What should I check if my horse has matted hair and scabs on the heels?
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Overview
If your horse has matted hair and scabs on the heels, the first things to check are whether the skin is wet, greasy, sore or swollen, and whether the issue is limited to the heels or spreading up the legs. It can be caused by greasy heel, mud and moisture, skin irritation, or a minor infection, so the pattern and feel of the skin can give you useful clues.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the problem is worse after turnout, washing, exercise, or time in wet bedding or muddy ground.
2. Look closely for redness, scabs, broken skin, discharge, swelling, heat, or a greasy, sticky feel to the hair and skin.
3. Gently part the hair around the heels to see how far the affected area extends and whether both legs are involved.
4. Notice if your horse flinches, stamps, lifts the leg, or seems itchy or uncomfortable when you touch the area.
5. Check the legs, pasterns and surrounding skin for mud, crusting, scratches, or other signs of irritation.
6. Think about any recent changes in turnout, clipping, washing routine, bedding, or grooming that might have affected the skin.
Common Causes
The most common cause is greasy heel, which often shows up as matted hair, crusting and scabs around the heels and pasterns. It can be linked to moisture, mud, friction, or skin that stays damp for too long.
Muddy turnout, wet bedding, or frequent washing can also leave the skin softened and more likely to become irritated. In some horses, the area may simply be reacting to constant damp or contamination.
Less commonly, the skin may be dealing with a more active infection, mites, or another skin condition that needs a closer look. If the skin is very painful, swollen, or spreading, it is worth getting veterinary advice.
What To Do
Keep the area as clean and dry as you reasonably can without over-washing it. Remove mud gently, avoid harsh scrubbing, and let the skin dry properly after any cleaning.
Check turnout, bedding and stable hygiene, because reducing persistent damp can make a real difference to routine management. If the area is hairy and collecting mud, regular grooming can help you spot changes early.
Keep an eye on whether the scabs are improving, staying the same, or getting worse over a few days. If you are unsure whether the skin is simply irritated or becoming infected, it is sensible to ask your vet before it escalates.
Products That May Help
A gentle washing routine can be useful when you're managing muddy heels or greasy-looking skin, especially if you want something that supports regular coat and skin cleaning without overdoing it.
Related Questions
Is greasy heel contagious between horses?
Should I wash scabby heels every day?
When should I call a vet about scabs on my horse's legs?
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.