Why does my horse have scabs around its ears in summer?
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Overview
Scabs around the ears in summer are often linked to fly and midge irritation, especially if your horse is rubbing, shaking its head or scratching after turnout. They can also be caused by small skin breaks, sensitivity, or skin that’s been damaged by repeated rubbing. You usually can’t tell the exact cause from scabs alone, so it helps to check the whole ear and the surrounding skin carefully.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the scabs appear after turnout, especially in the evening when flies and midges are often worse.
2. Look for rubbing, head shaking, ear flicking or standing with the ears pinned back more than usual.
3. Inspect both ears and the skin around the base of the ears for redness, broken skin, swelling, heat or discharge.
4. Check whether the horse is itchy in other places too, such as the mane, tail, face or belly.
5. Look at the ears for signs of small bites, crusts, dandruff-like flakes or matted hair.
6. Think about recent changes such as new turnout, long grass, more flies, different grooming products or a change in headcollar or ear covering.
7. Check whether the horse has been wearing a fly mask, ear bonnet or headcollar that could be rubbing the area.
8. Note whether the scabs are getting bigger, wetter or more uncomfortable over a few days.
Common Causes
The most common cause in summer is fly or midge irritation. Horses can react to bites or to repeated annoyance, and the skin around the ears is easy to rub and damage.
Rubbing against fences, stable doors, rugs or tack can also create scabs, especially if the horse is trying to get relief from insects or itchiness.
Sometimes the skin is simply irritated by sweat, dirt, grooming friction or a poorly fitting fly mask, bonnet or headcollar.
Less commonly, scabs can be part of a skin sensitivity issue or another skin problem that needs a closer look, particularly if the area keeps recurring or spreads.
What To Do
Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid picking scabs off, as that can make the skin more sore and slow healing.
Check turnout and stable routines to see whether the irritation is worse at certain times of day or in certain places where flies are heavier.
If a fly mask, bonnet or headcollar seems to rub, stop using it for a few days and see whether the skin settles.
Try to reduce exposure to flies and midges as part of your normal summer routine, and keep an eye on whether the horse is less bothered when insect pressure is lower.
If the scabs are mild, monitor them closely for a few days and note any change in size, number or discomfort.
When To Contact A Vet
Speak to your vet if the area becomes swollen, very sore, hot or starts to ooze, or if the horse seems unusually head shy or distressed when you touch the ears. It’s also sensible to get advice if the scabs keep coming back, spread beyond the ears, or don’t improve with simple management.
Products That May Help
If flies and midges seem to be part of the problem, a summer care routine can be useful for managing day-to-day comfort alongside checking for rubbing or skin irritation.
Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care
Related Questions
Why is my horse rubbing its ears in summer?
Can flies cause scabs on a horse’s face and ears?
When should I worry about scabs on my horse’s skin?
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.