Welcome to the January Thaw, or what I like to think of as Mud Season #1. This week has brought thawing temperatures that have turned my pastures into swamps and my arena into a shallow lagoon. It seems almost sinful to complain about the footing when it is the last week of January and we’re not buried under a foot or more of snow, but on the other hand, if the sun is going to shine, horsemen want to ride, not swim their horses. This time of year presents many challenges for horsemen who want to help their horses stay healthy and happy, so I thought I’d offer 2 of my favorite tips for managing during Mud Season.
Now is when I give thanks for silicone based grooming sprays like Show Sheen and Laser Shine. I find it is much easier to tackle dried, muddy legs if I spray Show Sheen onto clean legs first and rub it in by hand. Mud easily brushes away saving time and proving one of my favorite rules; the true goal of grooming a horse is to get the dirt off him and onto you! I’m also grateful for a special homemade remedy for scratches that I got from Green Glen Equine that helps to battle the sore, cracked heels that our horses can acquire from standing in the mud. If you’ve ever battled the painful, chapped heels and pasterns that can result from over-exposure to wet conditions, you’ll love this recipe. The ingredients are easily available over the counter at your grocery store or pharmacy. It contains an antibiotic for bacterial invaders, a steroid for inflammation, an anti-fungal for mycotic agents and baby diaper rash ointment as the soothing base to mix it all in.
Recipe for Scratches Remedy: Mix together 1 tube of Triple Antibiotic Ointment, 1 tube of hydrocortisone, 1 small can of athlete’s foot powder and 1 tube of Desitin Diaper Rash ointment. Keep in a covered and labeled container; apply to affected skin twice daily.
Hope these hints help to keep you and your horses healthy and happy during Mud Season!
Susan Moody, IEO President
Now is when I give thanks for silicone based grooming sprays like Show Sheen and Laser Shine. I find it is much easier to tackle dried, muddy legs if I spray Show Sheen onto clean legs first and rub it in by hand. Mud easily brushes away saving time and proving one of my favorite rules; the true goal of grooming a horse is to get the dirt off him and onto you! I’m also grateful for a special homemade remedy for scratches that I got from Green Glen Equine that helps to battle the sore, cracked heels that our horses can acquire from standing in the mud. If you’ve ever battled the painful, chapped heels and pasterns that can result from over-exposure to wet conditions, you’ll love this recipe. The ingredients are easily available over the counter at your grocery store or pharmacy. It contains an antibiotic for bacterial invaders, a steroid for inflammation, an anti-fungal for mycotic agents and baby diaper rash ointment as the soothing base to mix it all in.
Recipe for Scratches Remedy: Mix together 1 tube of Triple Antibiotic Ointment, 1 tube of hydrocortisone, 1 small can of athlete’s foot powder and 1 tube of Desitin Diaper Rash ointment. Keep in a covered and labeled container; apply to affected skin twice daily.
Hope these hints help to keep you and your horses healthy and happy during Mud Season!
Susan Moody, IEO President
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