Why does my horse have crusts or sores at the ear base?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Crusts or sores at the base of a horse's ear are often linked to rubbing, fly irritation, skin sensitivity or minor scratches. It can look worrying, but there are several possible causes and many are straightforward to manage once you've worked out what seems to trigger it.

Things To Check

1. Check when you first noticed it and whether it's worse after turnout, grooming, riding or fly season.

2. Look for redness, heat, swelling, scabs, hair loss, discharge or broken skin at the ear base and around the ear itself.

3. Notice whether your horse is rubbing the area on fences, stable doors, rugs or their own leg.

4. Check for flies, midges or signs of insect irritation, especially in warmer weather or near water.

5. Think about any recent changes to tack, headcollars, headcollar fit, grooming products or fly protection.

6. See whether both ears are affected or just one, as that can sometimes give a clue about rubbing or local irritation.

7. Make a note of any sensitivity when you touch the area or when the ear is moved.

8. Check for any foul smell, discharge or crusting that keeps coming back after gentle cleaning.

Common Causes

The most common reasons are rubbing from headcollars, tack or grooming, plus irritation from flies and midges. Horses can also develop crusting from sweat, mud, dirt or sensitive skin that has become inflamed.

Less commonly, sores at the ear base can be linked to small cuts, pressure points, skin infections or mites. If the area keeps returning, it's worth looking at the environment, fly pressure and anything that may be rubbing the skin.

What To Do

Keep the area clean and dry, and use a gentle approach when grooming around the ears. If there is dirt or crusting, soften it rather than picking at it, as that can make the skin sore.

Check the fit of headcollars, bridles and any other equipment that may rub near the ear base. If flies seem to be part of the problem, reduce exposure as much as you reasonably can and keep a close eye on whether the irritation improves.

Monitor the area for a few days and note whether it is getting better, staying the same or becoming more inflamed. If it's a recurring problem, it may help to review turnout, stable hygiene and grooming routines as well as any recent changes in weather or insects.

Products That May Help

For horses with ear-base irritation linked to flies, rubbing or summer discomfort, a fly-season routine may be useful as part of day-to-day management.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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