Mud only brings one thing… trouble! Managing horses in mud is no easy task – for some the priority is gateways and pasture, whilst for others there are the more sinister skin problems to deal with.

As with anything; ‘prevention is always better than a cure’ and early action is recommended.

Continuous exposure to moisture can cause a long list of hoof and skin problems, ranging from difficult-to-manage soft, sensitive feet that won’t hold their shoes, to irritated infected skin issues. In short, keeping horses’ feet and legs sound and healthy can be a difficult challenge when weather is wet and footing precarious. It is paramount that hooves and skin are cared for consistently because continually wet conditions lead to further problems such as thrush, canker, abscesses, and white line disease.

Monitor your horse to catch any injuries or diseases before they become a more serious issue. Prevention is always the preferred approach, follow the Muddy Buddy Mud Management System.

A COMPLETE MUD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Management routines, just like horses, are individual and what works for someone else may not work for you and your horse.

Think of it as a puzzle – sometimes you will need to try all of the pieces and combinations several times before you get it right.

With Muddy Buddy you have a complete and more importantly, an effective 3-step management system which you can work to suit you both.

STEP 1: CLEANSE

To wash or not to wash? We don’t recommend over washing of the legs; once a week is generally enough to check for any problems under the mud and spot any early signs of a problem. The key thing to remember when it comes to washing the legs is actually not the washing but the DRYING!

Leaving the legs damp following bathing, creates a moist warm environment on the skin’s surface which is the perfect environment for opportunistic bacteria. When washing it is also important to use a product formulated specifically for the job.

Muddy Buddy Scrub is a gentle wash with a powerful broad-spectrum antibacterial agent to combat harmful bacteria present in muddy, wet conditions. It effectively cleans mud and dirt, helping to maintain hygienically clean skin.

Top Tip: Avoid using a sponge if possible, as these can harbour bacteria. Using disposable paper towels or washable towels would be preferable.

STEP 2: PROTECT

The skin has its own natural barriers made up of oils and sebum which in everyday conditions does a fantastic job. Unfortunately when skin is consistently exposed to wet, muddy conditions these natural barriers can break down, leaving the skin vulnerable to chapping, chafing and abrasion – all of which allow bacteria in.

The best way to avoid problems is to protect the skin by reinforcing the barrier between it and the mud. The Lincoln Muddy Buddy range has 2 options for protecting the skin: Muddy Buddy Ointment & Muddy Buddy Powder. They can be used separately or for full ‘belt and braces’ use them together.

Muddy Buddy Ointment is an antibacterial waterproof barrier, formulated to protect and soothe the heels and lower legs, allowing horses to be turned out in less than perfect conditions. It also gives protection in long, dewy grass when the skin can become wet and soft; weakening the natural defences and leaving it susceptible to problems.

Muddy Buddy Powder is an antibacterial powder which shields skin from wet and mud. It forms a silky water-repellent ‘film’ which mud can’t stick to; it literally just ‘slips off’. It prevents softening & cracking, supporting the skin’s natural barrier. Ideal for working in sand arenas, as the sand doesn’t stick to it.  It can be used under brushing boots for antibacterial protection and to reduce abrasion.

Top Tip:  For more severe situations, use the Muddy Buddy Ointment on the heels and the Muddy Buddy Powder up the legs.

STEP 3: SOOTH & REPAIR

If you discover that problems have already taken a hold on the skin, then Muddy Buddy have this covered too!  Muddy Buddy Magic Mud Kure Powder and Muddy Buddy Magic Mud Kure Cream both utilise the unique combination of pure Silver, combined with Chitosan; a natural compound which is a proven ingredient for quick and effective management of minor wounds. There is currently no known resistance to the antibacterial properties of silver.

Muddy Buddy Kure Powder is your ‘go-to’ when the skin is really sore and the horse resents the area being touched.  It is important to note here that if the problem has penetrated through the top layers of the skin and is hot or infected, you will need to consult with your Vet for systemic veterinary treatment.

This powder is formulated to be applied using the unique ‘puffer’ bottle directly onto the area; removing the need to physically touch the skin.  This makes it more comfortable for the horse and ultimately safer for the owner.  The horse needs to be removed from the muddy conditions in this scenario until improvements are seen.

Muddy Buddy Kure Cream is a low viscosity cream which is gentle to apply when the area can tolerate being gently touched. Thicker ointments generally require pressure to apply/stick to the skin, which can aggravate and upset the horse. This cream can be used either in the first instance if the area isn’t too sensitive, or following application of the Muddy Buddy Mud Kure Powder.

The Science: The Muddy Buddy Magic Mud Cure Cream & Powder formulations are based on research performed in collaboration with the University of Lincoln for an effective therapy for mud fever.

The Muddy Buddy 3-step range is available at Chambers store today