Why does my horse keep stamping more at dusk and dawn? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse stamps more at dusk and dawn, the most common reason is fly or midge irritation. These insects are often more active in low light and still air, so stamping can be your horse’s way of trying to shake them off or avoid bites.

It can also happen if there’s something irritating the skin, legs, belly or ears, so it’s worth checking the pattern and looking for any visible signs of soreness or swelling.

Things To Check

1. Note whether the stamping happens mainly at turnout, in the stable, after grooming, or during feeding times.

2. Look closely at the legs, belly, ears, face and mane for bites, redness, scabs, raised bumps or broken skin.

3. Check whether the horse is also tail swishing, rubbing, head tossing or trying to bite at certain areas.

4. See if the stamping is worse near water, long grass, hedges, muck heaps or other places where flies gather.

5. Look for signs of heat, swelling, discharge or lameness that might suggest the issue is more than simple irritation.

6. Think about whether a rug, boots, girth, bedding or grooming kit could be rubbing or trapping insects against the skin.

7. Check whether the pattern changes on windy days, cooler days or after dusk and dawn fly activity drops off.

Common Causes

Fly bites and midge irritation are the most common causes, especially around dawn and dusk when insects are active and horses are less able to avoid them.

Some horses are simply more sensitive to insect bites and may stamp, swish or rub more than others.

Skin irritation from mud, sweat, tack, grooming or a dirty coat can also make the legs or belly feel itchy, which may look similar to fly irritation.

Less commonly, ongoing stamping can be linked to pain or discomfort in the feet or legs, so it’s worth checking for other clues rather than assuming it’s always insects.

What To Do

Try to spot the pattern first. If stamping is mainly happening at dawn and dusk, insects are a likely trigger and your horse may need more protection at those times.

Keep the coat and itchy areas as clean and comfortable as you can, and remove mud, sweat or debris that may be adding to the irritation.

Where practical, reduce fly exposure by changing turnout times, using shelters, improving stable and field hygiene, and avoiding areas where insects build up.

Keep a short note of when it happens, what the weather was like, and whether there were other signs such as swishing, rubbing or visible bites. That can help you judge whether it’s settling or getting worse.

Products That May Help

If your horse’s stamping seems linked to fly activity, this collection may be useful as part of your summer management routine, alongside sensible stable and turnout adjustments.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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