Feeding Horses in Muddy Pastures

Feeding Horses in Muddy Pastures

Feeding horses in muddy pastures presents many challenges from nutrient contamination to health and injury risks. Luckily, there are ways in which these risks can be mitigated, and all it takes is a little planning! In this blog we will share with you our tips and tricks for feeding horses in muddy areas, including strategies to protect hooves and ways to minimise the mud!

1. Understanding the Impact of Mud

First, we need to understand why mud can be such a health risk to horses. Mud can have several adverse effects on horses and their feeding environment such as:

- Nutrient Contamination: Mud can contaminate feed, which has the potential for the horse to ingest additional sand leading to colic and gastrointestinal upset. 

- Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to mud can cause hoof diseases such as thrush, seedy toe and abscesses.

- Injury Risks: Horses are more prone to slipping and sustaining injuries in muddy conditions.

2. Choosing the Right Feed Location

One of the first factors we need to consider when feeding horses in muddy pastures is selecting an appropriate feed location. This may involve:

- Use of Matting: Using specialised rubber mats/grids in muddy areas such as near gates or in feed areas will help to keep the area dry and the ground more stable. Compacted limestone has also been used in areas where horses often congregate such as near gates, to keep mud at bay.

- Feeding Area: Feeding in an undercover, dry area such as a shelter or stable is the best for preventing contamination from mud. If this isn’t possible, feed on a mat, or raise the feed off the ground to prevent mud contamination. 

- Rotating Feed Locations: If feeding in an undercover area isn’t possible, then regularly moving feeding spots can prevent any single area from becoming excessively muddy.

3. Protecting Hooves from Mud

Hoof health is paramount in muddy conditions. Here are some strategies to protect your horses' hooves:

- Regular Hoof Cleaning: Clean hooves daily to remove mud and debris, reducing the risk of infections such as thrush.

- Hoof Treatments: Use hoof treatments to strengthen the hoof wall and sole. Products containing antibacterial and antifungal properties can help prevent infections, such as Kelato Hoof Prime. 

- Regular Farrier: Ensure that your horse’s hooves are maintained by a farrier every 6 weeks. This will ensure hooves are kept in their optimal condition, as well as help identify areas of concern such as thrush, or seedy toe. .

- Footing Management: Implement good footing practices around feeding areas. Adding limestone or sand can improve drainage and reduce mud accumulation.

4. Minimizing Mud in Pastures

Reducing mud in pastures is tricky but it is important for maintaining a healthy feeding environment. Here are some practical steps:

- Pasture Management: Implement rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing and soil compaction. Allow pastures time to recover and regrow.

- Drainage Solutions: If required, Install proper drainage systems to redirect water away from feeding areas. 

- Grass Cover: Maintain a healthy grass cover to stabilise the soil. Consider reseeding bare patches with hardy grass varieties.

- Sacrifice Areas: Create designated sacrifice areas where horses can be fed during particularly wet periods. These areas can be constructed with materials like gravel to improve drainage.

5. Hygiene and Maintenance

Maintaining hygiene in feeding areas is essential to prevent the spread of diseases and infections:

- Regular Cleaning: Clean feeding areas regularly to remove mud, manure, and uneaten feed. This reduces the risk of bacterial growth.

- Water Management: Ensure that water sources are clean and not contaminated with mud. Elevated water troughs or automatic waterers can help keep water clean.

- Feeder Maintenance: Inspect feeders regularly for damage and cleanliness. Repair or replace damaged feeders to prevent injuries and contamination.

7. Long-Term Solutions

For long-term management of muddy pastures, consider these strategies:

- Pasture Renovation: Invest in pasture renovation techniques such as reseeding, aeration, and soil amendments to improve pasture health and reduce mud.

- Shelter and Shelterbelts: Provide shelter or shelterbelts to protect horses from excessive rain and wind. This can reduce the amount of mud in pastures.

- Soil Management: Improve soil structure through the addition of organic matter and proper fertilisation. Healthy soil can better absorb water and reduce mud formation.

At Oakford Stockfeeds we have a great range of products from pasture seeds to hoof picks, that will help you keep your horse healthy when grazing in muddy conditions. To view our range, visit us at our website oakfordstockfeeds.com.au