Waterlogged paddocks, mud fever and rolling ponies.

[vermillion]

Quick background to avoid any drip feed- we’re on clay soil, with those lovely low lying paddocks prone to poaching in ‘normal winter’. We already have turn out areas adjacent to paddocks but these are also heavily waterlogged despite putting down stone hardcore and wood chip. The chip gets waterlogged due to ground levels, and the fresh woodchip rots so quickly, creating yet more mud.

One of my guys is really struggling with the recent weather and has mud fever induced swelling which we’re fighting to avoid progression to cellulitis- it’s a bit of chicken and egg situation though; particularly as we are treating ulcers so trying to keep out as much as possible but vet wants to keep horse in with careful management to avoid Bute and antibiotics for the leg whilst on active (and v expensive!) ulcer treatment.

Horse is happy in the stable, on 30min arena turnout 2x day however this isn’t ideal for the rest of winter and isn’t helping reduce ulcer stress or really reduce the swelling.

Horse is an avid roller but understandably won’t roll in the waterlogged paddocks & then is standing looking miserable, agitated because he NEEDS to roll repeatedly and is then not eating the hay which has caused the ulcer flare (hay is up out of the mud) in either poached paddocks or waterlogged turnout areas.
Only dry areas sans any mud are in the stable blocks.

Moving isn’t an option.
This is a terrible year for mud fever, so I know we’re in the same boat as many others, but I am struggling to understand if the cause of the mud fever is actually the mud or if it’s the the standing in waterlogged ground softening the skin.

Any wise advice for a despairing owner trying to do her best?!

 

[meleeka]

I think I might stick to short turnout at least until you have the mud fever under control. Could you feed a partial hay replacer such as grass chaff?

It’s tricky trying to manage things with opposite solutions, so I’d concentrate on the ulcers for now.

 

[honetpot]

I am on clay, and used to be on the edge of the flood plain, so when it flooded I could have three feet of water plus a swan floating around. When the water receeded it was as slimey slippy mess. None of mine ever had mud fever. I buy large round or hestion straw and make an island, depending on how deep it is it take one or two bales, and then I add one a week, If I have hestons I hang their nets on it, or put hay crates around the edge and feed them on the island. You have to accept its going to look like trash in the spring, and harrow well. They will go for a wander in the slush, but the island means they dry out very quickly.
I try never wash legs, if they are dry they may get a quick plastic curry over them if we are doing something, never trim and leave feathers alone. Often you can part the hair and even if the top is covered in sludge the hair closest to the skin is dry. This has worked for me for over twenty years, even when they are on porridge like mud.
Mud is good, its a great insulator, my greys the only area that is not covered is their nose and the semi circle around their tail.