What should I check if my horse has bald patches around the heels?
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Overview
Bald patches around the heels are often linked to mallenders or sallenders, but there can be several reasons a horse loses hair in this area. It may be down to mud, rubbing, skin irritation, scabs or a small wound, so it’s worth checking the area carefully rather than assuming it’s just dirty skin.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the bald patch is on the back of the fetlock, around the heel bulbs, or higher up the leg, as the exact location can help narrow down what’s going on.
2. Look closely for scabs, crusting, flaky skin, redness, broken skin, discharge or a smell, as these can suggest irritation or infection.
3. Feel the area for heat, swelling or soreness, and notice whether your horse reacts when you touch it or pick up the leg.
4. Check whether the problem is worse after muddy turnout, wet bedding, clipping, washing or using boots or bandages.
5. Look for rubbing from tack, brushing boots, travel boots or anything that may be catching the heel area repeatedly.
6. Check whether the skin is thickened, greasy, cracked or covered in small hard scabs, which can happen with ongoing skin irritation.
7. Make a note of whether one leg is affected or whether both heels are showing similar patches, as that can help you spot a pattern.
Common Causes
The most common cause is mallenders or sallenders, which usually affects the skin in the back of the knee or around the heels and can lead to hair loss, scabbing and dry, cracked skin.
Rubbing from boots, bandages, mud fever-type skin irritation or repeated wetting and drying can also cause bald patches in this area.
Less commonly, the problem may be linked to a small wound, allergic skin reaction, mites, or another skin condition that needs a closer look.
What To Do
Start by keeping the area as clean and dry as you reasonably can. Gently remove mud, sweat and loose scabs without scrubbing hard, since overcleaning can make irritated skin worse.
Check turnout, stable bedding and any leg gear that may be rubbing. If boots or bandages are involved, make sure they fit well, are kept clean and aren’t left on longer than needed.
Take a photo every few days so you can see whether the area is improving, staying the same or getting worse. That’s often more useful than relying on memory alone.
If the skin looks sore, cracked, swollen or keeps coming back in the same place, it’s sensible to have it assessed so you can get the right plan for your horse.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the area is painful, swollen, hot, oozing, heavily scabbed, or if the bald patches are spreading or not improving with sensible routine care. A vet should also check it if your horse is lame or seems generally unwell.
Products That May Help
If the skin around the heels is getting dirty, damp or caked with mud, a simple cleaning and drying routine can be useful as part of day-to-day management.
Related Questions
Are bald patches around the heels always mallenders or sallenders?
Should I wash the area if my horse has scabs around the heels?
When does heel hair loss need a vet check?
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.