horse eating mud?

[SarahRicoh]

As title states? When i turn him out he stands by gate and eats chunks of myd/clay mud before wondering of.. Anyone know why? And what ge could be deficient in?

 

[spotty_pony]

It is usually a sign that they are lacking in something in their diet. Has he got access to a salt lick?

 

[SarahRicoh]

Thankyou.. I just dont know what hes lacking? Nope i shall get him one and starting from today hes on a balancer so hopefully he'll have everything he needs

 

[Luci07]

Is this purely mud or are you sand based as if I would be concerned about sand colic if that was the case.

 

[Fransurrey]

Eating mud is perfectly normal for horses. It's a way of getting minerals in their raw form. Henry sometimes does it (but only at certain places). He's done it when on more than one supplement, too. As long as he isn't shovelling huge clods of earth down his gullet I shouldn't worry too much.

 

[SarahRicoh]

Its not a lot of mud just a bit..

Luci-its purely mud not sand... Infact its clay type mud

 

[Rose Folly]

All horses self-medicate if they have the need - and the resources to do it with. We have willow tress in our field, and horses we've owned with arthritis doctor thejselves regularly on the leaves. Wouldn't worry too much.

 

[SarahRicoh]

Thanks guys