RE: [RC] Preventing Scratches - Christina McCarthy
I have read it is caused when horses roll in the dirt and get dusty, the organism is on the ground and is rubbed into the coat..then rained on (especially if there are open wounds). Mud fever is caused by muddy conditions
Best Regards, Christina D McCarthy
American Riding Instructors Association ARICP Certified, Level II Distance & Pleasure Riding
If your horse says no, you either asked the wrong question, or asked the question wrong. ~Pat Parelli
From: rainbowmeadowsranch@xxxxxxxxx To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx; windsock75@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] Preventing Scratches Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:27:58 -0500
If you are concerned, then apply a waterproof barrier that is "legal". Check with those in the know to determine what is allowed. My preference would be an aluminum spray or generic zinc ointment.
There can be an immune system component involved or, more probably, a pre-ride environment which set the horses up for trouble (chronically wet pastures or paddocks or stalls). Here in southern Kansas we have not been dry for over two months. As a result, all horses which are kept on 240 acres of knee high prairie grass, are wet 24 x 7. So, even the black legged horses are having some very mild issues with scratches (also called Dew Poisoning).
Karen Everhart MEd Co-founder and Executive Director Rainbow Meadows Rescue and Retirement, Inc. Serving the equine companions who have so loyally served us... www.rainbowmeadowsranch.com 620-725-3402
Owner/Operator Horse Calls - Equine Management Solutions Centered Riding Instructor Distance Horse Conditioning and Training www.horsecalls.com 316-648-5082
What do you do to PREVENT "scratches" in the first place???? My horse got a nasty case of scratches at the Spanish Springs 50 last year, where it rained and snowed on us, making a muddy mess. Had done desert rides before and never had a problem, so must have something to do with moisture.
