What should I do if my horse is rubbing itself raw from itching?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is rubbing itself raw, the first step is to stop the skin getting any more damaged and check what seems to be triggering the itching. Sweet itch is a common reason in fly season, but insects, skin irritation, mud, sweat, grooming products or an underlying skin problem can all play a part.

Look at the skin, note when the rubbing starts, and keep things simple while you work out what seems to make it worse. If the skin is broken, swollen, very sore or getting worse, it’s sensible to speak to your vet.

Things To Check

1. Check where the rubbing is happening. Sweet itch often affects the mane, tail and dock, but other patterns can suggest a different trigger.

2. Look closely for redness, broken skin, scabs, hair loss, swelling or any discharge.

3. Notice when it starts. Itching that gets worse at turnout, at dusk, after exercise or after grooming can help narrow down the likely cause.

4. Check for flies, midges or other insects around the horse, especially near hedges, water, muck heaps or still air.

5. Review any recent changes in feed, bedding, turnout, shampoos, washes or grooming routines.

6. Feel the skin for heat or tenderness, and check whether the horse seems bothered when you touch the area.

7. Check whether rugs, hoods or tack are rubbing and making the area worse.

Common Causes

Sweet itch is one of the most common causes in fly season. It’s an allergic skin reaction to insect bites, and the itching can become intense enough that a horse rubs until the skin breaks.

Fly bites and general summer irritation can also cause rubbing, even if it’s not sweet itch. Some horses are simply very reactive to midges and other insects.

Skin irritation from sweat, mud, wet turnout, grooming products or poorly fitting rugs can make the problem worse. Scratching and rubbing can then turn a mild irritation into a raw patch.

Less commonly, there may be a skin infection, parasites or another skin condition involved, especially if the area is very inflamed, crusty or not improving.

What To Do

Try to reduce further rubbing straight away. Keep the horse in a calmer, less itchy environment if that helps, and avoid anything that seems to make the skin flare up.

Check the skin daily and keep a simple note of what you see, including where the rubbing is, how bad it looks and whether it improves or worsens.

Keep the area clean and dry, but avoid over-washing or using harsh products on already sore skin. If you do wash, use gentle handling and make sure the coat is thoroughly dried afterwards.

Where possible, reduce exposure to biting insects by managing turnout, stable time and the horse’s routine during peak fly times. Small changes often make a noticeable difference to comfort.

Make sure rugs, hoods and other equipment fit properly and aren’t causing friction. If something seems to be making the rubbing worse, stop using it until you’ve checked it carefully.

If the skin is open, the horse is extremely uncomfortable, or the area is spreading, don’t just keep waiting it out. Get veterinary advice so the cause can be assessed properly.

Products That May Help

For horses that are reacting to flies or seasonal itching, a seasonal care routine can be easier to keep up with when you have the right practical items to hand.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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