for a ride in the indoor because the flooring removes the mud of the oure surface of his hoofs fab and then after I've rode hopefully he will have dried out a bit an it will be dry to brush of! If not ill just have to brush the dry bits of an leave the wet!

 

[Clodagh]

I have two three quarter tbs who live out 24/7. My field isn't that muddy but they do have constantly wet mud in their heels and so on. I never touch it and touch wood have never had mud fever.