Spring Showers bring Mud Season
The long-awaited spring season is almost here, but before warmer days fully arrive, mud season makes its presence known. It brings dirt-encrusted blankets, rusty snaps, chilled hands, and horses shedding winter coats. With longer daylight hours, turnout time often increases, which means more rolling, more muddy paddocks, and more equipment to clean. Add in temperatures that can swing from freezing mornings to sunny afternoons, and it becomes clear that mud season requires a thoughtful approach to care.
Mud Related Health Risks
Increased moisture in paddocks and in the air creates an environment where bacteria can thrive. Common mud related health issues include thrush, scratches and rain rot.
Thrush- Thrush is caused by prolonged exposure to moisture and bacteria in the hoof. Over time, bacteria break down the frog, creating a foul odor, black discharge and deep crevices. Preventative care begins with picking out the hoof daily to remove mud and debris. Providing access to a dry area for the horse to escape the mud or wet paddocks can also help dry the hoof and prevent thrush. The Pro-Tect Shampoo is a great way to treat minor thrush.
Scratches- This is a fungal infection, commonly found on the horse’s lower legs, around the pastern and in between the bulbs of the heels. The infection creates scab like areas causing hair loss, heat, and sometimes swelling. To treat scratches, use Mane ‘n Tail Pro-Tect shampoo to kill bacteria and gently remove scabs. Once dry, follow with the Pro-Tect Antimicrobial Spray to treat and protect the area from further spread.
Rain Rot- A skin infection often found along the back, withers, croup and down the hind quarters. It develops in prolonged wet conditions such as heavy rain, or when moisture becomes trapped against the skin. Rain rot presents itself as raised hair with crusty scabs, often warm to the touch and sensitive skin. Since rain rot is bacterial, it is best to treat with an antimicrobial shampoo, such as our Pro-Tect Shampoo. Gently wash the affected areas and remove the scabs after they are softened. Once rinsed, thoroughly dry the area, and apply Pro-Tect Spray to kill bacteria and care for the irritated skin.
If you have any questions or concerns about the health of your horse, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to guide you.
How to Reduce Mud
Although mud is inevitable, it can be reduced and managed through proper paddock set up, grade of land, and use of shelters and run-ins.
Paddocks
When setting up your paddocks, be mindful where the land retains water, and try to have a slight grade to the paddocks to help drain run off. If possible, rotate your paddock use as well. This allows the ground to settle and avoids overuse.
Shelter
While you may not have the luxury of designing your own paddocks, it is also important that horses have a dry shelter to stand under. This location should be on a slightly elevated platform to avoid water pooling into the shelter. The use of mats, or bedding can help maintain the ground in the enclosure.
Grooming Strategies for Mud Season
When turnout conditions are beyond your control, your grooming routine becomes your best line of defense.
Daily Leg Care
It is important to thoroughly check your horse’s body for any skin infection, bacteria build up or abrasions. For preventative care, wash the legs with Mane ‘n Tail Ultimate Gloss Shampoo. With a pH balanced formula, this shampoo helps support healthy skin during routine washing. Make sure to dry the legs after rinsing, especially between the bulbs of the heel where water collects to avoid bacteria build up.
Mane and Tail Management
There is nothing that feels better to a horse than getting a good roll in. Unfortunately, that means muddy manes and tails. Washing the manes and tails thoroughly with Mane ‘n Tail Original Shampoo will strip the mud away but leave the essential nutrients in the hair strands to keep them strong. Follow up with Mane ‘n Tail Original Conditioner to strengthen and prevent hair breakage. This can also be used as a leave-in conditioner, especially if braiding the hair after.
When Washing Isn’t An Option
If washing the mane and tail are not options, a detangling and conditioning product such as Mane ‘n Tail Detangler will help make combing seamless and prevent future knots. Be sure to start at the bottom of the mane and tail and gently work your way up to avoid breaking hair strands.
Spot cleaning is another helpful option when it is too cold to bathe. A targeted spray application, such as Spray ’n White, can be used on stained areas of the mane, tail, or coat. Lightly apply, work the product into the area, and rinse with warm water as needed. This approach helps you lift stains before they set and leave the hair clean and healthy.
Braiding
Braiding the mane or tail is a great way to get ahead of tangles and maintain the health of the hair in the muddy season. Spray ‘n Braid is protein enriched and formulated to provide the perfect grip. If braiding the hair for long periods of time, make sure the braids are loose enough to not place tension on the crest, or dock of the tail. Avoid using rubber bands or elastics, as these are prone to snag the hair and cause breakage. Electrical tape can be used to secure the braid without pulling hair when removing.
Balanced Coat Care
During mud season, your grooming tools and preventative care will be your saving grace. Not every day requires a full bath but take advantage of warmer days to bathe and lift dirt and dander from the coat. Be sure to check over your horse daily and stay ahead of skin issues. This will keep your horse happy, comfortable and come out of mud season with a healthy coat, mane and tail.