Why does my horse keep getting cracked skin around the heels?
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
Cracked skin around the heels is often linked to mud fever, especially if your horse has been in wet, muddy conditions. It can also happen with irritation from moisture, dirt, rubbing or skin that’s already a bit sore, so there may be more than one cause.
The important thing is to check how the skin looks and how your horse is coping. Mild cases may be managed with careful cleaning, drying and keeping the area as clean as possible, but deeper cracks, swelling, heat or obvious discomfort are worth taking seriously.
Things To Check
1. Look at when the cracking seems to appear, such as after turnout in mud, after washing, or after exercise.
2. Check whether the skin is just dry and flaky, or whether there are scabs, crusts, bleeding, redness or discharge.
3. Feel for heat, puffiness or sensitivity around the heels and lower legs.
4. Notice whether your horse is stamping, lifting the leg, fussing when you touch the area, or seeming less happy to move.
5. Check whether both heels are affected or whether it’s mainly one leg, as that can give clues about irritation or rubbing.
6. Think about the recent environment, including wet fields, muddy gateways, wet bedding or a lot of time standing in damp conditions.
7. Look at grooming and washing habits to see whether the skin may be staying damp for too long.
Common Causes
Most often, cracked heel skin is linked to mud fever, where wet, dirty conditions irritate the skin and make it sore and brittle. Constant moisture, mud and mud trapped against the skin can make the problem keep coming back.
Dryness and repeated washing can also leave the skin more prone to cracking, especially if the lower legs are not dried properly afterwards. Rubbing from boots, bandages or brushing against rough surfaces can also play a part.
Less commonly, there may be an underlying skin issue or a more general problem affecting the leg, so it’s worth keeping an open mind if it doesn’t improve with better hygiene and drier conditions.
What To Do
Keep the lower legs as clean and dry as you can without over-washing them. If the area is muddy, gently remove dirt and then dry the skin well rather than leaving it damp.
Try to reduce time standing in wet mud or dirty bedding where possible. If turnout is muddy, routine management may need adjusting so the skin gets a chance to dry out.
Check the area daily for changes in cracking, swelling, heat or soreness, and keep an eye on whether the skin is improving or spreading. If the heels are repeatedly affected, note what seems to trigger it so you can make practical changes to turnout, washing and grooming.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the cracks are deep, weeping, very sore, swelling is developing, or your horse seems lame or unusually uncomfortable. You should also ask for advice if the skin keeps worsening, the area becomes hot, or home care isn't helping after a few days.
Products That May Help
If your horse’s heels are getting cracked from mud, wet turnout or general lower-leg messiness, a collection focused on day-to-day hoof and leg care may be useful for your hygiene routine.
Related Questions
Is cracked skin around the heels always mud fever?
Should I wash my horse’s legs every day?
When should I worry about cracked heels on a horse?
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.