What should I do if my horse’s heels are crusty and greasy in winter? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your horse’s heels are crusty and greasy in winter, the first things to check are mud, damp bedding and any signs of skin irritation. It’s often linked to wet, dirty conditions, but there can be more than one cause, so it’s worth keeping an eye on how the skin looks and how your horse is behaving.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the problem is worse after turnout, standing in wet bedding or coming in from muddy fields.
2. Look closely for redness, swelling, scabs, broken skin, discharge or areas that feel warm.
3. See whether the crusting is just on the heels or is spreading up the back of the pastern.
4. Notice if your horse is sore when you touch or clean the area.
5. Check whether both legs are affected or only one, as that can help you spot a pattern.
6. Think about recent changes in turnout, clipping, washing, bedding or mud levels.
7. Watch for itching, stamping or repeated rubbing, which can suggest irritation.
Common Causes
The most common cause in winter is skin getting repeatedly wet and dirty, especially from mud, wet grass or damp bedding. This can lead to a greasy, crusty look and leave the skin more easily irritated.
Other common reasons include mild dermatitis, irritation from washing too often, or a build-up of dirt and moisture around the heels and pasterns.
Less commonly, crusty heels can be part of a more active skin problem, such as bacterial or fungal involvement, particularly if the skin is sore, swollen or weeping.
What To Do
Keep the area as clean and dry as you reasonably can. Gently remove mud and debris, then dry the skin well rather than leaving it damp.
Reduce prolonged wetting where possible. That might mean improving bedding, avoiding unnecessary washing in cold weather, and checking turnout conditions if the field is deep in mud.
Handle the area gently. Scrubbing hard can make already irritated skin worse, so a calm, careful clean is usually the better approach.
Monitor the heels over a few days. If the crusting settles once the skin is drier and cleaner, that suggests management has helped. If it spreads, becomes sore, or looks more inflamed, get it checked.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the skin is painful, swollen, hot, oozing or rapidly worsening, or if your horse becomes lame or very uncomfortable. It’s also sensible to get advice if the problem keeps coming back or doesn’t improve with sensible cleaning and keeping the area dry.
Products That May Help
If your horse is dealing with muddy turnout, wet legs or awkward-to-clean heels, this collection may help support a simple hygiene routine alongside good stable and field management.
Related Questions
Should I wash my horse’s legs every day in winter?
How do I tell the difference between mud fever and simple dirt buildup?
What bedding is best if my horse’s legs keep getting wet?
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.