Why does my horse have scabs along the mane and tail? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Scabs along the mane and tail are often a sign of irritation, and in fly season sweet itch is one of the most common reasons. It can also be linked to rubbing, skin sensitivity, bites or other skin problems, so it’s worth checking the area carefully rather than assuming it’s just flies.

Things To Check

1. Look for itching behaviour such as rubbing the mane, tail or dock, stamping, tail swishing or restlessness, especially at dawn and dusk.

2. Check whether the skin is just scabby or also red, sore, warm, swollen or broken.

3. See if there’s hair loss, broken hairs or damp, matted skin where the horse has been rubbing.

4. Notice whether the scabs are mostly in the mane, along the tail head, or spread to the face, belly or ears.

5. Think about when it started and whether it gets worse after turnout, grooming or exercise.

6. Check for signs of insects, biting flies or midges in the horse’s environment, especially near water, hedges or still air.

7. Review anything new that may have irritated the skin, such as a different rug, shampoo, fly product or grooming routine.

Common Causes

Sweet itch is a common cause in fly season. It’s an allergic skin reaction to midge bites and often affects the mane, tail and sometimes the belly or face.

Repeated rubbing can then create scabs, broken hair and sore patches. The skin can become more irritated if the horse keeps scratching the same areas.

Fly bites and general insect irritation can also cause small scabs or sore spots, even without full sweet itch.

Less commonly, scabs may be linked to skin infections, lice, mites, rain scald, or irritation from grooming products or tack rubbing the area.

What To Do

Keep a simple note of where the scabs are, how much the horse is rubbing and whether the problem is getting worse or settling.

Reduce exposure to insects where you can. That may mean adjusting turnout times, using rugs or keeping the horse in during peak midge times if that suits your routine.

Handle the area gently. Avoid picking scabs off or over-brushing sore skin, as that can make things more uncomfortable.

Check the skin regularly so you can spot changes early, especially if the rubbing is spreading or the skin looks increasingly sore.

If the horse’s skin is very dirty, greasy or crusted, speak to your vet or groom about the safest way to clean it, as some cases need a different approach.

Products That May Help

For horses that seem to struggle most in fly season, a routine that supports everyday insect management can be useful alongside careful skin checks and turnout adjustments.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

Item added to your cart