Why is there hair loss or rubbed patches around my horse’s ears?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Hair loss or rubbed patches around a horse’s ears are often caused by repeated rubbing, fly irritation, tack friction, or skin sensitivity. Sometimes it’s just local irritation, but it can also be linked to a skin issue or ear discomfort, so it’s worth checking carefully rather than assuming it will settle on its own.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the rubbing starts after turnout, grooming, riding, or being in the stable.

2. Look closely at the skin for redness, scabs, broken hair, swelling, discharge, or heat.

3. See if the horse is shaking its head, scratching at the ears, or reacting when the area is touched.

4. Check headcollars, bridles, browbands, fly masks, and any other equipment for rubbing points or poor fit.

5. Note whether the problem is worse in warm weather, when flies are active, or after sweating.

6. Check for signs of skin irritation elsewhere, especially around the face, mane, or neck.

7. Look for dirt, crusting, or debris around the ears that might be irritating the skin.

8. Keep an eye on whether the horse is just patchy and bare, or whether the skin itself looks sore or inflamed.

Common Causes

The most common cause is simple rubbing from tack, headcollars, or fly masks, especially if the fit is a bit off or the horse has been sweating. Fly irritation is also very common, particularly in summer when horses keep rubbing their ears and poll.

Skin sensitivity or mild dermatitis can cause the horse to scratch and rub until the hair breaks away. Less commonly, ear irritation inside the ear, mites, or another skin condition may be contributing, especially if the horse is head-shy, itchy, or uncomfortable.

What To Do

Start by checking and adjusting anything that sits near the ears, especially bridles, headcollars, and fly masks. Make sure they’re clean, well fitted, and not causing pressure or friction. If the skin looks sore, give the area a break from anything that may be rubbing while you monitor it.

Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid repeatedly picking at scabs or crusts. If flies seem to be part of the problem, focus on sensible fly management and consider whether the horse needs extra help during peak irritation times. It’s also useful to take a few photos so you can compare whether the patch is improving or getting worse.

If the hair loss keeps spreading, the skin becomes painful, or the horse seems very itchy, it’s sensible to get your vet’s advice.

Products That May Help

If flies or summer irritation seem to be making the problem worse, a summer care collection may help support your usual routine and make day-to-day management easier.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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