NO one likes mud – it’s cold, wet, sticky and gets everywhere. Even worse, it can cause injuries and medical complications for the horse. But while winter’s ever-present hazard is unavoidable, there are strategies to take away some of the pain.
In most situations, mud is more of an inconvenience than a serious problem. If your horse has even a generous amount of dried mud on his coat, it may be unsightly but it often won’t do any harm. Unless infection takes a hold, the horse’s coat and feathers are his best protection. But for those whose season covers the colder months, they have to confront the elements head-on.
Dealing with sweaty, muddy horses and tack is all in a day’s work for Beaufort hunt groom Margaret Hopkins.
“Last winter was a nightmare,” she says. “We put pig oil on the legs and tummy, and petroleum jelly under the boots and in the heels before we go hunting. We keep horse washing to a minimum because it strips the horses’ natural oils, leaving them more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.
“In summer washing is fine as they soon dry off, but leaving a horse cold and wet too long puts stress on their immune system. However, if they are soaking wet and plastered with mud, we’ll wash them off with a medicated shampoo, to combat bacterial and fungal skin disorders, and make sure they’re scraped and towelled dry before they go to their stables. My rule is that if they arrive home wet, they are washed off, but if they are dry, the mud is brushed off.
“We then bandage all round and use Thermatex rugs to wick away the wet. Horses that are likely to break out in a sweat will have their rugs changed until they are dry. A solarium is on my wish list!”
This story is from the November 19, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 19, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Waterproofs, wellies and windscreen wipers
Tessa Waugh braves a downpour for a trip to the Rydal hound show and is rewarded with a party atmosphere, the joy of rural traditions and even - eventually - a spot of sunshine
It's nearly time...
H&H's hunting editor Catherine Austen - and her horse are keen for the new trail-hunting season to start
Satin slips into top spot again
A Blencathra bitch takes the championship for the second successive year at this feast of fellhounds and Lakeland life
New heights for Festive Fare
Two former racehorses shine in their new guises, while home-producers reign in multiple sections
Cornet returns to the top
An exciting youngster steps up after a patch of four fault-itis and an \"amazing\" horse makes a remarkable recovery from multiple fractures
Young talent comes Goode
Tom Goode snatches grand prix victory by a whisker, while a mare who's had six months out of competition makes a winning comeback
Quirky Concorde flies high
A promising but tricky eight-yearold takes the top class, while there are also wins for a former carriagedriving horse and one who used to dump his rider
Oakden Keeps It in Scotland
Blair signs off with a final farewell, at which Wills Oakden pilots Keep It Cooley to a third successive victory here
Can Brits upset Dutch dominance again?
The Brits will head to Paris as underdogs, but it will be an enticing battle at the top
Safe, with spark, and something special
What do para dressage riders look for in their ideal equine partner? Victoria Malcolm consults coaches, riders and judges to find out how to source and train a Paralympic horse