What should I check if my horse keeps scratching its ears on fences? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your horse keeps scratching its ears on fences, the first things to check are dirt, irritation, flies, and anything else making the ears uncomfortable. It’s often something fairly simple, but there can be more than one cause, so a careful look is worthwhile.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the rubbing happens after turnout, after grooming, after exercise, or at a particular time of day.
2. Look closely at both ears for redness, swelling, scabs, broken skin, discharge, heat, or a bad smell.
3. Check for mud, sweat, dust, bedding, or loose hair around the ear base and inside the outer ear.
4. See whether flies, midges, or other insects seem to be bothering your horse, especially in warm weather or near water.
5. Notice whether your horse is also head shaking, stamping, pinning its ears, or rubbing its face and neck.
6. Check the bridle, headcollar, and grooming routine to see whether anything may be rubbing or irritating the area.
7. If you can do so safely, compare both ears and note whether one side is worse than the other.
Common Causes
The most common causes are dirt, sweat, dust, or mild skin irritation around the ears. Flies and midges can also make horses scratch or rub their ears, especially in summer.
Less commonly, there may be skin sensitivity, a small wound, an insect bite, or an ear problem such as wax, discharge, or inflammation. If the rubbing is persistent, one-sided, or getting worse, it’s worth looking more closely.
What To Do
Start by cleaning the area gently if it looks dirty, using a routine that suits your horse and doesn’t irritate the skin further. Keep an eye on whether the rubbing settles once the ears are cleaner and the environment is changed.
Make sure turnout, grooming, tack, and headcollars aren’t contributing to the problem. If flies seem involved, try to reduce exposure as part of your normal summer management. It can also help to keep a brief note of when the rubbing happens and what you notice on the day.
Products That May Help
If flies or summer irritation seem to be part of the problem, a seasonal management routine may be useful alongside your normal care.
Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care
Related Questions
Why does my horse rub its ears on fences in summer?
How do I tell if my horse’s ears are just dirty or actually irritated?
Can flies make a horse shake its head and scratch its ears?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.