Why is my horse losing hair from the dock, mane or withers?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Hair loss from the dock, mane or withers in horses is often linked to sweet itch, rubbing or other skin irritation. It can also happen if the skin is being damaged by flies, sweat, tack or grooming, so it’s worth checking the pattern carefully rather than assuming it’s just a seasonal nuisance.

The good news is that you can often spot useful clues at home. Looking at when it happens, where the hair loss is, and whether the skin is red, scabby or sore can help you decide what’s most likely and what to do next.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the hair loss is mainly at the dock, along the mane, over the withers, or in more than one place.

2. Look closely for broken hairs, rubbing marks, scabs, flakes, redness, swelling or any raw skin.

3. Note whether your horse is rubbing more after turnout, especially in fly season, or after being brought in from a field.

4. See whether they’re stamping, tail swishing, rolling, biting at themselves or generally looking itchy.

5. Check tack fit and grooming routine, especially over the withers and along the topline, if the problem seems linked to exercise.

6. Think about recent changes in pasture, stable bedding, rugs, fly control or feed, as these can sometimes affect skin comfort.

7. Check whether other horses nearby are rubbing too, which can point more towards fly pressure or another shared irritation.

Common Causes

Sweet itch is one of the most common reasons for mane, dock and wither rubbing in horses during fly season. It’s an allergic reaction to insect bites and often causes intense itching, broken hair and rubbed skin.

Fly irritation more generally can also lead to rubbing and hair loss, especially if a horse is spending time outdoors in warm weather or near wet, fly-prone areas.

Rubbing from tack, rugs or grooming can sometimes be the cause, particularly if the hair loss is most noticeable over the withers or along areas where equipment sits.

Skin conditions such as dermatitis, lice or mites can sometimes look similar at first, especially if there’s scurf, crusting or persistent itching.

What To Do

Keep a note of when the rubbing happens and what seems to make it worse. A simple diary with photos can be really helpful if the problem keeps coming back.

Reduce fly exposure as far as you reasonably can, especially at turnout times when flies are worse. Keeping the skin clean and dry, checking rugs and tack fit, and avoiding anything that seems to trigger extra rubbing can all help support day-to-day management.

If the skin is only mildly irritated, gentle grooming and regular inspection are often more useful than frequent washing or harsh products. If the area is sore, swollen or broken, avoid anything that could make it more irritated.

If the rubbing is seasonal, repeatable or clearly linked to fly pressure, it’s worth planning ahead for the next fly season rather than waiting until the problem is already well established.

When To Contact A Vet

Speak to your vet if the skin is broken, very sore, infected-looking, or if the hair loss is getting worse despite sensible management. It’s also worth getting advice if you suspect sweet itch, because ongoing itching can become difficult to control without a proper plan.

Your vet can help rule out other skin problems and advise on the most appropriate next steps for your horse.

Products That May Help

For horses that struggle with fly-season irritation or sweet itch-type rubbing, this collection may be useful as part of your regular management routine alongside turnout, grooming and stable checks.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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