Why does my horse have bald patches from rubbing?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Bald patches from rubbing usually mean your horse is itchy or irritated somewhere, rather than there being one single cause. Common triggers include flies and midges, tack rubbing, sweating, dirty bedding, grooming irritation or a skin problem such as dandruff, hives or rain scald.

If the skin underneath looks sore, scabby or hot, or if the rubbing is getting worse, it's worth checking closely and keeping an eye on how quickly it changes.

Things To Check

1. Note where the bald patches are, such as the mane, tail head, face, belly, girth area or under the rug.

2. Look for redness, scabs, broken skin, swelling, heat, flakes or discharge in the affected area.

3. Check whether the rubbing happens more after turnout, grooming, exercise, rugging or tack use.

4. Think about whether flies, midges or other insects seem to be bothering your horse more than usual.

5. Inspect tack, rugs and headcollars for pressure points, rough seams, trapped dirt or a poor fit.

6. Check the stable, field and bedding for dampness, mud, dust or anything that could be irritating the skin.

7. Notice whether your horse is also stamping, tail swishing, biting at the skin or rolling more than usual.

Common Causes

Flies and midges are a very common reason for rubbing, especially in warm weather or around the mane, tail and belly.

Friction from rugs, saddles, girths, headcollars or grooming can also cause bald areas, especially if the skin is damp, sweaty or dirty.

Skin sensitivity, sweat irritation, dandruff, mild dermatitis, rain scald or an allergic skin reaction can all lead to itching and hair loss from rubbing.

Less commonly, mites, lice or another skin condition may be involved, particularly if the itching is persistent or other horses nearby are affected.

What To Do

Start by checking the skin and the area around it carefully so you can tell whether this looks more like itchiness, rubbing or pressure.

Keep the area clean and dry, and remove any obvious source of friction if you can, such as a dirty rug, a poor-fitting headcollar or tack that seems to be rubbing.

Try to reduce fly exposure where possible, especially if the rubbing is happening in the mane, tail or belly during the summer months.

Monitor the patches over a few days so you can see whether they are settling, staying the same or getting worse.

If your horse is regularly rubbing the same spots, it can help to review turnout, grooming routine, rugging and tack fit together rather than focusing on one thing only.

Products That May Help

If flies or midges seem to be part of the problem, this collection may be useful as part of your summer routine and general skin management.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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