Equi-Chaps Field & Stable – There’s A Chap For That!

In The Field

When To Use Turnout Boots

Mud Fever

Is your horse prone to mud fever? This irritating, uncomfortable and unfortunately really common condition can effect any horse! Most prevalent in those turned out over the winter months, it’s caused by the bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis, found in soil. As wet weather and mud take hold, our horses spend longer periods with wet, dirty legs. This causes the skin to soften, leading to tiny abrasions. Bacteria uses these to enter our horses bodies, allowing an infection to take hold.

This results in painful lesions, scabs, swelling and some cases even lameness. But, you know what they say… Prevention is better than cure! The only true way to fully eliminate the risk of mud fever is to stable all winter and let's face it, that’s not exactly ideal! So, how can we prevent it? One of the best methods is to use a physical barrier.

Sold? Before you get yours, be sure to pick the right size. You may have found yourself wondering ‘doesn’t mud become trapped in the boots?’, and it’s a good question! The answer is: Not if they fit! The effectiveness of these boots relies upon them sitting snug against the skin. Because of this, most horses require a size down from their usual boots. With a size to suit everything from a section A to a Shire horse, the right option is out there! To be sure you select the right one, take a look at this handy guide...

In The stable

When To Use Stable Boots

For Filled Legs

Does your horse suffer from filled legs? This is a condition that’s common in larger horses and those that are frequently stabled. Our horses are designed to be continuously moving around. The frog acts almost like a second heart, with each step it pushes blood and lymph back from their extremities. However, this means that when they’re still their lower legs have relatively poor circulation. This causes a build-up of blood and lymph. Lymph is part of the immune system, it removes waste products from the cells and contains white blood cells, protecting our horses against disease and infection. This is usually moved away but when stagnant it enters the subcutaneous tissue, causing swelling. Filled legs can be prevented in many ways such as exercise and turnout, but what if your horse must be kept in? This is where many of us turn to bandages or stable boots.

For Mud Fever

While you may think mud fever can only be prevented when your horse is out in the field, there’s more that we can do! Mud fever occurs because wet skin is easily damaged and allows bacteria to take hold. That being said, sometimes getting their legs wet is inevitable. When clean, it’s really important to dry them quickly and gently. When doing this avoid using towels, these can be harsh against the skin causing damage. A much kinder alternative, it's better to opt for boots with a soft wicking liner.