What should I check if my horse has hair loss from rubbing? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your horse has hair loss from rubbing, start by checking for itchy skin, fly irritation, rug or tack rubs, and anything else that’s touching the area. It’s often something straightforward, but there can be several possible causes, so it helps to look at the pattern rather than guessing.
Things To Check
1. Check when the rubbing happens most often, such as after turnout, during fly season, after exercise, or when a rug is on.
2. Look closely at the bare patch and the skin around it for redness, scabs, broken skin, swelling, heat or discharge.
3. Check whether the hair loss lines up with rug edges, saddle area, girth area, bridle pressure points, mane, tail head or under the chin.
4. Feel the area for any signs of soreness, bumps, dryness, dandruff or thickened skin.
5. Look for signs of insects, such as midges, flies, fly bites, tail swishing, stamping or head rubbing.
6. Check whether anything has changed recently, including bedding, turnout, feed, grooming products, washing routine, or tack fit.
7. See whether the rubbing is limited to one spot or whether there are several areas involved, which can give a clue about a local rub or a more general itch.
Common Causes
The most common causes are insect irritation, especially in warmer weather, and rubbing from rugs, tack or equipment that doesn’t fit quite right.
Skin irritation from sweat, mud, harsh grooming, washing products or sensitive skin can also lead to rubbing and hair loss.
Less commonly, ongoing itching may be linked with allergies, lice, mites or a skin infection, particularly if the area is scabby, very sore or spreading.
What To Do
Start by removing or adjusting anything that might be rubbing, then recheck the area after a day or two to see whether it settles.
Keep the skin clean and dry, and use your normal grooming routine gently so you don’t make the irritation worse.
If flies or midges seem to be part of the problem, focus on practical summer management such as turnout timing, stable management and keeping the coat as comfortable as possible.
Make a note of where the rubbing is, what it looks like, and when it happens. That can be very useful if you need to speak to your vet or yard team later.
When To Contact A Vet
Speak to your vet if the hair loss is spreading, the skin is broken or infected, your horse seems very itchy or uncomfortable, or the rubbing keeps coming back despite removing obvious irritants.
It’s also sensible to get advice if you suspect mites, lice or an allergy, or if the problem is affecting the horse’s comfort, tack use or ridden work.
Products That May Help
For horses that seem bothered by flies or seasonal irritation, this collection may be useful as part of a sensible routine alongside good management and checking for other causes.
Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care
Related Questions
Could rug rubbing cause a bald patch on my horse?
Why does my horse rub its mane and tail more in summer?
How can I tell if itching is from flies or something else?
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.