Why is my horse restless and unable to settle in the field during summer?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is restless in the field during summer, flies and midges are one of the most common reasons, especially if sweet itch is involved. Horses can pace, stamp, tail swish, rub, or seem unable to settle when insects are bothering them. There can be other causes too, so it’s worth checking a few practical things before assuming it’s one issue.

Things To Check

1. Note when the restlessness starts, such as at dawn, dusk, after turnout, or on warmer, still days.

2. Look for rubbing, stamping, tail swishing, head shaking, or repeated movement that suggests irritation.

3. Check the mane, tail head, belly, face and ears for broken hair, scabs, redness, or skin damage from scratching.

4. See whether the field has a known fly problem, standing water, long grass, or sheltered areas where insects gather.

5. Check whether your horse settles better indoors, in a breezy area, or with a different turnout routine.

6. Look at whether the issue is worse after exercise, grooming, washing, or applying anything new to the coat.

7. Watch for any signs that go beyond irritation, such as reduced appetite, dullness, heat, swelling, or obvious pain.

Common Causes

Fly and midge irritation is the most common cause in summer. Horses can become very unsettled when biting insects are active, especially near dusk or in still weather.

Sweet itch is another common cause. Horses with this problem often react strongly to insect bites and may rub their mane, tail and belly until the skin becomes sore.

Sometimes the issue is simple general irritation from coat changes, sweat, mud, grooming, or something on the skin that’s making them uncomfortable.

Less commonly, restlessness can be linked to pain, digestive discomfort, lameness, or another health problem, especially if your horse is not just itchy but also seems unwell.

What To Do

Start by noting patterns. A clear diary of when the behaviour happens and what the weather is doing can help you spot fly-related triggers.

Try to reduce exposure where you can. Moving turnout times, choosing a breezier area, or bringing your horse in at peak midge times may help some horses settle more easily.

Keep the skin and coat as comfortable as possible. Check for sore areas, avoid rough grooming on irritated skin, and keep an eye on any rubbing or damage that could worsen if it’s left alone.

If the issue seems seasonal and clearly insect-related, focus on consistent summer management rather than changing several things at once. That makes it easier to see what’s actually helping.

If your horse’s restlessness is new, severe, or comes with other signs of illness, it’s sensible to ask your vet for advice.

Products That May Help

If your horse is struggling with summer irritation, a fly-season routine can be useful as part of day-to-day management, especially when you’re trying to reduce the amount of biting insects around them and keep care consistent.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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