Why is my horse showing signs of ear irritation after being out in the field?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is rubbing, head shaking or holding its ears differently after being out in the field, the most common reasons are fly irritation, dust, pollen, mud, or a small scratch or bite around the ear. It’s usually worth checking the ear and the surrounding skin closely, because a few different things can look very similar at first.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the signs start after turnout, during windy weather, or when flies are worse.

2. Look for redness, swelling, broken skin, scabs, discharge or heat around the ear.

3. Notice whether your horse is shaking its head, rubbing the ear, or resisting touch on one side more than the other.

4. See if there are signs of mud, seeds, grass awns or debris caught around the ear or in the surrounding coat.

5. Check for other signs of irritation such as stamping, tail swishing, face rubbing or general restlessness in the field.

6. Compare both ears. A problem on one side can sometimes point to a local scratch, bite or trapped debris.

7. Note whether the ear looks painful when touched, or whether your horse is fine once back indoors.

Common Causes

Fly irritation is one of the most common causes, especially in warmer weather or where flies are active around the head and ears.

Dust, pollen and dried mud can also irritate the delicate skin around the ear, particularly after grazing in open, windy fields.

Small scratches, bites or rubbing against fences, hedges or headcollars may leave the ear sore or crusty.

Less commonly, there may be ear mites, skin infection, or another ear problem that needs a vet to assess.

What To Do

Start by gently looking over the ear and nearby skin in good light. If you can do so safely, remove any loose dirt or debris from the outside of the ear without going deep inside.

Keep a note of when the irritation happens and whether it’s linked to turnout, weather, or fly activity. That can help you spot a pattern.

If the field is very dusty, muddy or full of flies, it may help to adjust turnout times, improve field management where possible, and keep an eye on whether the signs settle once the environment changes.

Avoid poking inside the ear or using anything harsh on sore skin. If the ear looks painful, swollen, smelly or full of discharge, it’s better to get it checked.

Products That May Help

If fly activity seems to be part of the problem, a summer care routine may be useful as part of your day-to-day management around turnout and grooming.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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