Sores -

A sore may not be serious in itself but if not treated can lead to all sorts of trouble. The horse's back, particularly, can suffer from sores, caused by a badly fitting saddle, the riders sitting unevenly, or from carrying a rider's weight when unfit to do so. The girth is another area which is prone to sores (galls), especially in "soft" animals.

Make frequent checks to see that all tack fits and is comfortable and that the leather is clean, soft and pliable.

When using horse leg boots take care that mud and grit has not worked its way up between the boot and the horse's leg.

To treat a sore, first clean it with warm water saline solution, then apply zinc and castor oil. For backs, salt-water bathing, lead lotion or surgical spirit applications will harden the area.

Back to reference section home