Why does my horse rub its withers on fences or posts?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is rubbing its withers on fences or posts, it’s often a sign of itchiness or irritation rather than bad behaviour. In fly season, sweet itch is a common reason, but rubbing can also happen with skin irritation, sweat, tack friction, or a reaction to grooming or insects. It’s worth checking the area carefully so you can work out what’s most likely.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the rubbing happens more after turnout, in the evening, or when flies are worse.

2. Look closely at the withers for redness, broken hair, scabs, bumps, damp skin, heat or swelling.

3. Check whether the mane, poll, tail or belly are also itchy, as that can fit a fly-related pattern.

4. Think about whether a rug, saddle, grooming brush or neck strap has been rubbing the same area.

5. Notice whether the horse is stamping, tail swishing, head shaking or generally trying to avoid flies.

6. Check the stable, field edges and gate posts for obvious biting insects, mud, sweat or dirty surfaces the horse may be rubbing against.

7. See if the skin is worse after exercise, clipping, washing or a change in turnout routine.

Common Causes

One of the most common causes in fly season is sweet itch, which can make horses intensely itchy, especially along the mane, tail and wither area. Fly bites and general insect irritation can also lead to rubbing, even before the skin looks obviously sore.

Other common causes include friction from tack, rugs or grooming, particularly if the area is wet, sweaty or sensitive. Less commonly, skin allergies, sores or another skin condition may be involved, so it’s best not to assume it’s only flies if the rubbing keeps happening.

What To Do

Start by checking the skin and the horse’s routine patterns, then note when the rubbing is happening and what seems to make it worse. If possible, reduce exposure to flies, keep the wither area clean and dry, and review anything that may be rubbing, such as tack or rugs.

It can help to keep a simple record of when the problem appears, especially if it changes with turnout times, weather or grooming. If the skin is getting more sore, the horse is losing hair, or the rubbing is becoming more frequent, it’s sensible to speak to your vet for advice.

Products That May Help

For horses that seem more bothered by flies or seasonal irritation, this collection may be useful as part of your day-to-day summer management.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

Item added to your cart