Why does my horse rub its nose during fly season? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is rubbing its nose during fly season, the most common reason is simple irritation. Flies, midges, dust, sweat, pollen or a small foreign body in the nostril can all make a horse rub, toss its head or seem generally uncomfortable.

It doesn’t always mean there’s a serious problem, but it is worth checking for anything obvious and watching for patterns, especially if it happens after turnout, exercise or grooming.

Things To Check

1. Note when the rubbing happens most often, such as during turnout, at dusk, after exercise or when flies are worst.

2. Look for redness, swelling, broken skin, scabs, discharge or any sign the area is sore.

3. Check whether there are flies, midges or other insects around the face, ears and muzzle.

4. See if dust, pollen, bedding or hay is making the problem worse, especially in the stable or when grooming.

5. Look at the nose and nearby skin for a foreign body, such as a blade of grass, seed head or dirt.

6. Notice whether the horse is also head shaking, sneezing, stamping, blinking more than usual or rubbing other areas.

7. Check whether any recent tack, nosebands, fly gear or grooming changes could be causing rubbing or friction.

Common Causes

Fly and midge irritation is one of the most common reasons in summer. Some horses are simply more sensitive than others, especially around the muzzle and nostrils.

Dust, pollen and other airborne irritants can also make the nose feel itchy or uncomfortable, particularly in dry weather or when bedding is dusty.

Minor skin irritation from rubbing, sweat or tack can be another possibility, especially if the skin looks a bit raw or tender.

Less commonly, a small foreign body in the nostril or a nasal irritation that doesn’t settle may be involved. If the behaviour continues, worsens or comes with other symptoms, it’s worth getting it checked.

What To Do

Start by keeping a brief note of when it happens and what the horse was doing beforehand. That can help you spot whether it’s linked to flies, turnout, exercise or stable time.

Keep the face area clean and dry, and check regularly for any visible irritation or debris. If the weather is dusty, try to reduce obvious triggers where you can, such as dusty hay, bedding or grooming products that seem to bother the horse.

In fly season, sensible fly management around turnout and stable routines may help reduce the irritation your horse is feeling. If the rubbing is frequent, persistent or the skin starts to look sore, arrange a veterinary check.

Products That May Help

During fly season, having the right routine for summer irritation can make day-to-day management easier for both horse and owner.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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