Wet Weather Horse Care
Persistent and large amounts of rainfall can create challenges for equine care and have negative effects on your horses overall health.
With rainfall comes an abundance of puddles and mud. Highly trafficked and concentrated areas in pastures can rapidly become slippery and muddy which can be a burden to both horse and horse owner. Horse caretakers may find it cumbersome to walk in areas with excessive mud and normal care and feeding routines may need to be adjusted. In addition horses standing or walking in wet areas can experience an increase in hoof soft tissue and skin related health conditions. Pooling water can also serve as an ideal breeding ground for insects that can be a nuisance to horses and horse owners alike. However with proper management and care you can reduce the negative impacts of these rainy times on yourself your horse and your farm.
Many horse owners become frustrated during wet weather when their horse enjoys a roll in the mud and extra grooming is required. A horse may roll to cover their body in mud to discourage biting insects but more often rolling is intended to assist the horse in scratching itchy areas. However coats that are caked in mud can be troublesome as mud may compromise the horses skin promoting a common irritation known as rain rot. Rain rot is a skin infection that often occurs during times of extended rainfall. It causes hair loss and can become a threat to the horses health limiting work and riding. Keeping the horses coat clean and dry will deter rain rot
Horses standing walking or running in mud are susceptible to tendon and ligament injuries. These injuries are often identified by
