What should I do if my horse is rubbing so much it is losing hair?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is rubbing so much that hair is coming out, the first thing to do is check the skin and look for the most likely triggers, especially fly irritation and seasonal itching. It could also be caused by rubbing on fences, rugs or stable fittings, or by skin sensitivity. You can't tell the exact cause from rubbing alone, so the aim is to notice what is happening and reduce further irritation while you work it out.

Things To Check

1. Check where the hair loss is happening. Tail head, mane, face, belly, sheath or udder areas can give useful clues.

2. Look for redness, scabs, broken skin, dandruff, swelling or any wet patches where the horse has rubbed.

3. See whether it is worse after turnout, at dusk, near water, or in warm weather when flies are more active.

4. Check rugs, headcollars, boots, fences and stable surfaces for anything that could be causing repeated rubbing.

5. Look at the tail and mane for broken hairs, which often suggests repeated scratching or rubbing rather than a single knock.

6. Notice whether other horses nearby are also bothered by flies or itchy skin, as this can point to a seasonal issue.

7. Check the coat for lice, nits or debris, especially if the itching seems worse in winter or when grooming.

8. Make a quick note of when it started and whether it is getting worse, as that helps if you need veterinary advice.

Common Causes

The most common cause is fly irritation or seasonal itching, including sensitivity to biting insects. Horses may rub manes, tails, bellies and faces hard enough to remove hair, especially during warmer months.

Another common cause is rubbing against something in the environment, such as a rug, fence, stable edge or poorly fitting tack or headgear.

Skin irritation, dandruff, lice or a mild allergic skin reaction can also make a horse rub and scratch more than usual. Less commonly, bot flies can contribute to irritation, particularly if the horse is bothered around the face or legs during the season.

What To Do

Start by removing obvious rubbing points if you can do so safely, and check that rugs and tack fit well without friction. Keep the skin as clean and dry as practical, and avoid over-washing or scrubbing sore areas.

Try to reduce exposure to flies by adjusting turnout times, using shelter where possible and keeping an eye on peak fly times. If the horse is already losing hair, keep the area clean and monitor it daily for any change in the skin.

If the itching is linked to a seasonal pattern, note when it happens and what seems to make it worse. That information is often very helpful if you later need to discuss it with your vet.

Products That May Help

If fly irritation seems to be part of the problem, a seasonal care routine can help support day-to-day management alongside turnout and grooming changes.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

Item added to your cart