Why does my horse keep getting greasy heel every autumn?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Greasy heel often comes back in autumn because the legs are dealing with more dampness, mud and friction from wetter turnout. It can also flare when the skin stays dirty or wet for too long, but there may be several contributing causes, so it’s worth checking the pattern rather than assuming it’s just the weather.

Things To Check

1. Note whether it appears after wet turnout, muddy fields, wash-downs or clipping.

2. Check if the area is red, sore, scabby, greasy, crusty or making your horse stamp or resent touch.

3. Look at whether the feathers, heel bulbs or lower limbs are staying wet for long periods.

4. See if the skin is being rubbed by mud, boots, stable bandages or tack-related contact.

5. Think about whether grooming, washing or harsh drying routines have changed recently.

6. Check for flies, biting insects or signs your horse is also itchy elsewhere.

7. Compare both legs and note whether one side is worse, which can help spot a local irritation or knock.

Common Causes

The most common reason is prolonged dampness combined with mud or dirty bedding, which can make the skin around the heels and feathers become inflamed.

Autumn turnout changes can also matter. Wet grass, muddy gateways and less consistent drying after exercise or washing may all contribute.

Some horses are more sensitive to repeated grooming, clipping, feather removal or product buildup, which can leave the skin irritated.

Less commonly, there may be an underlying skin problem, insect irritation or another issue that’s making the area more prone to recurring flare-ups.

What To Do

Keep the area as clean and dry as you can without over-washing. If the legs are muddy, remove dirt gently and dry them well afterwards.

Reduce prolonged exposure to wet, muddy ground where possible and pick turnout areas that drain better if you have that choice.

Review stable hygiene too, because damp bedding and dirty surfaces can keep the skin irritated.

Try to avoid harsh scrubbing, repeated soaking or anything that seems to make the skin angrier.

It can help to keep a simple note of when flare-ups happen, what the weather was like and what routine changes were made. That pattern is often useful if you need advice later.

When To Contact A Vet

Speak to your vet if the skin is very sore, swollen, oozing, hot, deeply cracked or not improving with sensible cleaning and drying. You should also get advice if the problem keeps returning, is spreading, or your horse seems uncomfortable enough to change how they move or bear weight.

Products That May Help

Autumn greasy heel is often linked with wet, muddy turnout and regular leg washing, so a simple hygiene routine can be useful as part of day-to-day management.

Hoof, Leg & Mud Care

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