What should I do if my horse has greasy, scabby heels? | arlo.® Atlas
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If your horse has greasy, scabby heels, it’s worth checking the skin carefully and keeping the area clean and dry. This can happen for a few reasons, including damp conditions, skin irritation, rubbing, or a skin infection, so it’s best not to assume it’s just mud or sweat.
Things To Check
1. Check whether it’s mainly on the heels, pasterns, or lower legs, and whether one leg or several are affected.
2. Look for redness, heat, swelling, scabs, cracks, discharge, tenderness, or any loss of hair.
3. Notice if the problem seems worse after muddy turnout, wet bedding, clipping, grooming, or exercise.
4. Check whether the skin looks greasy and waxy, or just dirty from surface mud and sweat.
5. See if your horse is stamping, lifting the legs, or objecting when you touch the area.
6. Think about whether there’s been recent washing, clipping, leg bandaging, or a change in turnout or bedding.
7. Check the rest of the skin for any similar patches, especially around the lower limbs, mane or tail.
Common Causes
The most common cause is skin irritation from wet, muddy, or dirty conditions, especially if the lower legs stay damp for long periods. Friction, clipping, or repeated washing can also irritate the skin and make it look greasy or crusted.
Greasy heel can also be linked to skin sensitivity or a bacterial or fungal skin issue, particularly if the skin is sore, scabby, or not improving. In some horses, thickened skin, allergies, or contact irritation from bedding, turnout conditions, or products may play a part.
What To Do
Start by keeping the area as clean and dry as you reasonably can. Gently remove surface mud and dirt, but avoid harsh scrubbing, over-washing, or picking at the scabs.
Dry the skin well after washing or after wet turnout, and keep an eye on whether it gets worse in muddy or damp conditions. If possible, reduce repeated exposure to wet ground and make sure bedding and stable areas are kept as clean as you can manage.
Monitor the area for a few days. If it’s spreading, becoming sore, or not settling with sensible hygiene and drying, it’s a good idea to speak to your vet for advice.
Products That May Help
If your horse’s heels are greasy or scabby, a gentle wash routine can help support good skin hygiene without overdoing it. This collection may be useful for regular grooming and skin care where the skin is already feeling a bit under the weather.
Related Questions
Is greasy heel the same as mud fever?
Should I wash my horse’s legs every day?
When should greasy, scabby heels be checked by a vet?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.