Scratches

Muddy pastern with scratches infection
Scratches: Keep this condition from turning chronic
Pasterns often become crusty and scabby when 'mud season' turns paddocks into soupy messes. But left untreated, a simple case of scratches can escalate into a painful, chronic condition.
Rear view of a white pastern with scabs on it
What *not* to do for scratches
For your horse’s sake, resist the urge to try scratches remedies you haven’t heard of before. Many unconventional preparations don't work; others may do more harm than good.