What should I check if my horse keeps rubbing its ears on fences or posts?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse keeps rubbing its ears on fences or posts, the most common reasons are irritation, flies, dirt or wax in the ear, or something making the ear area feel sore or itchy. It’s worth checking the ears and the rest of the head carefully, because rubbing is usually a sign that something is bothering them rather than a habit on its own.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the rubbing happens after turnout, grooming, riding, or when flies are active.

2. Look closely at both ears for redness, swelling, cuts, scabs, discharge, a bad smell or any heat.

3. See whether there is wax build-up, dirt, loose hair or signs of irritation around the ear opening and base.

4. Check for flies, midges or other insects bothering the head, especially if the weather is warm or still.

5. Think about recent tack or headcollar use and check whether anything is rubbing the ear base or poll.

6. Notice whether the horse also shakes its head, tilts its head, resists being touched near the ears, or seems itchy elsewhere.

7. Check the stable, turnout area and fence lines for sharp edges, loose nails or anything the horse could be catching the ears on.

Common Causes

One of the most common causes is fly or midge irritation, especially in warmer months. General itchiness from dirt, sweat, wax build-up or skin sensitivity can also lead to rubbing. Sometimes the issue is mechanical, such as a headcollar, bridle or rug piece sitting awkwardly near the ears.

Less commonly, there may be ear soreness from a small wound, skin infection, ear mite irritation or another problem inside the ear that you can’t see easily. If the behaviour is persistent or the ears look abnormal, it’s sensible to get it checked.

What To Do

Start by checking the ears gently and keeping a note of when the rubbing happens. If there’s visible dirt or wax around the outside of the ear, clean only the areas you can safely reach without going deep into the ear canal. Keep the horse’s turnout, grooming and tack routine under review so you can spot any pattern.

If flies seem to be part of the problem, try to reduce exposure during the worst times of day and keep the head and ear area as comfortable as possible. Make sure fencing, posts and stable fittings are safe and not rough enough to cause further rubbing or rubbing-related injury.

Products That May Help

If flies seem to be contributing, a summer care routine may help support day-to-day management and make your horse more comfortable during turnout and grooming.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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