Horse Hair Loss

Is your horse struggling with horse hair loss? Hair loss on horses can appear in many different ways on many different areas of the body. How your horse’s hair loss presents itself determines how the hair loss can be treated. This article briefly touches on the following types of horse hair loss:

Loss of hair through areas of missing mane
Hair Loss on a horse’s tail
Hair missing underneath where the saddle, girth, or blanket sit
Bald patches on horse’s coat
Horse developing scabs that, when they fall off, remove hair
General Horse hair loss

Loss of hair – areas of missing mane

Horses frequently rub out chunks of their mane on fences by reaching through non-solid fences to graze on grass growing outside the fence. If your horse’s hair loss is along the middle on the neck, it’s a good chance the horse has accidentally rubbed out their mane. To prevent future rubbing, get a more solid fence, mow grass within reach outside the fence, or run electric tape fencing just inside the fence to keep the horse away from the fence.

Hair Loss on a horse’s tail

Hair Loss on horse’s tails is caused when the horse itches and rub their tail on a rough surface. Tail rubbing has many causes, see our article on Tail Hair Loss for more information about this type of hair loss in horses.

Hair missing underneath where the saddle, girth, or blanket sit

Hair missing underneath areas where tack, blankets, or even halters sit is often a sign of poor fit, and a sign that sores may develop soon. Hair loss under the saddle is an especially strong red flag indicating poor saddle fit- which can lead to a horse bucking and other serious behavioral problems. Always check your tack for worn padding and abrasive surfaces that might rub out horse hair.

Bald patches on horse’s coat

It’s normal for some horses to unattractively "molt" during spring shedding, but a thin layer of summer coat should appear underneath. If your horse has truly bald spots, however, you’ll want to investigate as this might be a sign of a traumatic event – such as being cast in a stall or hauled in a too-small-trailer stall. Small bald spots frequently appear on horses in group turnout- many times a kick from a pasture mate will scrape off the horse’s hair, but not break skin. These type of bald spots grow back frequently. If the bald spot of hair loss on your horse is damp, oozy, or appears infected you should call your vet.

Horse developing scabs that, when they fall off, remove hair

Rainrot is a fungus that can appear on horses. It is characterized by chunky scabs that, when picked, leave patches of hair loss on the horse. Rainrot should be gently removed, cleaned, and treated with MTG.

General Horse hair loss.

Just as with humans, hair loss in horses can be caused by an almost infinite variety of more unusual causes. If these types of hair loss do not explain or remedy your horses hairloss, you cay want to consult your vet to determine whether the hair loss might be a symptom of a medical illness.

One of the best topical sprays for horse manes, tails, and skin is called Muck Itch. Muck Itch was designed for horses who have rubbed their mane on fences and posts due to fungal or skin irritations, but the main ingredients, will reduce routine irritation and itching from many environmental factors.