Mud fever prevention and riding in tendon/fetlock boots??

[stevieshowjumper]

So the yard I've moved to has mud fever bugs in the field (boo) and therefore stocking up on mud fever prevention to catch it before it strikes!

My issue is that mare uses tendon/fetlock boots mainly for jumping and some days for general riding. Which kind of mud fever prevention can I use that is compatible with riding in boots? Considering boots/cream barriers.
I've read that Muddy Marvel cream only needs applying once/twice week - are legs dry for boots after a while or are they sticky all the time?

 

[maggiesmum]

This article is actually about sweet itch but its relevant to mud fever, prevention is better from the inside out.
http://forageplus.co.uk/sweet-itch-and-how-forageplus-minerals-can-help/

 

[stevieshowjumper]

Thanks for the suggestion - it's interesting that the horse's diet seemed to be aggravating the sweet itch. I'm not really looking to go down that route though.

Considering cream vs boots or both what do you think? If it's non-sticky (How sticky is Muddy Marvel after day 1?) I could alternate one day muddy marvel, next day nothing (since it's suppposed to last half a week), 3rd day eqi-chaps, repeat... and that would mean I could ride with tendon/fetlock boots on days 2 and 3?? Plus it gives the chaps 2 days to dry between use...

Any thoughts?

 

[Buddy'sMum]

I use Gold Label Leg Guard once or twice a week when the field is really bad, it dries quickly and brushes out easily, so no sticky mess. And no mud fever! ;-)

 

[dianchi]

I wouldn't start using creams unless your horse has it, good management even with a known bad field you should be ok!

 

[stevieshowjumper]

Thanks Buddy'sMum that sounds like a really good idea! Dianchi I'm at a livery yard so not my fields to manage - she's def going to get it if I don't employ some kind of preventitive so would you suggest that boots are better than cream barriers and why?

 

[dianchi]

Nothing to do with field management, more to do with horse management!
Making sure that your horses legs are clean and dry each night will massively help. Ive had mine in "bad mudfever fields" and good management of her (even with her silly tb stick legs and sensitive skin) has never gone down with it.

Ive had to do turnout boots in the past (trying to stop injuries) and all mud seeps up into them so I don't find that this helps personally

 

[maxine1985]

Keratex Mud Shield powder is brilliant stuff for prevention

http://www.keratex.com/products/keratex+mud+shield+powder+

It goes on like talc and I've used it under boots and bandages with no problems, I used to cover my old mares white socks in it before we went hunting or xc and boot over the top and have also used it successfully on its own or under turnout boots! Definitely aim to prevent as once they end up with it its a nightmare to get rid of!

 

[ester]

I wouldn't use field boots for mud fever.

Pig oil and sulphur is a good preventative and doesn't clog the fur/need washing off/keeps the legs mud free. Best do do a patch test first though .

 

[Auslander]

My horse had horrific mud fever early this year, which took hold while I was on holiday - and I subsequently found out that the friend who was looking after him had carefully washed his legs off every day when he came in. My vet said reckoned that the washing was what weakened the skin, and allowed the mud fever bugs in - she recommends not washing, allowing the mud to dry on the legs, then brushing off, as a preventative measure. Im trying Keratex powder this year, as I don't want to put anything wet on his legs.