MUD TROUBLES

Ice and snow are common winter footing concerns, but mud can be just as treacherous for your horse this season.

For starters, there is the risk of slipping in slick, shallow mud. Left to choose his own speed, however, a horse can typically navigate such terrain safely. So don’t worry too much about slipping risk during turnout and let your horse choose his own pace when you encounter muddy footing during a ride.

The bigger concern is deep, thick, “sucking” mud that seems to pull hooves and legs into its depths. The force it takes to pull a foot free with each step can lead to lost shoes, pulled tendons and overreach injuries as a horse lurches forward to escape its hold. If an area of mud is deep enough