Why does my horse have scabs and matted hair after wet weather? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
Scabs and matted hair after wet weather are often seen with rain scald, which is a skin problem linked to damp conditions and a wet coat. It can look worrying, but there can be a few different causes, so it’s worth checking the pattern and how the skin itself looks.
Things To Check
1. Check where the scabs are. Rain scald often shows up along the back, rump, neck or topline, especially where the coat stays damp.
2. Look for matted tufts of hair that lift away with scabs attached. This pattern can be a useful clue that the skin has been irritated under a wet coat.
3. Check whether the skin underneath is red, sore, greasy, crusty or broken. That helps you judge how irritated it is.
4. Notice whether the problem appears after rain, turnout, or being left in a damp rug. Timing can help point to a weather-related cause.
5. Feel for heat, swelling or sensitivity when you touch the area. These signs suggest the skin is more inflamed.
6. Check whether the horse has been clipped, has a very thick coat, or takes a long time to dry. These can all make damp skin problems more likely.
7. Look at the coat and skin elsewhere on the body too. If there are patches in several places, the cause may be broader than rain scald alone.
8. Note whether the horse seems itchy, uncomfortable, or reluctant to be groomed. That can help you judge how much it’s bothering them.
Common Causes
Rain scald is one of the most common reasons for scabs and matted hair after wet weather. It often affects areas where moisture sits on the coat for a long time.
Skin irritation from a damp rug, muddy turnout, or a coat that hasn’t dried properly can look similar. The skin may become sore and start to scab if it stays wet repeatedly.
In some horses, minor rubbing from tack, rugs, or grooming can also lead to broken hair and scabs, especially if the skin is already damp or sensitive.
Less commonly, other skin infections or parasites may be involved, so it’s best not to assume every wet-weather skin problem is rain scald.
What To Do
Keep the area as clean and dry as you can. If the coat is wet, let it dry fully rather than leaving moisture trapped against the skin.
Check rugs for fit, rubbing and damp patches, and avoid repeated turnout in wet layers if you can. A clean, dry rug routine may help reduce ongoing irritation.
Handle the scabs gently. Avoid picking at them, as that can make the skin more sore and slow the area from settling.
Keep an eye on whether the problem is spreading, improving or staying the same over a few days. Photos can help you compare changes clearly.
If the horse is turned out in wet weather often, it may help to adjust grooming and coat care so the skin is not staying damp for long periods.
Products That May Help
A gentle washing and coat-care routine can be useful when you’re dealing with wet-weather skin concerns and want to keep the coat clean without being too harsh on the skin.
Related Questions
Is rain scald contagious between horses?
Should I pick the scabs off my horse?
How do I dry my horse properly after rain?
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.