What should I check if my horse has a scrape on its pastern?
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If your horse has a scrape on its pastern, check how deep it is, whether the skin is broken, and whether there’s any swelling, heat, discharge or soreness. Small surface grazes are common, especially after turnout, but pasterns can get rubbed and knocked easily, so it’s worth keeping an eye on it.
Most minor scrapes improve with sensible cleaning and monitoring, but a pastern wound can sometimes be irritated by mud, movement or flies, or it may be more than it first looks.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the scrape is just superficial or whether the skin is broken more deeply.
2. Look for swelling, heat, redness or tenderness around the pastern and lower leg.
3. Check for discharge, bleeding, scabbing or any dirt still in the area.
4. Watch how your horse is moving and see if it looks sore, short-striding or uncomfortable when turning.
5. Think about when it happened, such as after turnout, grooming, exercise or being in a muddy field.
6. Check whether the scrape is being rubbed by boots, bandages, mud, tack or the other leg.
7. Look at the surrounding skin for other scrapes, feather staining, mud irritation or signs of scratching.
Common Causes
The most common cause is a minor knock or rub from turnout, stable fittings, fencing or brushy ground. Pasterns are in a vulnerable spot, so even a small bump can leave a graze.
Muddy or wet conditions can also make the skin more easily irritated, and a scrape may linger if the area stays damp or dirty.
Less often, repeated rubbing from boots, bandages or another limb can be part of the problem. If the area looks more swollen, hot or painful than you’d expect, it may need closer attention.
What To Do
If the scrape looks minor, gently clean away visible dirt with clean water or a suitable wound-cleaning routine you already use, then keep the area clean and dry.
Monitor it over the next day or two for swelling, heat, discharge, more soreness or any change in how your horse moves. Take a photo if you want to compare it later.
If turnout conditions are muddy, or if the scrape keeps getting dirty, try to reduce exposure where you can and check the legs regularly. Avoid using anything harsh on the skin, and don’t keep re-opening the scab by over-cleaning.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the scrape is deep, keeps bleeding, looks infected, is getting worse instead of better, or if there’s swelling, heat or lameness. It’s also sensible to get advice if the wound is near a joint, tendon or if you’re unsure how serious it is.
Products That May Help
A gentle horse care collection can be useful if you’re looking to keep wound-care essentials together for everyday cleaning and routine first aid at home or on the yard.
Related Questions
Should I clean a horse scrape every day?
How do I know if a horse wound needs a vet?
Can I turn my horse out with a small graze?
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.