Constant exposure to muddy, wet conditions weakens the skin’s natural defensive barrier, so applying one of the best barrier creams for mud to the legs can help to add some much needed strength. Creating a strong barrier can protect your horse from bacteria that cause nasty skin conditions, such as mud fever.
Barrier creams for mud come in a range of forms, including creams, ointments and powders. When choosing these products, I looked for formulas that allow the skin to breathe and won’t be easily washed off by the rain. I also included a selection made with natural products that are likely to be more suitable for horses with sensitive skin.
Best barrier creams for mud
Aniwell Filtabac
Sizes: 50g, 120g, 220g, 500g
H&H Review: 10/10, H&H Approved
I’ve used this cream for years and I recommend it for everything – it’s truly multipurpose. Once you put it on, it’s on and it’s not coming off for days, which means as well as being an excellent barrier cream it also makes a great suncream and is handy for keeping wounds clean.
It’s antibacterial, non-greasy and allows the skin to breathe normally and while providing protection. It’s pricey if you’re buying the smaller tubes, but if you use it sensibly in targeted areas it’s well worth the money – plus, with it being multipurpose, you’re covered for other problems without needing to buy multiple products.
Harriet Rimmer also tested and reviewed Filtabac for H&H – and loved it – read her independent Aniwell Filtabac review.
Equine America Fungatrol Plus Muddy Miracle Cream
Sizes: 500ml
This cream is packed full of traditional natural ingredients, including tea tree (cleansing and soothing), marigold (calming), rosemary (antioxidant) and lanolin (nourishing and moisturising). It also contains zinc oxide, which helps to create a barrier without leaving a greasy residue.
You should gently clean or wash the area before first application, and then apply a thin layer every one to four days as appropriate.
Nettex Muddy Marvel Barrier Cream
Sizes: 600ml
Muddy Marvel is a breathable waterproof barrier that provides antibacterial protection. The formula is designed to moisturise the skin and keep it elastic to prevent drying, cracking and chapping. One application lasts seven days, which is exactly what you need from a barrier cream.
Lincoln Muddy Buddy Powder
Sizes: 350g
Muddy Buddy is a non-sticky antibacterial powder that creates a protective, waterproof shield over the skin. It 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.
Cavalor MudDoc
Sizes: 200ml
This antibacterial cream absorbs easily if you want to avoid a thick creamy layer. It needs applying once a day until the skin is totally healed and the hair has completely grown back.
NAF Mud Gard Barrier Cream
Sizes: 1.25kg
This cream not only provides a barrier but contains MSM to support healthy skin and hair growth, and rosemary to soothe sore areas.
Carr & Day & Martin Protection Plus
Sizes: 500g
This salve is naturally anti-bacterial and can be used to protect and waterproof vulnerable areas, acting as a barrier against mud fever. To use, apply it liberally to cleaned, vulnerable areas, and reapplied daily or as required.
Supreme Products Heritage Collection Leg & Feather Oil
Sizes: 1l, 5l
This leg and feather oil acts as a mud repellent. It can be painted directly onto feathers to improve and maintain a healthy skin condition, helping to keep mud scabs and sores at bay. It can also be used throughout the year to helping keep legs and feathers in good condition.
Can barrier creams treat mud fever?
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.
How to apply barrier creams
Each product will have slightly different directions for use – and these should always be followed. Most will require you to clean and dry the area you plan to protect before application. Reapplication will be necessary to ensure the barrier remains, but how regularly you’ll need to do this will vary.
You might also be interested in:
5 of the best turnout boots to tackle the mud
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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