Muk in horses – providing support from the inside and out

What is mok?

Some horses are sensitive to wet or muddy conditions, which can lead to skin irritation or scabs in the pastern area. This is often referred to as mud fever. The appearance of the skin varies from horse to horse; some remain fairly calm, whilst others appreciate extra leg care during wet spells.

• Mok is a skin irritation in the ankle joint.
• This can make the skin more sensitive, leading to scabs, flaking or redness.
• Horses with socks or longer tail hair seem to be more susceptible to this at times.

Chafing often occurs in wet, muddy or dirty conditions, as this can cause the skin to remain damp for long periods.

What can make the skin more sensitive?

There are various factors that may play a part in this:

• Damp & mud
• Poor ventilation caused by socks
• Friction-induced irritation
• Low resistance
• Dry or wet ground
• Sand / dirt in the ankle joint cavity
• Heat → sweltering environment

Every situation is different; the main thing is that the skin is given rest, space and care.

How can you tell if the ankle joint is tender?

Horse owners often notice:

• Flakes / scabs
• Redness
• Moist skin
• Accumulation of dirt
• Restless stamping or licking
• Sensitive to touch

This doesn’t have to be a bad thing at all — but it does usually require some attention.

What can you do yourself in the meantime?

A few simple steps can help to support the skin:

🟢 1) Keep it clean and dry

Use lukewarm water or a mild cleaner.
Always dry the ankle cavity thoroughly afterwards.

🟢 2) Don’t cut the socks off straight away

In some horses, this actually causes more irritation.

🟢 3) Keep the area as dry as possible

Avoid standing in mud or wet conditions for long periods.

Supporting from the inside and out

Sometimes horses benefit from a combination of:

External skin care
General support from within
This can help to soothe the skin and support its natural balance.

Outdoor care

A suitable skincare routine can help to keep the eye socket clean and supple.

Recommended products

👉 Green-XL Shampoo
Helps to gently keep the legs and hocks clean.

👉 Green-XL Leg Cleaner
A gentle cleanser for daily or occasional use on sensitive legs.

👉 Ointment
Great for spot treatment and keeping the skin supple.

Supporting from within

Some horse owners choose to use herbs to support their horse’s body from the inside.
Commonly used herbs include:

🟢stinging nettle
🟢cleavers
🟢dandelion leaf
They are often used to keep the body in balance.
This can be particularly beneficial for horses that are prone to sensitive skin or legs.

👉 You can find matching spice mixes here →
(link to product)

Comprehensive support

Would you prefer to have everything to hand in one go?

👉 Mok Care Pack
Contains a combination of ingredients for internal and external support.
Easy, quick and straightforward.

→ Link to the package

➤ When should I be particularly vigilant?

In the case of obvious cuts, a feeling of warmth, or severe discomfort
→ in which case it’s wise to look further afield.

➤ Which works better: applying it only on the inside, or both inside and outside?

That varies from horse to horse.
Many horse owners swear by a combination →
because it offers broader support.

Summary

✔ mug = tenderness in the hollow of the knee
✔ characterised by scabs / redness / flaking
✔ It’s important to keep it clean and dry
✔ Can be supported from the inside and outside
✔ Choice: individual products or a care pack

→ This is the best way to support your horse gently and naturally.