Rainscald

[merlinalison]

Hmm - should I be worrying about rainscald given the current wet weather?

Merlin has never had it (to my knowledge) despite living out 24/7 but in previous years given wet weather like this I would be bringing him in for a few hours some days to allow him time to dry out properly.

Although I do have a box at the new yard, it is not horse proof let alone Merlin proof, and he hates being in it with a vengeance so I don't like bringing him in at all, and certainly wouldn't dare leave him in unsupervised. There is some natural shelter in his field, but I never see him standing there. He's always in the middle eating...

I don't have a rainsheet for him - would that help (or stop me worrying LOL) or would he just get sweaty (potentially making the problem worse) or remove the rug (costing me lots of money...)

His coat isn't particularly heavy, (he's got his summer coat now)but thicker than a TB say

Any suggestions? Or should I just stop worrying but keep an eye on it?

[zeldalithgow]

Alison, I'd try not to worry but keep an eye on him, so far none of mine have had rainscald and they are out 24/7 as you know, they don't get much grooming so their coats might be more greasy - so helping to waterproof them, then again I have heard that grooming increases the natural oils and spreads them about - take your pick LOL

[ponyfanlesley]

From my experience Alison I wouldn't worry too much if he's got his summer coat. Mine have only ever had rainscald in the winter when obviously the rain settles into the dip of a broad back and the thick winter coat holds the moisture there, creating the problem. Obviously in the summer they dry out far quicker after any rain and there is no thick hair to hold onto the wet. I would have thought Merlin would be fine.

[greydales]

I'd also say don't worry and just keep an eye on it, my lot are out 24/7 and if it pours they never stand by the hedge or field shelter, they just turn their bums to the wind in the middle of the field and wait it out.

There have been many a night recently I've heard it chucking it down and am wondering if they are okay, and they always are!

[dalesponyrider]

D had some very small odd little patches on her hindquarters this spring. I just washed her down with antibacterial and fungicidal shampoo and applied a little bit of caneston cream that I use myself. Not sure if I should have done really but it worked very quickly! As the weather has got so wet and warm I was expecting it to go downhill again but it's been absolutely fine. I think Lesley is right, they dry off MUCH quicker in the spring and summer and it's not a problem.

[merlinalison]

Thanks a lot people - that's reassuring!