Why is my horse getting sunburn on its ears?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Sunburn on a horse's ears is often linked to thin skin, little natural hair coverage, and regular exposure to strong sunlight. It can also happen more easily if the skin is already irritated or extra sensitive. There may be several possible causes, so it's worth checking the area closely rather than assuming it's only sunburn.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the soreness is worse after turnout in bright sun or after long periods in the field.

2. Look closely at both ears for redness, peeling, scabs, crusting, swelling or broken skin.

3. Check whether the tips or edges of the ears are most affected, as these areas are often more exposed.

4. Notice whether your horse is also rubbing, head shaking or flinching when the ears are touched.

5. Think about whether anything has changed recently, such as grazing pattern, shelter, clipping, grooming products or fly irritation.

6. Check for signs of sensitivity elsewhere, including the muzzle, face or other pale or sparsely haired areas.

7. Make sure there isn't a wound, scrape or bite that could be making the ear look more like sunburn than it really is.

Common Causes

The most common cause is simple sun exposure on thin-skinned ears, especially in horses with pale skin or little hair over the tips and edges. Some horses are more sensitive to sunlight than others, so a small amount of exposure can still lead to irritation.

Fly irritation, rubbing or small skin injuries can also make the ears look sore and inflamed. In some cases, a horse may have photosensitivity, which means the skin reacts more strongly to sunlight because of an underlying trigger. Less commonly, skin disease or an allergic reaction can play a part.

What To Do

Keep a note of when the ears look worse and whether that links to sunny turnout, grooming or fly activity. That can help you spot patterns.

Provide shade where possible, and reduce prolonged exposure during the brightest part of the day if that suits your horse's routine. Gentle fly management and regular checks can also help you notice irritation early.

Avoid scrubbing, picking or applying anything harsh to the skin. If the ears are sore, handle them calmly and keep your routine simple until they settle.

Products That May Help

If your horse is dealing with sunny, buggy turnout as well as ear irritation, this collection may be useful as part of your summer care routine.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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