Why are there scabs and redness under my horse’s feathering? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
Scabs and redness under a horse’s feathering are often linked to moisture, mud, skin irritation or hair that’s hiding a problem underneath. In some horses it can be mallenders or sallenders, but there can be several possible causes, so it’s best to look closely at the skin rather than guess.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the scabs are on the back or front of the legs, and whether the skin feels warm, sore or swollen.
2. Part the feathering and look for wetness, stuck mud, matted hair or an unpleasant smell.
3. See if the problem is worse after turnout, in muddy ground, or after the legs have been washed and not dried fully.
4. Look for rubbing, stamping, licking or signs that your horse is trying to relieve irritation.
5. Check whether the skin is just scabby or whether there are cracks, bleeding, discharge or thickened areas too.
6. Consider whether anything has changed recently, such as bedding, turnout conditions, grooming routine or leg care.
7. Compare both legs, because similar changes on more than one limb can point towards a management issue.
Common Causes
Mud, damp feathering and skin irritation are common reasons for scabs and redness, especially in wet or dirty conditions. The skin may stay damp, become sore and then scab over.
Mallenders and sallenders are often used to describe scaly, crusted or scabby skin in feathered areas, usually on the fronts or backs of the legs. These are terms owners often use for a pattern of irritation rather than a single exact cause.
Some horses also react to feather mites, minor bacterial skin infection, grooming friction or repeated washing. Less commonly, a deeper skin problem may be involved if the area keeps returning or becomes more inflamed.
What To Do
Gently part the feathering and keep the area as clean and dry as you can without overhandling it. If there’s mud, softening it first and removing it carefully is usually kinder than picking at dry scabs.
Improve the surroundings where possible, especially if turnout is muddy or the horse is standing in wet bedding. Keeping legs dry, clean and well monitored can make it easier to see whether the skin is settling or getting worse.
Avoid scrubbing hard, repeatedly washing the area, or pulling scabs off. If you clip or trim feathering, do it carefully so you can see the skin more clearly and reduce trapped dirt, but only if that suits the horse and your normal routine.
Keep an eye on whether the redness spreads, whether more scabs appear, or whether the horse becomes sore. A few clear photos over several days can help you track changes and give a vet a better history if needed.
When To Contact A Vet
Speak to your vet if the skin is very sore, swollen, cracked or oozing, if the problem is spreading, or if your horse seems uncomfortable when the legs are touched. It’s also sensible to get advice if the scabs keep coming back, don’t improve with basic care, or you’re unsure whether infection, mites or another skin issue could be involved.
Products That May Help
When mud and moisture are part of the problem, it can help to keep your horse’s legs and feathering as clean and easy to manage as possible within your normal routine.
Related Questions
Can mallenders and sallenders come back after they clear up?
Should I clip my horse’s feathering if the skin keeps getting sore?
How do I tell the difference between mud irritation and mites?
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.