If your horse cannot avoid living in damp footing during the wintertime, he may be prone to thrush and abscesses in his feet. The thrush is due to the constant moisture combined with frequent contact with manure. Abscesses result because the sole of the hoof becomes soft thanks to the exposure to moisture. A step on a sharp stone or a tiny piece of gravel that works its way into a small crack in the sole or hoof wall can result in a painful abscess.
To help prevent these problems, try to keep your horse’s living quarters as dry as possible. Your horse should, at the very least, have a dry shelter where he can seek refuge. Wood shavings and other products on the market help to soak up rain water; straw has far less absorption qualities.
Make sure you clean out your horse’s feet daily. If necessary, after using the hoofpick, use a stiff body brush to sweep away any remaining debris. Next, add a hoof hardener to the soles, avoiding the frog. Thrush remedies, however, can be applied to the frog, particularly to the cleft of the frog and the comasure areas (valleys on either side of the frog) where thrush likes to reside. If you have any questions regarding your horse’s hoof care during the wet winter weather, be sure to consult with your farrier and your veterinarian.
Further Reading
Mud-Related Health Problems
After growing up horsey, Nancy still held on to her identity as a “horse girl” even when she hadn’t ridden…
Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 29, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…
The nurse mare industry has been a source of controversy over the years, but practices are changing—meaning a better outlook…
Horse ownership comes with incredible rewards: the thrill of a pleasure ride, the camaraderie of competition, and the deep bond…
By tapping the power of neuroscience and the miracle of brain plasticity, spending just a few minutes a day practicing…
The U.S. horse slaughter industry is as hot-button an issue as there is. Find out where current legislation stands with…
View Comments
helpful article
This was a great article!
Super article. My horse just got over a thrush infection, and I was so woried. Very good article.
my horse has never had thrush or any other hoof problem probably because she isn't trapped in a stall all day!
One of my horses picked up thrush in one hoof, and it was the driest summer on record. I do think that this time it came from the farrier tools.
love the article, ithink my horse has thrush but my dad won't liten to me