Winter care tips for CPL horses
In general, CPL tends to do better in winter (presumably because of the cooler climate and decrease in flies). It’s surprisingly rare (although not unheard of) for well-managed CPL horses to suffer from mud fever and many of the CPL Facebook group members cite their horse being more comfortable and having less issues in the winter months. That said, feather mites tend to be more profilic in the sort of milder winters we have in the UK.
Ways to help your CPL horse in winter:-
- control the CPL by increasing movement
- make sure the skin is in good condition by using emollient and emollient washes instead of harsh shampoos
- consider mud protection creams or something like Hydrophane Protocon ointment to allow mud and rain to run off
- keep exercising your horse as much as possible
- surfaced track system or turnout area
- alternative turnout area such as an indoor barn
- plenty of enrichment to keep your horse moving
- treat any sores promptly and appropriately
Keeping the horse moving is essential. If they stand around a large bale of hay all day, up to their knees in mud then you will likely have problems. Try to spread the hay out in piles or small-holed nets to encourage your horse to move more. Remember, when there is lymph stagnating in the limbs, the skin becomes immuno-compromised so the risk of infection and poor healing increases dramatically.
