Equine Guelph reminds us that with the coming of the spring and more sunshine, also come the viruses, the worms and the mud. Spring priorities for all horse owners should include:
- Making sure all horse vaccinations - both core and optional are up-to-datem
- Making sure that parasite control is timely and specific to your horse's needs,
- Taking care of mud and other seasonal tasks to keep property safe and well-maintained.
Protecting horses as spring arrives
With the coming of the spring come the viruses, the worms and the mud making, it important for horse owners to make sure vaccinations, dewormers, and spring cleaning priorities are in scheduled.
Spring means more travel for some horses which means protecting your horse against diseases they may encounter. But the stay-at-home horse needs coverage too. It's time to make sure that all vaccinations are up-to-date including core vaccinations and others your veterinarian suggests for your area.
It's also time to make sure your parasite control program is in place and effective. Work with your veterinarian to make sure the dewormers you use actually work on the parasites your horse is susceptible to, and remember some parasites have become resistant to some dewormers.
In many areas of the country, mud becomes a major problem with snow melting and spring rain storms. Reduce the risk of sprains and mud fever by taking measures to reduce mud in paddocks and pastures.Mud often forms in high traffic area such as barn entrances, gates and outdoor feeding and watering areas.
It is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi that can result in thrush and mud fever in horses. Although you may not be able to eliminate mud entirely, you can significantly reduce the amount on your property with proper maintenance.
One of the first steps to preventing mud from forming is to decrease the amount of organic matter in high traffic areas that are susceptible. Regularly picking up manure and leftover hay from the ground will help to reduce the buildup of mud in those areas.
The next step is to make sure the ground is draining properly so that the water will not pool there. Well draining areas lessen the chance of mud forming and make high traffic areas much easier to navigate. Keeping mud at a minimum is a great way to make property maintenance easier and safer for yourself and your horses.
In some cases, horse owners may want to install French drains or tile drainage systems to keep pools and puddles of water from building up. Any steps taken to reduce mud now can save work later.
Read more about building a French Drain to protect your barn area.