Mid-Season Mud Fever: How to Protect Your Horse

This time of year is often called “mud fever season” for a reason. Persistent rain, poached gateways and waterlogged fields can quickly turn your horse’s lower legs sore, scabby and painful. In this post, we’ll look at what mud fever actually is, why it tends to flare up now, and how good management – plus nutritional support from Mud Warrior – can help keep it under control.

What Is Mud Fever?

Mud fever (also known as pastern dermatitis, greasy heel or scratches) is an inflammatory skin condition that usually affects the lower legs, particularly around the heels and pasterns. Prolonged exposure to wet, muddy conditions softens and weakens the skin’s natural barrier. Tiny abrasions allow bacteria – and sometimes fungi or mites – to enter, leading to scabs, soreness and, in more severe cases, swelling and lameness.

One of the main bacteria involved is Dermatophilus congolensis, which thrives in damp environments. Once it gets a foothold, it can be difficult to clear without consistent care and support.

Why This Time of Year Is “Mud Fever Time”

As the weather turns wetter and colder, fields quickly become muddy and gateways churn up. Horses can spend hours standing in wet, contaminated ground. Legs may be washed more often to remove mud, which can strip away natural oils and actually make the skin more vulnerable.

All of this creates a perfect storm for mud fever:

• Softened, waterlogged skin
• Constant contact with mud, grit and bacteria
• Minor abrasions that allow infection to enter

For horses that are already prone to skin issues – especially those with white socks or sensitive skin – this mid-season period is when problems are most likely to appear.

Early Signs of Mud Fever to Watch For

Checking your horse’s legs daily is one of the best ways to stay ahead of mud fever. Common early signs include:

• Small scabs or crusts around the heels and pasterns
• Matted hair and patchy hair loss
• Red, sore or cracked skin under the scabs
• Oozing or creamy discharge when scabs are removed
• Heat, swelling or sensitivity in the lower leg

Caught early, mild cases can often be managed quickly. Left to progress, mud fever can become extremely painful and may even cause lameness.

Simple Management Steps to Reduce the Risk

Good day-to-day management is your first line of defence against mud fever. Helpful steps include:

• Keep legs as clean and dry as possible – gently remove heavy mud and ensure legs are fully dried before stabling.
• Avoid over-washing – frequent scrubbing can damage the skin barrier; use mild products and always dry thoroughly.
• Improve turnout conditions – use hardcore in gateways and high-traffic areas or rotate fields to reduce deep mud where you can.
• Check legs daily – especially on horses with white legs or a history of mud fever.
• Use barrier creams sensibly – on clean, dry skin, rather than over wet mud or active infection.

Even with excellent management, some horses still seem to be “mud fever magnets”. For these, supporting the skin from the inside can make a real difference.

Supporting Skin from Within with Mud Warrior

Mud Warrior is a high-spec equine skin care supplement designed to help guard against skin problems associated with wet and muddy conditions.

It combines:

• Zinc – essential for healthy skin, repair and immune function.
• MSM (bio-available sulphur) – supports skin, connective tissue and overall resilience.
• Selected herbs and spices – chosen for their natural support of skin health and defences.

Used daily in the feed, Mud Warrior helps to support the skin’s natural ability to cope with the constant challenge of mud and moisture. Many owners choose to feed it all through the wetter months, starting before conditions get really bad so their horse’s skin is already well supported when the mud arrives.

What If Mud Fever Has Already Started?

If your horse is already showing signs of mud fever:

• Bring them onto drier ground where possible and reduce exposure to deep mud.
• Gently clean the affected areas with a suitable wash and dry completely.
• Use Mud Warrior Cream on clean, dry skin.
• Introduce or continue a skin support supplement such as Mud Warrior in the daily feed.
• Contact your vet if the area is very sore, hot, swollen, or if your horse is lame – more aggressive treatment may be needed.

Stay Ahead of Mud Fever This Season

Mud fever may be common at this time of year, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. A combination of sensible management, daily leg checks and targeted nutritional support can make a big difference to how well your horse’s skin copes with the mud.

If your fields are already getting boggy and you know your horse is prone to mud fever, now is the ideal time to act. Start supporting the skin from within with Mud Warrior and also use Mud Warrior Cream on the outside to give your horse the best chance of staying comfortable all the way through “mud fever season”.