Constant exposure to muddy, wet conditions weakens the skin’s natural defensive barrier, so applying barrier creams for mud to the legs can help to add some much needed strength. Creating and strengthening a barrier can help to protect your horse from bacteria that cause conditions such as mud fever.
Barrier creams for mud come in a range of forms, including creams, ointments and powders. Look for something that allows the skin to breathe and isn’t washed off easily by the rain. If your horse has sensitive skin, it’s likely that barrier creams made of natural products will be more suitable.
Barrier creams can not treat mud fever – if you suspect your horse has it, you should call your vet for advice – but they can help to protect your horse in the first place by creating a barrier where your horse is most vulnerable. Some types of turnout boots and chaps can help, too – check out a selection of the best turnout boots here.
Best barrier creams for mud
Aniwell Filtabac
Sizes: 50g, 120g, 220g, 500g | RRP: £9.85 for 50g | H&H Review: 10/10, H&H Approved |
This multipurpose, robust antibacterial protective cream protect against common winter skin conditions by forming a barrier. This non-greasy cream allows the skin to breathe normally and while providing protection to areas prone to exposure to cold, wet and muddy conditions.
Read H&H’s independent Aniwell Filtabac review.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Nettex Muddy Marvel Barrier Cream
Sizes: 600ml | RRP: £18.99 |
This breathable waterproof barrier provides antibacterial protection against wet and muddy conditions. The formula is designed to moisturise and maintain elasticity of the skin to prevent drying, cracking and chapping of the skin. One application lasts seven days.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Carr & Day & Martin Protection Plus
Sizes: 500g | RRP: £12.60 |
This salve is used to protect and waterproof vulnerable areas, acting as a barrier against mud fever. It should be applied liberally to cleaned, vulnerable areas, and reapplied daily or as required.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gooutdoors.co.uk, naylors.com, gsequestrian.co.uk or sportsdirect.com
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Supreme Products Heritage Collection Leg & Feather Oil
Sizes: 1l, 5l | RRP: £10.30 |
This leg and feather oil can be painted directly onto feathers to improve and maintain a healthy skin condition. It acts as a mud repellent keeping mud scabs and sores at bay and helping keep legs and feathers in good condition throughout the year.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Cavalor MudDoc
Sizes: 200ml | RRP: £31.50 |
This antibacterial cream absorbs easily to avoid a thick creamy layer. It should be applied once a day until the skin is totally healed and the hair has completely grown back.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Robinson Animal Healthcare Activ Scrub
Sizes: 500ml | RRP: £10 |
This gentle antibacterial scrub and cleansing wash is ideal for removing scabs, dirt and contamination from the skin.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
NAF Mud Gard Barrier Cream
Sizes: 1.25kg | RRP: £24.99 |
This nourishing barrier cream protect your horse’s skin when exposed to the wet and mud. It contains MSM to support healthy skin and hair growth, and rosemary to soothe sore areas.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or sportsdirect.com
Lincoln Muddy Buddy Powder
Sizes: 350g | RRP: £12.50 |
This non-sticky antibacterial powder creates a protective, waterproof shield over the skin. In wet and muddy conditions, it acts as a water-repellent barrier that keeps the skin dry and protects it from softening and weakening. The sleek finish means the mud (or arena surface and bedding) doesn’t stick and it can also be used while wearing turnout boots.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
Equine America Fungatrol Cream
Sizes: 400ml | RRP: £21.50 |
This cream can be used to condition and protect the skin from harsh winter weather. It contains chamomile, tea tree, mineral oil and clove bud essential oil. It should be applied in a thin layer twice daily.
In the UK? View now at equine-america.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Equine Products Sulphur Cream Plus
Sizes: 500ml | RRP: £17.78 |
This moisturising and conditioning emulsion cream contains MSM, zinc oxide and essential oils.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or equineproducts-ukltd.com
Excel Repel Mud-eze Cream
Sizes: 250g, 500g | RRP: £10.99 for 250g |
Developed as a waterproof barrier cream, this product helps protect the legs of horses exposed to mud and rain.
In the UK? View now at etsy.com or ebay.co.uk
Audevard Tifene Pommade
Sizes: 250ml | RRP: £29.12 |
Formulated for horses requiring versatile skin care, this formula combines three essential oils with an oily base. It provides the skin with protection against environmental stresses such as water, dust and insects.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
WildWash Equine Wonder Balm
Sizes: 100ml | RRP: £19.95 |
This multipurpose soothing and moisturising balm is full of natural ingredients. It can be used as a hoof dressing to help maintain healthy hooves or can be used on itchy spots, minor cuts, scrapes and grazes. It contains shea butter, sea buckthorn oil and kanuka oil.
In the UK? View now at notonthehighstreet.com
Zarasyl Equine
Sizes: 200ml | RRP: £34.99 |
Applied up to twice daily, Zarasyl delivers a form of silicon that’s associated with healthy connective tissue growth.
In the UK? View now at equineproducts-ukltd.com or ebay.co.uk
You might also be interested in:
Turnout chaps to protect against mud fever
A new design to help prevent mud fever and safeguard against knocks and bangs is being launched
Struggling with mud fever? Here’s what you need to know to tackle it…
The Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 25 – Sarah Bullimore | Mud fever | News round-up
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