What should I do if my horse’s ears look sunburnt?
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Overview
If your horse’s ears look sunburnt, the first step is to move them out of strong sun and check how sore the skin looks. Mild sunburn often causes pinkness, warmth or tenderness, but similar-looking changes can also come from rubbing, flies, photosensitisation or other skin irritation.
If the skin is only mildly red, you can usually start with sensible home care and close monitoring. If there’s swelling, cracking, discharge or your horse seems uncomfortable, it’s worth getting veterinary advice.
Things To Check
1. See whether the ears look pink, red, dry, crusty or scabby, and compare both sides if you can.
2. Check if the skin feels warm, sore or rough to the touch.
3. Look for signs of rubbing from headcollars, fly masks, bridles or grooming.
4. Note whether it appears after turnout, especially in bright sun or at times when flies are worse.
5. Check for broken skin, discharge, swelling or small sores around the ear edges and tips.
6. Think about whether your horse has had similar skin sensitivity elsewhere, such as the nose or white markings.
7. Watch for changes in behaviour such as head-shy reactions, ear flicking or sensitivity when touched.
Common Causes
The most common cause is straightforward sun exposure, especially on horses with pale or thinly haired ear skin.
Rubbing from tack, headcollars or fly gear can also make the ears look sore or burnt.
Fly irritation can lead to stamping, head shaking and repeated scratching, which may leave the skin red and irritated.
Less commonly, the skin reaction may be linked to photosensitisation, an allergic-type reaction or another skin problem that needs a proper examination.
What To Do
Bring your horse into shade or stable them out of direct sun if that’s practical.
Check and adjust anything that may be rubbing, including headcollars, ear covers or fly equipment.
Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid scrubbing or picking at any flaky skin or scabs.
Use your own observations to monitor whether the redness is settling, staying the same or getting worse over the next day or two.
If your horse is prone to sun-sensitive skin, speak to your vet or an experienced equine professional about the best ongoing management for your setup.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the ears are very swollen, blistered, cracked or weeping, if your horse seems painful, or if the problem is spreading rather than settling. It’s also sensible to get advice if the redness keeps coming back, if you suspect photosensitisation, or if your horse seems unwell as well as having skin changes.
Products That May Help
If your horse is spending more time in strong sun or dealing with summer irritation, this collection may be useful as part of a sensible seasonal routine.
Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care
Related Questions
Can a horse get sunburn on the nose as well as the ears?
How can I tell if ear redness is from sunburn or fly irritation?
When should I ask a vet about skin changes on my horse?
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.