"An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure"
(in most cases much more)

We've all heard the statement; and knowingly knod are heads in agreement remembering the times we've learned this valuable lesson. Or have we?

With the onset of winter weather, it brings with it unique opportunities to put into practice this old adage and to demonstrate that we really have
learned something.

I have often been asked by horseowners how do I get rid of scratches and rain rot. I have been told countless times of the terrible battle they are fighting against scratches or rainrot. It would seem that if they haven't had a horse with a case of either- they most likely will. I always listen sympathetically as they describe all the extra hours spent treating them, of the poor horses discomfort, and their unending frustration in trying to rid their horse of his affliction.

Here is a perfect example of an "Ounce of Prevention...." (remember this is a Training Tip) Both of these skin conditions thrive on moisture. Eliminate the moisture-eliminate the onset of a problem. ALWAYS take the time to dry your horses legs, make sure you grab a dry towel and dry your horses legs when you bring your horse in from dewey, wet grass, or snow. If you have rinsed or bathed your horse grab a towel and dry their legs paying special attention to the fetlock and pastern area. The more careful and diligent you are at making sure your horses legs are dry the better protection from scratches you will get. Obviously the same is true for rain rot.

Sure it takes longer,and their are probably other fun things that you would rather be doing. However here at Foxcote we have NEVER had a horse develop scratches (well actaually there was one, more about him later). I have had plenty of horses come into my training that arrived with scratches, but, by taking the extra time to do things right, quickly were healed of their scratches.

How did I learn this? Like everyone else -the hard way - from experience! Years ago ,I was working for Dick Adams in Santa Rosa ,CA. Along with National Chanpion Fame FV, we had a barn full of National Winning horses and nearly 100 horses in training. Given the caliber of horses we were training and managing, they were completely show clipped every week. Believe me they looked beautiful and ready to step into the Nationals ring at any given moment. Until we started doing battle with scratches. We tried every treatment out there but the problem only worsened.That was, until we stopped clipping their pasterns so closely and routinely bathing after every work. As soon as we made those changes the scratches dried up and healed. Lesson learned!

Now, regarding the one horse that did develop scratches- It was obvious from the start, that this individual was going to require a lot of extra special attention in both his training and care. His owner also informed me that he was plagued with scratches at the last training barn. In fact they were so severe , that he had missed many weeks of training.
For over a year he excelled in his training and never developed scratches. Until one day we noticed what appeared to be a small rub from a bell boot or wrap. The hair was't really missing but just looked a little roughed up. So while the vet was coming to do a heatlth cert. for the show he would be attending I asked her take a look. After careful examination she concluded that it was scratches; but that whatever we had been doing was holding it at bay. She precribed some panalog, and lo and behold within 2 days of using the prescibed ointment, we had a REAL flare up of scratches and a very uncomfortable and sore horse. Immediately we stopped using the panalog and continued the diligent drying of his legs. Within only a few days he was comfortable and the scratches healed. Upon careful review, we determined that this poor guy was SO sensitive that the combination of bell boots along with the dampness in the indoor arena footing was enough to cause him problems.

So is this a Training Tip? My point is this and several- You can never be to dilgent in taking the time to do things right, every horse is unique, some require an extreme amount of care and "making sure to do things right" And lastly, but most importantly, not only are we heading into some challengeing weather- but the winter months pose a unique opportunity to either work on the prevention (and make sure your horse is started out properly in training); or for those of you who have unfortunately realized
your horse has developed a problem - the perfect time to work on the "cure."