Caring for horses in wet weather

Dana L. Stern Sr., Canyon Country, Calif.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 | 2 a.m.

Here are a few things for horse owners to think about during inclement weather:

Horses that stand in muddy conditions for long periods have a tendency to get thrush. Thrush, if left untreated for long periods, can lame or be fatal to the horse. Do what you can to keep hooves clean by using a hose to wash them. Check for disease. Use a hoof pick to remove all foreign material. If the hoof is showing sign of a milky white substance, then a solution of equal parts bleach and water applied two to three times a day should do the trick.

Avoid riding your horse on trails that are slick. When the ground has dried up, try lounging the horse. Use an indoor arena or flat, dry ground. Horses that haven’t been able to get out because of inclement weather should be lounged first for 30 to 60 minutes to let the excitement wear off.

Do not leave any blankets on your horse unless he is stabled inside a barn. Even then, a horse could damage a leg in an effort to become free of the blanket. Check on horses that are blanketed frequently and make sure they are adjusted properly.

A good rule to remember is to check with a hoof pick after every outing on trails for anything lodged in your horse’s hoof.