What should I check if my horse is stamping and kicking at flies?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is stamping and kicking at flies, the first things to check are whether it’s simple fly irritation, signs of rubbing or skin sensitivity, or a pattern that suggests sweet itch is being triggered. It’s often related to fly pressure, but there can be several causes, so a calm check of the skin, coat and environment is the best place to start.

Things To Check

1. Check when it’s happening. Is it worse at turnout, near dusk and dawn, after exercise, or in a particular field?

2. Look closely at the mane, tail base, ears, belly and lower legs for rubbing, scabs, broken hair, redness or sore patches.

3. Feel for heat, swelling or sore areas where flies may be biting repeatedly.

4. Check whether the horse is sweating more than usual, as damp skin can make flies and irritation feel worse.

5. Look at the field and stable for fly pressure, standing water, muck, old bedding or anything that may be attracting insects.

6. Check tack, rugs and grooming routines in case something is rubbing and making the skin more sensitive.

7. Watch for other signs such as head shaking, tail swishing, restlessness or constant scratching, which can suggest the irritation is more than a one-off nuisance.

Common Causes

The most common reason is plain fly irritation, especially in warm weather or where fly numbers are high. Many horses stamp or kick simply because they’re trying to move flies off their legs and belly.

Sweet itch is another common possibility, particularly if the horse is also rubbing the mane, tail or base of the ears. This can make the skin more reactive during fly season.

Skin sensitivity, minor rubbing from rugs or tack, and sweat-related irritation can also make a horse more bothered by flies than usual.

Less commonly, ongoing stamping can be linked with skin damage, bites that are becoming sore, or another discomfort that’s making the horse more reactive overall.

What To Do

Start by noting when the behaviour happens and which areas seem most affected. That pattern often helps you work out whether it’s mainly a fly problem, a rubbing issue or something seasonal.

Keep the skin as clean and dry as practical, and remove anything that may be rubbing. If the horse is sweating, offer time to dry off and check whether the irritation settles afterwards.

Reduce fly pressure where you can by managing turnout times, stable hygiene and muck removal. If the horse seems particularly bothered in one field or one part of the yard, that’s useful information to act on.

Keep a close eye on any scabs, hair loss or sore patches. If the irritation is spreading, the horse is becoming more distressed, or the behaviour is continuing despite sensible seasonal management, it’s worth getting veterinary advice.

Products That May Help

If fly season is making your horse uncomfortable, this collection may help support your day-to-day management routine alongside good skin checks and yard care.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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