What should I do if my horse’s heels are cracked and bleeding?
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If your horse’s heels are cracked and bleeding, the main thing is to keep the area clean, dry and watched closely. Cracked heels can happen for several reasons, including mud, dirt, skin irritation and ongoing rubbing or wet conditions, so it’s worth checking the area carefully rather than assuming it’s just a small cut.
In many cases, gentle cleaning, better drying and reducing exposure to mud or wet bedding can help support recovery. If the cracking is deep, painful, spreading, or not improving, veterinary advice is sensible.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the cracking is on one leg or several, and whether it’s just the heels or higher up the lower leg too.
2. Look for bleeding, scabs, crusting, redness, swelling, heat or any discharge around the cracks.
3. Notice whether your horse seems sore when picking out feet, brushing the area, or moving on hard ground.
4. Think about recent turnout, muddy fields, wet bedding, deep litter, or a change in wash-down routine.
5. Check whether the skin looks dry and scaly, greasy, flaky, or thickened, as that can help you describe it more clearly.
6. See if the problem is getting worse after wet weather or improving when the legs stay cleaner and drier.
7. Watch for any other signs such as itching, stamping, filling in the legs, or reluctance to have the legs handled.
Common Causes
The most common cause is skin irritation linked to damp, muddy or dirty conditions, especially if the lower legs stay wet for long periods.
Cracked heels can also develop from repeated washing, harsh cleaning, rubbing from boots or tack, or skin that’s become dry and sore.
Sometimes the area is part of a broader skin problem such as mallenders or sallenders, where the skin on the lower limbs becomes crusty, cracked or inflamed.
Less commonly, infection or another underlying skin condition may be contributing, especially if the skin is hot, very painful or leaking discharge.
What To Do
Gently clean the area with lukewarm water if needed, then dry it thoroughly. Avoid scrubbing hard, which can make cracked skin worse.
Try to keep the lower legs as dry and clean as you can. If turnout is very muddy, think about whether you can reduce time in the worst areas or manage the mud around gateways and shelter areas.
Keep an eye on whether the cracks are healing, staying the same, or spreading. Take a photo every couple of days if it helps you judge progress.
Check your usual grooming and washing routine. Sometimes less washing, gentler cleaning and more careful drying are more useful than adding more products.
If your horse is wearing boots or bandages, make sure they’re not rubbing and that the skin underneath is being checked regularly.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the cracking is deep, bleeding heavily, very painful, hot, swollen, spreading, or not improving with sensible home care. It’s also worth calling if there’s discharge, a bad smell, marked lameness, or if your horse seems generally unwell.
Products That May Help
If your horse is dealing with dirty, wet or muddy conditions around the lower legs, this collection may be useful as part of a steady cleaning and care routine.
Related Questions
How do I tell if cracked heels are getting infected?
Should I wash my horse’s legs every day?
Can muddy turnout make lower leg skin problems worse?
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.