Hunting and mud fever

[L&M]

We have just bought a lovely little hunting cob for this season - my only concern is that he has white legs with pink skin underneath. He has no history of mud fever and we are lucky to have well draining fields at home, so am not too worried about his day to day managment.

I plan to keep his legs clipped out but am looking for advice on what you guys do after hunting with legs like this - is it better to wash off or leave the mud to dry then brush off the following morning? He will be stabled on straw so imagine that will help.

Any advice really and thanks in advance.

 

[AdorableAlice]

i would plaster his legs in cow salve (assuming you don't boot him) before hunting. I did this for years with a grey horse and never had a problem with mud fever.

 

[PorkChop]

Tbh your management of his legs may be a bit of trial and error to start with. I have had a fair few greys and plenty with white legs. Some of them have needed no extra care at all, and others have been very demanding!

First off I would invest in some Thermatex leg wraps, or similar. I have honestly found that those that need special treatment are best with their legs hosed off with cold water after returning home and then their leg wraps put on. The straw bed will definitely help.

Also I would keep on top of the leg clipping, ie keep the hair consistently short,

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

Def get some thermatex leg wraps.

I have had horses with white legs for the past 4 seasons and all I've done is cover them liberally in Gold Label Mud Guard on a hunting day and one other day during the week. I always vaseline their heels (no matter what colour legs they've got) and only ever wash the legs if I'm hunting the next day. I always use the leg wraps at night and by the morning, all the mud has slid off due to the mud guard. Perfect!! I also only ever clip off their hairy bits on their legs and feathers so they have protection against the mud.

 

[Bernster]

Def get some thermatex leg wraps.

I have had horses with white legs for the past 4 seasons and all I've done is cover them liberally in Gold Label Mud Guard on a hunting day and one other day during the week. I always vaseline their heels (no matter what colour legs they've got) and only ever wash the legs if I'm hunting the next day. I always use the leg wraps at night and by the morning, all the mud has slid off due to the mud guard. Perfect!! I also only ever clip off their hairy bits on their legs and feathers so they have protection against the mud.

Ooh, useful info, thanks!

 

[Judgemental]

We have just bought a lovely little hunting cob for this season - my only concern is that he has white legs with pink skin underneath. He has no history of mud fever and we are lucky to have well draining fields at home, so am not too worried about his day to day managment.

I plan to keep his legs clipped out but am looking for advice on what you guys do after hunting with legs like this - is it better to wash off or leave the mud to dry then brush off the following morning? He will be stabled on straw so imagine that will help.

Any advice really and thanks in advance.

Do not, what ever you do, do not clip the legs a cardinal sin of the worst kind.

Richie has the Richie is right. Let the legs dry and then lightly brush

 

[Ditchjumper2]

I just clip down the back of my cobs legs, then up the pastern all rond for a smart look as very hairy legs. She too is grey/pink skinned. Mine do get hosed off but only evening before and then after hunting rest of the time I do not bother. Always wash legs with cold water as hot water will open the pores and let all the c@?p into the skin.

 

[AmyMay]

i would plaster his legs in cow salve (assuming you don't boot him) before hunting. I did this for years with a grey horse and never had a problem with mud fever.

Brilliant stuff.

 

[Janna_142]

I just clip down the back of my cobs legs, then up the pastern all rond for a smart look as very hairy legs. She too is grey/pink skinned. Mine do get hosed off but only evening before and then after hunting rest of the time I do not bother. Always wash legs with cold water as hot water will open the pores and let all the c@?p into the skin.

Nice post.

 

[Goldenstar]

For horses who are prone to mud fever we
Keep the legs clipped
Wash with mild shampoo before hunting under dry with towels use thermatex leg wraps .
Use liquid paraffin or pig oil and sulphur on the legs and tummy on hunting days .
Put sudocrem in the heels
Wash with warm water and medicated shampoo or vey dilute hibiscrub on return from hunting but finish off with a cold rinse , dry and apply the leg wraps till dry.
Horses vary enormously in what triggers mud fever and what they respond best to.
Hunting is the ultimate way to get mud fever as the legs get hot and cold all day .