Why is my horse’s skin flaky, crusty, and losing hair in winter?
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Overview
Flaky, crusty skin with patchy hair loss in winter is often linked to rain scald, especially if your horse has been wet, clipped, or turned out in poor weather. Other causes can look similar, so it’s worth checking the coat and skin closely rather than assuming it’s one thing straight away.
If it’s only mild and your horse seems otherwise well, simple management changes may be enough. If the skin is sore, spreading, oozing, or your horse seems uncomfortable, a vet check is sensible.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the flaky or crusty areas are on the back, rump, neck, shoulders, or other places that get rained on and stay damp.
2. Look closely for raised scabs, matted hair tufts, redness, broken skin, discharge, or areas that feel warm or painful.
3. Notice whether it seems worse after turnout in wet weather, after rugging, or after grooming.
4. Check if the horse has recently been clipped, washed, or left with a damp coat for any length of time.
5. Feel the rug and coat to see if the skin underneath is sweaty, damp, or rub-marked.
6. See whether any stable mates have similar skin changes, which can point towards a contagious skin issue.
7. Watch whether your horse is scratching, rubbing, or resentful when you touch the affected area.
Common Causes
Rain scald is a common cause in winter. It’s often linked to prolonged wet weather, a damp coat, and skin that becomes irritated and scabby.
Rug rubs, friction from tack, or repeated wetting and drying can also leave the skin flaky and patchy.
Less commonly, fungal or bacterial skin problems, lice, or other parasitic irritation can cause crusting, hair loss, and discomfort.
Sometimes a simple skin sensitivity or reaction to grooming products, detergents, or rug materials can play a part too.
What To Do
Keep the area as dry as you realistically can, especially after turnout in wet conditions. If the coat is damp, allow it to dry fully rather than trapping moisture under rugs.
Check rugs for fit, rubbing, and trapped dirt. A poor fit can make a skin problem much harder to settle.
Be gentle with grooming. Pick off loose scabs only if they come away easily, and avoid picking at sore or stuck areas.
Use clean kit and avoid sharing grooming items if there’s any chance the issue could be infectious.
Keep a simple note of where the lesions are, whether they’re spreading, and whether the skin is improving with drier management. That makes it easier to spot patterns and helps your vet if you need one.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the crusting is spreading, the skin is clearly sore, there’s oozing or swelling, or your horse seems unwell or uncomfortable. It’s also worth getting advice if the problem keeps returning, isn’t improving with basic care, or you’re not sure whether it’s rain scald or something else.
Products That May Help
If your horse’s coat and skin are getting dirty, greasy or uncomfortable in winter, a gentle wash routine may help support day-to-day coat care without overhandling the skin.
Related Questions
Is rain scald contagious between horses?
Can you ride a horse with rain scald?
What’s the difference between rain scald and mud fever?
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.