What should I do if the skin on my horse’s heels is cracked and painful? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If the skin on your horse’s heels is cracked and painful, it could be something like greasy heel, mud-related irritation, or simple skin damage from wet, dirty conditions. The main aim is to keep the area clean, dry and under close watch, because sore heels can worsen if the skin stays irritated.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the soreness is worse after turnout, exercise, washing, or time in wet mud.
2. Look closely for cracked skin, scabs, redness, swelling, heat, discharge, or signs that the horse is sore when you touch the area.
3. Check whether the cracks are only on the heels or whether the irritation extends up the back of the fetlock and lower leg.
4. Notice if the horse is stamping, shifting weight, resisting picking up the foot, or flinching when the area is handled.
5. Think about recent changes in turnout, bedding, washing routine, clipping, or wet weather that may have made the skin more vulnerable.
6. Check if both legs are affected or just one, as that can help you judge whether it looks more like a general environmental irritation or a local injury.
7. Look for any smell, greasy scurf, or crusting, which can go along with skin irritation in this area.
Common Causes
The most common cause is skin irritation linked to wet, muddy or dirty conditions, especially around the heels and pasterns.
Greasy heel is another common possibility, where the skin becomes inflamed, crusty and sore, often in damp conditions.
Simple chafing, washing too often, harsh products, or repeated rubbing from mud and bedding can also dry and crack the skin.
Less commonly, there may be a more significant skin infection or another skin condition that needs veterinary assessment.
What To Do
Gently clean the area if needed, then dry it thoroughly. Avoid scrubbing hard, because that can make cracked skin more sore.
Keep the horse in the cleanest, driest conditions you can manage for a while, and reduce exposure to mud where possible.
Check the heels daily so you can see whether the skin is improving, staying the same, or getting worse.
If you are washing the legs, keep the routine as simple as possible and make sure the skin is fully dry afterwards.
Try to avoid picking at scabs or crusts, since that can make the skin more painful and slow recovery.
If the problem seems linked to turnout conditions, bedding, or repeated wetting, making small changes to the environment may help support recovery.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the cracks are deep, the horse is very painful, the skin is swollen or hot, there is discharge, or the problem is spreading. It’s also sensible to get advice if it isn’t improving after a few days of sensible home care, or if you’re unsure whether it’s greasy heel or something else.
Products That May Help
If your horse’s heels are getting wet, muddy or dirty, products from this collection may be useful as part of a good hygiene routine and general day-to-day care.
Related Questions
Can I wash my horse’s legs every day if the heels are sore?
How do I tell if muddy legs are turning into greasy heel?
When should cracked heel skin be checked by a vet?
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.