Mud Fever and Pig Oil (sans sulphur)

[MrsMozartletoe]

I want to be ahead of the curve this year so looking into preventative measures.

Was happy to learn that pig oil sans sulphur doesn't cause sensitivity issues, however someone said it has to be washed off every six weeks. Google isn't being very helpful in finding out anything more, so I'm turning to you marvellous folk to learn more.

We have at two horses here who really (really!) don't like having their legs washed, though they'll be fine with having the oil rubbed in.

If it is that the pig oil has to periodically washed off does anyone have any suggestions as to what we can use?

Thank you kindly in advance.

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

Pig oil without sulphur is much less likely to cause sensitivity issues but it's not impossible (just highly improbable). If you have a sensitive horse, do a patch test anyway.

I've never tried to 'wash it out after 6 weeks' but I have regularly reapplied. I can't remember how frequently because the weather 'up norf' generally took care of degrading my efforts to provide a water barrier.

ETA: if you did want to wash it out, as it's an oil, I'd be reaching for a detergent like fairy liquid but you may want to consider something like a soft soap used on feathered horses.

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Thank you. Test patching all is on the To Do list.

Happy to reapply on a regular basis as they're all good with having their legs seen to, so long as for a couple that doesn't include being hosed or having water swooshing about.

 

[St Nicnaclaus]

It wears off naturally rubbing legs whilst grazing, laying down, hair loss etc. I've never washed it off - just reapply once a week or so. You don't need that much just ensure it coats all the hair. I use nitrile gloves.

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Thank you. I'd not heard of the washing off before but wanted to check I wasn't missing something.

Good point re the gloves!

Do you prefer to sponge it on or spray? I was going to go with sponge (see above re a couple of the horses likely reactions to spray!). Three are quite hairy-legged, the rest are pretty clean legs.

 

[St Nicnaclaus]

I just put in onto my gloved hand and use my fingers to apply it. I pour into a tupperware rather than from huge bottle; dunk fingers and rub on.

 

[Melandmary]

I put it in a spray bottle and brush through . I have never washed it off, I just use it once a week, I think it also deters feather mites

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

I use a washing up liquid bottle to dispense the right amount into my hands then just rub it in.

Then spend ages trying to wash it off my hands and wishing I'd worn gloves.

 

[Shoei]

I'm just jumping on this thread with a question

Both my horses have white legs does pig oil turn them yellow?

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

I'm just jumping on this thread with a question

Both my horses have white legs does pig oil turn them yellow?

No.

If you don't use it, the legs will be a lovely mud brown colour anyway.

I'm going to make a second shout for the soft soap again if you are worried about getting legs lovely and white.

 

[Shoei]

Thanks! This is their first winter out 365 and whilst we don't have as much mud as others, basically only having about an inch of soil before bedrock, and they have a dry area, I want to protect their legs as much as possible.

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

I’ve never washed it off Mrs M..I just keep reapplying throughout the winter.

 

[tda]

If it's that greasy that you need to wash it off you've put too much on.
Apply sparingly and brush thru with a main and tail comb/brush
7 day mud away is good because it's in a spray bottle, I've struggled to get normal pig oil to spray from another bottle, but if you don't mind getting greasy hands it's cheaper