Licking mud from legs....

[MizElz]

Went for a ride today through some rather dense clay fields, and Ellie's legs got quite muddy! When I jumped off back in the yard, she began to very daintily lick the mud from her legs and hooves. Any ideas why she might be doing this? I've heard that they do this because of a mineral deficiency, but she doesnt eat the mud in the yard, and she also has constant access to both mineral and salt licks. Any ideas?

 

[Eaglestone]

... not much use really but my TB does that when he gets clay on his legs ..... they are very careful doing it aren't they

I think I asked the Vet and he was not duly concerned .... he (the horse, not the Vet

) has mineral lick in the field and in his stable ...
Will be interested to know what other peeps say

 

[Jellicle]

Maybe she just likes to look good?