What should I do if my horse has painful, cracked skin on its face in summer? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse has painful, cracked skin on its face in summer, the first step is to protect the area from sun, insects and rubbing, then check for anything that looks infected or very sore. Common causes include photosensitivity, fly irritation, friction from tack or headcollars, and skin that has become dry and split after repeated scratching. It’s sensible to keep a close eye on it, because the exact cause can be hard to tell at home.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the cracks are mainly on white markings, pink skin or other exposed areas of the face.

2. Look closely for redness, swelling, heat, scabs, discharge, bleeding or areas that seem particularly painful.

3. Notice whether it gets worse after turnout, strong sunlight, fly activity, grooming or using a headcollar.

4. Check whether your horse is rubbing its face on fences, stable surfaces or with its hind legs.

5. Look at the skin around the nostrils, muzzle, eyes and under the jaw, since these areas can be more exposed in summer.

6. Consider whether any new feed, plant access, medication or recent change in grazing could have played a part.

7. Make a note of whether the skin is just dry and cracked, or whether there are weepy patches, crusting or hair loss as well.

Common Causes

Photosensitivity is a common reason for sore, cracked facial skin in summer, especially on pale or lightly pigmented areas that get a lot of sun. Fly irritation and rubbing can also damage delicate skin, particularly if your horse is already itchy or bothered by insects.

Less commonly, the skin may be reacting to something in the environment, such as plants, grooming products or tack friction. In some cases, a skin infection, sunburn or another underlying issue may be contributing as well.

What To Do

Move your horse out of strong sun where possible and try to reduce time spent in the hottest part of the day if that seems to make it worse. Keep the area clean and dry, but don’t scrub cracked skin, as that can make it more sore.

If your horse is rubbing, look for the reason rather than just the damage. Check fly control, fit of headcollars and nosebands, and whether anything in the field or stable is irritating the face. A plain, calm routine is usually better than using multiple new products at once, because that makes it easier to see what helps.

Take a photo each day so you can spot whether the skin is improving, staying the same or getting worse. If the cracks are spreading, your horse is very uncomfortable, or the skin becomes hot, swollen or weepy, it’s sensible to get veterinary advice.

When To Contact A Vet

Contact your vet if the skin is very painful, the cracking is worsening, there is swelling, discharge or marked heat, or your horse seems unwell. You should also get advice if you suspect photosensitivity, because the underlying cause may need to be identified and managed.

Products That May Help

If summer irritation, flies or rubbing seem to be making the area worse, a fly-season collection may be useful as part of your normal management routine. It can help support day-to-day comfort around turnout and grooming.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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