Leg Care in Muddy Conditions

This is October 30th, 2012.   Ever since Friday, we have been hearing about Hurricane Sandy.  I feel so badly for the people that have been affected by this storm.  It had the makings of being a “perfect storm”.   We were to be affected in upstate NY.  This area has had enough of rain and flooding!  But I knew that with whatever we got, they would have it worse downstate and in NJ and  Virginia.  My heart goes out to them!  I sincerely hope that help towards recovery comes soon!

At my house the news or the weather channel was on constantly from Friday night until last night.     I didn’t know exactly  how badly our little town would be hit.     We had enough food for us and the animals.    My husband could borrow a generator if need be.  I worried for the horses.  High wind warnings were in effect.    I wondered if I should shut the horses up in the pole barn.   I  wanted them protected from the wind and rain.  I realize now that I need to invest in ‘rain coats’ for the horses.  I have winter blankets, but they would have been much too warm!   In the end, I opted to let them come in and out as they pleased.  The one thing I did was to shut the sliding door a bit more to help keep out the rain. Then, because the barn is downhill from the house, the mud is very bad in front of the barn.  I wish so badly to have a new barn a little bit more uphill.   Oh well, it is what it is for now.  I wiped the horses hooves and pasterns and fetlocks with a towel.  Then I applied desitin on the heels, pasterns and fetlocks.  ( Brego had scratches once and I would hate to have to go through that again! )   I read that tip somewhere and  have even used it sometimes before going on a long trail ride.  It helps protect them on the different terrain they may encounter.

While they were eating their grain tonight, I wiped the legs down with a towel, thinking that I should have to apply the ointment again.  I found that their legs still had a waterproof barrier!   I was happy and will definitely do it tomorrow to continue to protect their legs!  I cannot wait for the mud to be done!    I realize that I am just a backyard horse owner who does the best I can to take the best care of my horses!