Why does my horse get crusty sores on its nose in summer?
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
Crusty sores on a horse's nose in summer are often linked to photosensitivity, where sunlight makes already-irritated skin react more badly. It can also be caused by flies, rubbing, pollen, or contact irritation, so it's worth checking the pattern rather than assuming one cause.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the crusting appears after sunny turnout or gets worse on bright days.
2. Look closely for redness, swelling, broken skin, scabs, discharge or heat around the nostrils and muzzle.
3. See if the horse is rubbing its nose on fences, rugs, feeders or stable fixtures.
4. Think about anything new in the field, such as plants, weeds, sprays or recent changes to grazing.
5. Check whether flies seem to be gathering on the face, especially near the nose and eyes.
6. Notice if the horse seems uncomfortable in sunlight or is seeking shade more than usual.
7. Check whether the area is only crusty, or whether there are deeper sores, bleeding or obvious pain.
Common Causes
Photosensitivity is one of the more common reasons, especially if the white or pink parts of the nose are affected and the problem is worse in strong sun.
Fly irritation or repeated rubbing can also leave the skin sore and crusted, particularly in warm weather.
Contact irritation from plants, topical products, bedding dust or field contaminants may cause similar changes.
Less commonly, crusting can be linked to infection or another skin condition that needs a vet to look at it properly.
What To Do
Try to keep a note of when the sores appear, how quickly they change and whether sun, turnout or flies seem to make them worse.
Limit sun exposure where you can, especially during the brightest part of the day, and use shade if it's available.
Keep the face area clean and dry with gentle routine care, and avoid scrubbing off crusts.
Check the field for anything that might irritate the muzzle, including rough grass stems, weeds or recent spraying.
If the horse is rubbing, try to work out what's triggering it rather than just assuming it's a simple seasonal nuisance.
Take a photo if the area changes over a few days. That can make it easier to spot a pattern and useful if you do need advice later.
When To Contact A Vet
Speak to your vet if the sores are spreading, becoming very sore, producing discharge, or not improving once the horse is out of direct sun. You should also get advice sooner if the muzzle is swollen, the horse seems unwell, or the skin looks badly damaged.
Products That May Help
If flies seem to be part of the problem, a seasonal management routine can be useful alongside shade and careful monitoring.
Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care
Related Questions
Could photosensitivity cause sores on a horse's white nose?
How can I tell if my horse's nose crusts are from flies or sunlight?
What should I do if my horse keeps rubbing its muzzle in summer?
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.