Mud! And feathered horses

[chickflick1066]

I realise there is a thread similar to this one in Cafe but I was just hoping for some advice from you feathered people!

Stumpy is fairly feathered, dales breeding, and is kept on sticky clay based grazing which gets horrendously boggy (knee high we are talking about!) but because she is kept out 24.7, except when shes brought in for hay/to be ridden etc.

What's the best way to maintain her legs during the winter months. She's not had mud fever in the last two winters I've had her (this will be our third winter).

How should I deal with the attractive mud dreadlocks she often obtains!

[becs]

Ours are same (out 24/7 on clay etc) but smaller feathers!

If she's been fine for 2 winters, I'd watch close & intervene little. Let the greasy fur do it's job.

We just brush their feathers when the mud's dry, and monitor heels / lower legs daily (grope gently to skin level for scabs etc).

Is it possible for her to have an area of hard standing, where lower legs would get a chance to dry off more on sunny days? We have concrete by the gate & in the shelters, so they can avoid mud now & then. Obviously they come on the yard for tea & the odd ride.

[nicolaj]

I find it best to leave feathers on and let the mud dry on them and brush off.

I know the muddy dreadlock look isn't too attractive, but you tend to find the skin underneath is nice a dry.

As becs suggested just feel about for the scabs under the hair.

I've had suggestions of coating the leg in vasaline, baby oil, vegetable fat, turnout boots. But not sure how effective all of these are. Others say clip all the feather off.

Think it's trial and error, what works wonders for one doesn't for another.

If you have managed to keep the mud fever at bay over the last couple of years, then whatever you are doing is working for your horse, so just keep doing it!:D