Mud Dreadlocks

[Cloverfield]

Hi, I have taken on a new cob who has heavy feathers but he's been caked in mud all winter and left and now has rock solid mud dreadlocks from his previous home. Are there any tricks to remove it all other than clipping him? Under my loan agreement I cant cut any of his hair but it is like cement. Any magic solutions very welcome or its looking like back breaking bending over and brushing it all out for hours!!

 

[meleeka]

I used pliers to break them, then they just fall off. If you leave them they will come off eventually, or you could just soak his feet in warm water (if they are on his feather).

 

[tda]

I used pliers to break them, then they just fall off. If you leave them they will come off eventually, or you could just soak his feet in warm water (if they are on his feather).

That's what I do too, works well, or you can liberally spray with mane and tail shine, that helps too
Pig oil them in the future

 

[Barton Bounty]

Id do the warm water and give them a good wash

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I used pliers to break them, then they just fall off. If you leave them they will come off eventually, or you could just soak his feet in warm water (if they are on his feather).

I've done similar where you just crush the lumps and it all comes loose and falls off or hot water and soap will do it.

 

[Gloi]

Another one here that cracked them with pliers when I had a heavy feathered vob.

 

[baran]

I used pliers to break them, then they just fall off. If you leave them they will come off eventually, or you could just soak his feet in warm water (if they are on his feather).

They come off naturally any way. Why do you need to take them off? They don't do any harm and don't bother the horse.

 

[Gloi]

They come off naturally any way. Why do you need to take them off? They don't do any harm and don't bother the horse.

Not everyone wants to take their cob out in public with legs full of dingleberries

 

[Barton Bounty]

Not everyone wants to take their cob out in public with legs full of dingleberries

And the mud stinks too

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I think they must pull on the hair a bit so potentially could irritate.

 

[meleeka]

They come off naturally any way. Why do you need to take them off? They don't do any harm and don't bother the horse.

How do you know they don’t bother them? I wouldn’t want to walk round with heavy balls of mud pulling my hair and banging on my feet

 

[Surbie]

Nice warm water and lots of patience, then masses of pig oil in when they are dry to stop it happening again.

I found the hair snapped if the mudlocks were left or if they were taken off a bit aggressively, which leaves you with the bog-burnt look.

Tbh I don't think your loan clause is very fair if that's the condition the horse has been sent to you in. I'd ask the owners what they do and if there have ever been any skin conditions under the feather that might make the horse sensitive when you are trying to get them clean.