Brushing in horses refers to the action of one leg striking another during movement — specifically, the inside of a moving limb making contact with the opposite leg. It most commonly occurs at the trot or canter, when a horse’s legs pass close together in motion. The result is typically an abrasion, hair loss, or a more serious wound on the inner surface of the leg, usually at or just below the fetlock joint. Brushing horse injuries range from superficial marks to open cuts that require veterinary attention, and persistent brushing warrants investigation into both conformation and management.
Why Horses Brush Their Legs
Several factors can predispose a horse to brushing:
Conformation — horses with close-set limbs, a base-narrow stance, or a tendency to move with their feet tracking wide behind and narrow in front are more likely to brush. Poor foot balance, flared hooves, or long toes that cause the foot to rotate outward during the swing phase can also bring the limbs closer together than ideal.
Fatigue — a tired horse loses the muscular control and coordination needed to maintain clean movement. Brushing that appears late in a training session or at the end of a competition often has fatigue as a significant component. This is common in young horses or horses being worked beyond their current fitness level.
Poor balance and self-carriage — a horse that is unbalanced, crooked, or consistently falling onto the forehand is more likely to brush, as the hindquarters may not be tracking straight behind the front legs.
Heavy or deep going — working in thick mud, deep arena surfaces, or heavy going slows the swing of the front leg while the hind leg continues its forward arc, increasing the risk of interference between the two.
Shoeing and trimming — overlarge shoes, shoes with prominent inner edges, or feet left too long between farrier visits can all contribute to brushing by altering how cleanly the foot travels through its arc.
Identifying Brushing Injuries
The classic signs of brushing in a horse are patches of hair loss or abraded skin on the inner aspect of the cannon bone, fetlock, or pastern. In mild cases, only the hair is disturbed. In more significant brushing, the skin is broken and there is a visible wound that may bleed or weep. Repeated brushing in the same spot can lead to thickening of the skin and scar tissue over time.
After any ridden work, run your hand down the inside of each leg to check for heat, swelling, or loss of hair. Catching early signs of brushing allows protective measures to be put in place before a wound develops.
Protective Equipment for Brushing Horses
The most straightforward solution for a horse that brushes is to use appropriate leg protection during exercise. Brushing boots — padded boots that wrap around the cannon bone and fetlock — are designed specifically for this purpose. They are available in a wide range of materials and prices, from basic rubber-backed neoprene to high-end leather competition boots.
For horses that brush at the back, similar hind boots or fetlock boots provide protection to the inner hind fetlock, which is a common site for interference from the opposite hoof. A good farrier will also assess whether a specific shoe or trim change could reduce the problem at the source — sometimes a small modification makes a significant difference.
The British Horse Society recommends that all horses engaged in ridden exercise on varied terrain or in jumping work are assessed for their individual protection needs, including brushing risk.
Long-Term Management
Addressing the root cause is more effective than simply covering it up with boots. A systematic approach includes:
Working with a qualified farrier to assess and correct foot balance. Reviewing the horse’s training programme to ensure fitness is appropriate for the demands being placed on it. Engaging a physio or vet if the horse’s movement appears asymmetric or if brushing is coupled with other signs of discomfort. Adjusting the school surface or managing exposure to deep going where possible. For confirmed conformation-related brushing, permanent boot use during exercise is a reasonable long-term management strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between brushing and overreaching?
Brushing involves one leg striking the opposite limb on the same side — typically the inside of the cannon or fetlock. Overreaching is specifically when the hind hoof strikes the heel or back of the front foot. They are both forms of interference but involve different movement patterns. Overreaching tends to happen in horses with big, forward-reaching strides, while brushing is more associated with limb carriage and conformation. Bell boots address overreaching; brushing boots address brushing.
Can brushing cause lameness?
In mild cases, brushing produces superficial marks with no impact on soundness. However, if a wound becomes infected, or if repeated brushing causes significant damage to the skin, underlying structures, or joints in the lower limb, lameness can result. A wound close to the fetlock joint is particularly worth monitoring, as joint infections are serious and require prompt veterinary treatment. Any brushing wound that does not resolve quickly, shows signs of infection, or is associated with swelling or heat should be assessed by a vet.
Do brushing boots affect a horse’s performance?
Well-fitted brushing boots have a negligible effect on performance for most horses. Modern lightweight boots are designed to be non-restrictive and breathable. Some competition rules restrict or regulate the type of boot that can be worn — in FEI dressage, for example, boots must be removed during the test — so always check the rulebook for your discipline before competing. For everyday exercise and training, brushing boots are a sensible precaution for any horse prone to leg interference.