If the hair is coming out in clumps, the most likely problem is a condition called "rain rot" or "rain scald." It is caused by an organism called Dermatophilus congolensis. The hair will normally come out in clumps with either some dry or moist crusts present at the base of the hair. Treatment involves removing the loose hair by grooming if the mare doesn't object, bathing with a medicated shampoo (weather permitting), and trying to get the mare out into the sunshine as much as possible. If you do not see an improvement in a couple of weeks or if the condition worsens, your veterinarian should examine your mare to see if something else is the cause of the hair loss.

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