Many areas are experiencing lots of mud this time of year. There has been so much rain, and for some snow! The ground can't soak up it quick enough. Your horses are likely creating a nasty mess out in their winter paddocks. Mud makes grooming difficult and puts your horse at risk for skin issues like scratches. Make sure you have a plan to tackle it this season!

Managing Mud on Horse Farms

  1. Clean up your horse's manure in their paddocks.
  2. Invest in a graveled dry lot or mud control grids like Lighthoof.
  3. Some folks have found success with wood chips or putting down old carpet. These tend to be temporary fixes though!
  4. Proper drainage around your paddock is essential.
  5. Don't feed them in the same spot. Make sure to move their hay feeder around, especially when it's time to put out a new round bale.
  6. Use a net or some sort of slow feeder to prevent excessive hay waste.
  7. Before you groom your horse, let the mud dry. It's much easier to scrap off dried mud with a metal or rubber curry.
  8. If you're short on time, then hosing off your horse's legs is a quick way to get them clean.
  9. Feel your horse's body and legs for skin conditions like rain rot and scratches. Thrush can cause issues in their hooves, so check those too.
  10. You may want to keep a sheet or blanket on your horse to cut down on grooming.
mud rain COWGIRL magazine
Rain puddles. Photo by Chandler Cruttenden.

Unfortunately, there is no quick, affordable way to beat mud. It requires proper planning and investing in good footing. If you're dealing with mud, make sure to keep an eye on your horse. Not only are they at risk for skin issues, but they can slip or injury a tendon.

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