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Facing the elements
Horses tend to be very sensitive when it comes to their coat and skin, and are susceptible to a wide range of problems if proper care is not taken – interestingly, studies have shown that chestnut horses can be particularly vulnerable due to their thinner skin.
For horses that spend a large part of their time turned out, a rug may not be necessary depending on the horse’s age, type, condition, depth of coat and availability of shelter. Native types of pony in particular often don’t need to wear a rug at all as they have evolved to live in harsher climates. For most horses however it is a good idea to have at least one turnout rug on hand in case it is needed, for as well as providing insulation a good rug will protect the horse’s body from becoming wet and can guard against ailments such as rain scold.
Whether your horse wears a turnout rug or not however, you should avoid over-grooming or over-washing him during the winter months. This can remove the oils in the coat necessary to keep the horse warm and dry, and can leave the skin more susceptible to infection.
If your horse’s skin is dry, itchy or cracked without bacteria being present, this can be caused by a number of things including excess bathing, vitamin deficiency, illness or parasites such as lice or mites. Make sure you remove your horse’s rug every day to check for any problems and treat them accordingly. Lice for example can sometimes be treated using a paste invermectin wormer (if they are of the blood-sucking variety) together with medicated shampoo or wash – or, if the weather is too cold to bathe the horse, a pyrethrin powder might be a better option. Skin that is simply dry meanwhile can be treated using specialist lotions.
Alternatively, mud fever and rain scold, both caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis, are key risks during the winter, especially for older horses or those with weaker immune systems. The bacteria causes the skin and underlying tissues to become swollen and inflamed, eventually resulting in hard loss and cracked, scabbed skin. This can also cause damage to the hair follicles, and it is important that the skin be kept soft so as to help with hair re-growth. There is a range of barrier creams on the market designed to protect skin from mud – but be wary of using them until any scabs have fully healed.
A horse that is stabled for most of the winter will generally not grow as much of a winter coat, so again its worth emphasising the importance of having at least one good quality stable rug to provide insulation.
On top of this, many horses in medium to full work are clipped during winter to avoid them becoming too sweaty when ridden or to make them look more presentable in the show ring. A damp, sweaty coat can irritate the horse’s skin if the sweat is not properly washed out, as well as being uncomfortable and increasing the likelihood of cold.
A horse that is clipped however will not work up as much of a sweat, and will also be quicker for you to dry off if he does become damp, saving time and making it easier to fend off chills – providing of course that he is well rugged up afterwards. A short coat will also help show off muscle and condition, and will make it easier to spot if your horse has lost weight or is suffering from a skin complaint.
Horses should be clipped between October and January ideally. Check your clippers are working properly before you start and make sure you have a spare set of sharp blades on hand. Smaller sets of clippers can be purchased for use on the head area, and ideally you should use rubber bands to tie up the mane and a tail bandage to loop up the tail to keep them out of the way. Clippers should also be fully cleaned after use.
Grooming stabled horses is also important, and as well as removing dust, dirt and stable stains can also help improve circulation and strengthen the bond between horse and rider. There are a range of coat, mane and tail shampoos and conditioners to help keep your horse looking and feeling its best. The best products will help to protect the coat as well as simply cleaning it.
A dirty, poorly maintained coat is commonly the cause of most winter skin conditions. However, a diet that is lacking in essential nutrients will also have a negative effect on skin and coat health. It is therefore a good idea to look more closely at what you are feeding your horse, and perhaps consider a supplement, balancer or lick as a way of boosting vitamin and mineral intake.
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