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I too have had problems with scratches in horses, both ones with dark legs
as well as ones with white legs. My one horse, a cremello, gets them very
easily, even just being out in the pasture. I learned that one way to help
keep them from coming up so badly was to not trim my horses' fetlock hair
off when I clip them. Scratches come primarily from moisture collecting in
the heel which then allows fungus and bacteria to grow in the skin. Trying
to keep that area dry on a ride is an exercise in futility.
I do have a couple of things that I have found in the past year that help
both heal them when they occur and help prevent them. One thing you don't
want to do is use something like Desitin which leaves a residue that then
attracts dirt which makes them worse. The first thing I found that really
works is an Herbal Salve made by an herbalist in Florida who specializes in
products for the equine athelete. She's extremely knowledgeable, will
custom mix formulas for you if needed, and reasonably priced. The other
thing I stumbled on that works equally well is, are you ready for this, Emu
oil! Yes, it comes from emus, relatives of the ostrich.
If you are interested, the herbal salve, along with a slew of other stuff,
can be obtained from Herbs of the World, Inc., (954)784-6894. Her name is
Loryhl (pronounced like Laurel) Gutman, tell her I referred you. And do
get her catalogue, she has some marvelous stuff! The emu oil, which again
is useful for a host of things from arthritis, muscle & joint injuries and
pain, burn pain and scarring, and skin moisturizing, can be obtained from
Oak Meadow Farm, Melvin & Billie Dingler, (205)699-8721.
Hope this helps you out. Let me know if they do, please.
Lyn Kamer, C.E.S.M.T., and my Mustangs, the girls: PC and Star
The Healing Touch of New Jersey
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