What should I do if my horse keeps rubbing until the skin breaks? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is rubbing until the skin breaks, it usually means the area is very irritated and needs attention. Fly bites, seasonal itching, sweat, grooming irritation, tack rubbing, mud, or a skin problem such as a rash can all play a part, so the aim is to spot the trigger and reduce further damage.

Broken skin is worth taking seriously because once the horse keeps rubbing, the area can become sore, raw and more difficult to settle.

Things To Check

1. Check when the rubbing happens most, such as after turnout, in the stable, after exercise, or in the evening when flies are active.

2. Look closely at the rubbed area for redness, scabs, swelling, heat, damp skin, bald patches or any broken skin.

3. Think about recent changes in turnout, bedding, feed, washing, grooming products, rugs or tack that might be irritating the skin.

4. Check whether flies, midges or other insects seem to be bothering your horse, especially around the mane, tail, face, belly or lower legs.

5. See if the rubbing is linked to sweating, muddy conditions, clipped skin, or a rug or saddle area that may be rubbing.

6. Check the skin for signs of lice, dandruff, crusting or a rash, especially if the itching seems widespread rather than just in one spot.

7. Notice whether your horse is also stamping, tail swishing, biting at the skin or appearing unsettled, as this can help show how irritated they feel.

Common Causes

Fly bites and summer irritation are common reasons horses rub, especially when insects are active or the horse is sensitive to bites.

Skin irritation from sweat, mud, grooming products, rugs or tack can also lead to rubbing, particularly if the same area keeps being affected.

Allergy-type skin sensitivity, including reactions to insects or environmental triggers, may cause repeated itching and rubbing over time.

Less commonly, lice, mites, fungal or bacterial skin issues, or another underlying skin condition may be involved, especially if the skin is scabby, spreading or not improving.

What To Do

Stop the horse from rubbing more if you can, because ongoing rubbing can quickly make the skin worse. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid using anything harsh on broken skin.

Remove likely irritants where possible, such as muddy rugs, dirty tack contact, sweaty gear or heavily soiled bedding. If flies seem to be the trigger, try to improve routine fly management and keep a close eye on when the rubbing is worst.

Groom gently and avoid overhandling sore areas. If the skin is broken, monitor it closely for any change in heat, swelling, discharge or spreading redness.

If the rubbing keeps returning, note what seems to trigger it. That pattern is often useful if you later need veterinary advice.

Products That May Help

When rubbing seems linked to flies or summer irritation, a fly-season care routine may help support your horse’s comfort and make day-to-day management easier.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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