When it comes to skincare, we often think about what we apply — shampoos, sprays, and salves. But under the surface, there’s an invisible world that plays a massive role in your horse’s skin health: the microbiome. This community of microscopic organisms forms the skin’s first line of defense, and supporting it can make the difference between a horse that thrives and one that’s constantly battling skin issues.
So, what exactly is the equine skin microbiome, and why should we care? Let’s dig in.
What Is the Equine Skin Microbiome?
The skin microbiome is a living ecosystem made up of bacteria, fungi, yeast, and other microorganisms that reside on the skin’s surface. In horses, just like in humans, this microbiome acts as a critical layer of protection. It helps regulate inflammation, keeps harmful pathogens in check, and even aids in wound healing.
What’s fascinating is that a horse’s skin microbiome is unique — both to the individual horse and to specific parts of its body. The microbial makeup on the cannon bone may look different than that of the belly or under the tail. These microbes aren’t just passive hitchhikers — they actively communicate with the immune system and play a role in maintaining homeostasis.
What Disrupts the Equine Microbiome?
Many common practices — even those done with good intentions — can throw the skin microbiome off balance:
- Harsh grooming products - Soaps or shampoos containing sulfates, synthetic preservatives, or antibacterial agents can strip the skin of both harmful and beneficial microbes.
- Over-bathing- Frequent washing, especially with a high-pH or detergent heavy product, alters the skin's natural acidity, which is vital to a healthy microbial environment.
- Environmental factors- Excessive blanketing, lack of air circulation, mud exposure, or a humid barn environment can lead to microbial imbalances.
- Topical medications and antibiotics- These may clear up short-term infections, but can disrupt the longer-term microbial balance, making the skin more susceptible to re-infection.
- Nutrition-related causes- A horse's gut and skin are closely connected. Imbalances in the digestive microbiome can affect the skin's ability to stay resilient and hydrated.
Signs of a Microbiome in Distress
Many common skin issues in horses may actually be signs of an imbalanced skin microbiome:
- Recurring rain rot or pastern dermatitis
- Persistent itchiness or scabbing
- Dull or flaky coat despite a good diet
- Slow-healing scrapes or scabs
In these cases, it’s worth asking: are we addressing the symptom, or the deeper imbalance?
Supporting the Skin Microbiome Naturally
The good news is that with a few changes, we can nurture the skin microbiome instead of disrupting it.
- Gentle, pH-balanced grooming products are a must. Avoid anything that aggressively foams or contains artificial dyes and fragrances.
- Natural antimicrobials such as witch hazel, myrrh, and cedarwood essential oil have been shown to inhibit harmful bacteria and fungi while being gentler on the skin’s beneficial flora.
- Oils like jojoba found in our Barrier Balm, closely mimic the horse’s natural sebum, helping to lock in moisture and protect the skin’s acid mantle.
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Multifunctional products that cleanse, soothe, and hydrate without stripping the skin help maintain a more stable microbial environment.
The Gut–Skin Connection: A Hidden Player
Here’s something many horse owners don’t realize: the skin microbiome and the gut microbiome are deeply intertwined. The gut microbiome—the community of microbes living in your horse’s digestive tract—plays a crucial role in skin health. These internal microbes help regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support nutrient absorption, all of which directly impact the skin’s microbial balance and barrier function. When the gut microbiome is disrupted, it can trigger systemic inflammation and nutrient deficiencies that manifest as skin problems like itchiness, infections, or a dull coat.
For example:
- Horses with poor gut function may struggle with seasonal skin issues like sweet itch or hives.
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A stressed or over-supplemented digestive system can lead to a skin barrier that's more easily breached by environmental microbes.
Adding prebiotics and probiotics to the diet, minimizing unnecessary antibiotics, and reducing unnecessary feed additives, can support the gut—and in turn, the skin. The immune system relies on this balance to react appropriately to both internal and external challenges. As always, it's best to consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist before introducing new supplements or making changes to your horse’s diet, especially when targeting gut health and its impact on the skin.
Building a Microbiome-Friendly Grooming Routine
- Less is more: You don’t need an army of products. Just choose a few multitasking, microbiome-friendly options that support natural healing.
- Avoid unnecessary scrubbing or washing unless absolutely needed. Spot clean when possible.
- Let horses be horses: Daily turnout, contact with soil, fresh air, and sunshine all promote microbial diversity and immune resilience.
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Be mindful of seasonal changes: Dry winter air or wet spring mud can influence microbial shifts. Adjust your care routine accordingly.
At the end of the day, it’s easy to get caught up in fixing what we can see — the scabs, the flakes, the patches. But beneath all of that is a thriving, complex community that needs as much care and attention as the coat itself. By supporting the microbiome, we’re not just treating problems — we’re helping prevent them in the first place.
Healthy skin doesn’t start with chemicals or cover-ups. It starts by working with the body’s natural systems, not against them. Check out some of our favorite multi-funtional grooming products that support the skin’s microbiome below.
