Why does my horse have flaky patches under its mane?
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Overview
Flaky patches under the mane are often caused by skin irritation, rubbing, dandruff-like scaling or a fungal issue such as ringworm. It’s worth checking the area closely, because the look of the patches alone doesn’t confirm the cause.
If the skin is otherwise calm, you may be dealing with a mild grooming or environmental issue. If there’s hair loss, redness, crusting or the patches are spreading, ringworm becomes more likely and a vet may need to advise on the next step.
Things To Check
1. Look at whether the flaky areas are patchy, circular or spreading along the mane line.
2. Check for hair loss, broken hairs, scabs, redness or thick crusts on the skin.
3. See whether the horse is rubbing the mane on fences, stable fittings or during turnout.
4. Note whether the skin feels warm, sore or wet, or whether there’s any discharge.
5. Think about any recent changes in turnout, rugging, grooming products or washing routines.
6. Check whether any other horses, ponies or people on the yard have similar skin issues.
7. Inspect the mane for lice, mites or bits of debris that might be irritating the skin.
8. Make a note of whether the patch is getting larger, staying the same or improving.
Common Causes
Ringworm is one common cause, and it can look like flaky, crusty patches with hair loss or broken hairs. It spreads easily between horses and can sometimes be passed to people, so it’s sensible to take it seriously without panicking.
Rubbing from tack, rugs, flies or itching can also leave the skin under the mane flaky and broken. In some horses, a dry coat, poor grooming, sweat build-up or irritation from products can cause similar looking patches.
Less commonly, parasites, bacterial skin irritation or other skin conditions may be involved. The same-looking patch can have a different cause from one horse to the next, which is why close checking matters.
What To Do
Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid over-washing or scrubbing the skin. If you groom the mane, use gentle handling so you don’t worsen any broken skin or spread flakes around the coat.
Try to reduce rubbing triggers where you can, such as poorly fitting rugs or tack, and keep an eye on whether the horse is scratching the area more often. If you suspect ringworm, limit close contact with other horses until you’ve had advice, and wash hands and grooming kit after use.
Keep a simple record of what the patches look like and whether they change over a few days. That can help you and your vet if the problem doesn’t settle.
Products That May Help
If your horse has flaky patches under the mane, a gentle wash routine can be useful as part of keeping the area clean and easy to monitor, especially if the skin is sensitive or the coat feels a bit scurfy.
Related Questions
Is ringworm in horses contagious to humans?
Should I wash my horse if I think it has ringworm?
Why does my horse keep rubbing its mane?
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.