Why is my horse biting at its sides?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is biting at its sides, it’s usually trying to tell you something is irritating or itching the skin. Common causes include flies and midges, sweat or dirt after exercise, a rub from tack or rugs, or a skin problem such as mild allergy or dermatitis. In some cases, the behaviour is just one part of a wider discomfort issue, so it’s worth checking carefully rather than guessing.

Things To Check

1. Check whether it happens more after turnout, in the evening, after exercise, or when rugs or tack have been on.

2. Look closely for redness, scabs, broken skin, damp patches, swelling or areas that seem warmer than usual.

3. Run your hands over the sides to feel for rubbed spots, crusting, soreness or a reaction to pressure.

4. Check the rug, saddle, girth and any straps for rubbing, twisting, trapped dirt or hair loss in the contact areas.

5. Notice whether flies, midges or other insects seem to be bothering your horse at the same time.

6. Think about any recent changes in turnout, bedding, feed, washing routine, grooming products or weather.

7. Watch for other signs such as stamping, tail swishing, restlessness, head rubbing or repeated nibbling at the skin.

Common Causes

The most common reason is simple irritation from flies or midges, especially in warmer weather or around dawn and dusk. Sweat, mud, dust and grooming residue can also make the skin feel itchy.

Rubbing from rugs, tack or a dirty girth area is another frequent cause, particularly if the behaviour starts after work or turnout.

Some horses develop sensitive skin, mild allergic reactions or seasonal itching that makes them bite at their sides more often. Less commonly, there may be a skin infection, parasites or another underlying discomfort that needs veterinary advice.

What To Do

Start by checking the skin and the areas where rugs or tack sit. If the skin looks mildly dirty or sweaty, keep the area clean and dry, and make sure grooming is gentle enough not to irritate it further.

Review turnout times and the horse’s environment. If biting seems worse when insects are active, practical fly management may help reduce the irritation. If a rug, saddle or girth looks like it’s rubbing, stop using it until you can assess the fit and condition properly.

Keep a simple note of when the behaviour happens and what you find on the skin. That makes it easier to spot patterns and decide whether it’s improving or getting worse.

If the horse is comfortable otherwise, mild cases often settle once the trigger is removed. If the biting continues, becomes more frequent, or the skin starts looking sore, it’s sensible to get it checked.

Products That May Help

If the biting seems linked to flies or summer irritation, a practical fly-season routine may help support day-to-day management alongside good stable and turnout habits.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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