Why does my horse have scabs on the back of the pasterns?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Scabs on the back of the pasterns are often linked to greasy heel, which is a common skin problem in muddy or wet conditions. They can also happen with simple skin irritation, rubbing, or infection, so it’s worth checking the area carefully rather than assuming it’s just dirt.

In many cases, the skin is being irritated by moisture, mud, or repeated washing. If it’s mild and caught early, sensible cleaning, drying and environmental management may help, but ongoing or worsening scabs need a closer look.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the scabs are on one leg or several, and whether the area is also red, warm or swollen.

2. Look for mud, damp bedding or turnout conditions that may be keeping the pasterns wet for long periods.

3. Notice if the horse has been washed a lot, clipped, or had leg products applied that might have irritated the skin.

4. See whether the horse is itchy, stamping, rubbing or picking at the area, which can make scabs worse.

5. Check for any broken skin, discharge, crusting or a greasy-looking coat around the heels and pasterns.

6. Compare both hind legs and front legs, since symmetrical changes can sometimes point to environmental causes.

7. Watch whether the scabs are spreading, returning after cleaning, or making the horse uncomfortable to touch.

Common Causes

The most common cause is greasy heel, where the skin on the lower legs becomes sore and crusted, often because of wet, muddy or dirty conditions.

Repeated moisture, standing in wet bedding, or not drying the legs properly after washing can also lead to scabs and irritation.

Rubbing from tack, brushing, or close contact with muddy fences or hard surfaces can sometimes cause similar scabbing.

Less commonly, skin infection or another underlying skin condition may be contributing, especially if the area is painful, spreading or not improving.

What To Do

Keep the area as clean and dry as you can without over-washing. If you do wash the legs, dry them thoroughly afterwards, especially in the folds behind the pasterns.

Try to reduce prolonged exposure to mud and wet bedding where possible. A cleaner turnout and stable environment can make a real difference for some horses.

Avoid picking at scabs, as this can damage the skin underneath and make irritation worse. Gentle handling is usually better than scrubbing.

Monitor the area over a few days. If the scabs are improving, that’s reassuring. If they’re spreading, getting sore or coming back repeatedly, it’s sensible to get veterinary advice.

Keep an eye on whether the horse becomes uncomfortable, resents leg handling, or starts to show swelling or lameness.

When To Contact A Vet

Contact your vet if the skin is very sore, swollen, hot or oozing, or if the scabs are spreading despite sensible cleaning and drying. You should also call if your horse seems unwell, becomes lame, or the problem keeps returning.

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