Native's feathers

[dumpling]

My boys feathers seem to be thinning and disappearing! I think the same happened this time last year, could it possibly be the mud? Is there anything that I can put on them to protect them? Showing - wise I'm not too fussed as showing seasons over but I'm just worried it's something else. He doesn't have massive amounts, he's a welsh x coloured and it's more just from his ankles. He does generally grow slot more over the Winter, but wondering if this I'd normal, as I've moved yard this year and wondering if it's a change in soil?

 

[FanyDuChamp]

Sounds like they are "bog burned" This happens mainly during the wet season when the mud is attached to feathers and the weight of it snaps off the hair . This condition is not unusual in the UK and most horses grow their feather back in a couple of months.
Hope that helps.
FDC

 

[dumpling]

Thank you, that sounds like exactly what it is.

I've looked at s few more threads and they seem to use pig oil & sulphur. I may give that a go or alternatively hold fire as he's moving to a bigger, flatter field this weekend.