Missing winter coat, looks shaved but can't be?! Help?

[Kirwil]

Hello, I don't suppose anyone might know a reason for a pony losing its winter coat in two patches? It's a strip on each side of his neck, they look like someone has run clippers down, about 2 inches wide and about 8 inches long. The rest of him is very hairy, welsh A not rugged up and not in work. My mum has seen him and our other pony biting each other when they play but these patches aren't tender and there's no swelling or broken skin and its completely uniform, like summer coat. I'd imagine if it had been from a bad bite it would look tufty? It doesn't bother him at all and it's been like it for a week. There was never bare skin.

 

[be positive]

Is he putting his head through the fence somewhere to get to grass and rubbing it in the process, small ponies are very clever at finding a way to get some extra food, it could be a very tight gap he has found.

 

[ScratchyMooMoo]

It's probably from your reins rubbing! Either that or rug rubs, My horse gets little worn patches this time of year, especially now his winter coat has stopped growing

 

[Kirwil]

He's not rugged or in work so can't be those. I'll have to spy on him in the paddock! They are very symmetrical.

 

[ScratchyMooMoo]

I think spying maybe needed then! Probably rubbing on something, maybe trees or fencing if he's itchy

 

[Apercrumbie]

Does he have company in the field? Because my shetland gets a similar thing either side of his withers and after watching him and his fieldmates carefully, it's because they are grooming him a bit too enthusiastically! Unfortunately he is perfect height for the other horses, they literally just stand there munching on his mane and grooming his withers. Failing that, he rubs the area himself.

 

[Kirwil]

Ahhh okay. Maybe! They spent loads of time grooming each other when they're not biting each other on the bum.

 

[whisp&willow]

sounds like lice to me. many of the natives i know at this time of year get the same, and its down to lice.

xx

 

[Kat]

Could be rubs, mine has a big patch on her neck that looks like it has been trimmed where she leans over the stable door.

 

[NOISYGIRL]

Could you post a picure of it ?