Why is my horse rubbing its ears raw in fly season?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is rubbing its ears raw in fly season, the most common reason is irritation from flies or other biting insects. It can also happen because the ears are itchy for another reason, such as sweat, dirt, skin sensitivity, small wounds, or less commonly a skin condition. The aim is to look for the pattern and the visible changes, then reduce irritation as much as you can.

Things To Check

1. Notice when the rubbing happens most. If it starts after turnout, near water, at dawn or dusk, or in windy still weather, flies are a likely trigger.

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

3. Check whether the horse is also stamping, tail swishing, head shaking or rubbing the mane, face or body. That can point to general insect irritation.

4. Feel the ears gently for soreness. If your horse pulls away, shakes the head, or seems protective, the area may be painful rather than just itchy.

5. Think about recent grooming, clipping, washing or tack use. New products, dirty tack or friction from ear covers can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.

6. Check the stable, field and fence lines for fly pressure, manure build-up, wet areas and other places insects may gather.

7. Note whether the rubbing is getting worse or whether the skin is already raw, bleeding or attracting flies.

Common Causes

Fly and midge bites are the most common cause in summer, especially if the ears are left exposed and the horse is already bothered by other flies.

Skin irritation from sweat, grooming friction, ear covers, or products that don’t suit the horse can also make the ears feel itchy.

Less commonly, tiny wounds, ear mites, an ear infection, or a skin allergy can lead to ongoing rubbing and raw patches. Those usually need a closer look if the problem doesn't settle.

What To Do

Try to reduce fly exposure by turning out at quieter times if you can, keeping the area around the horse as clean as possible, and using fly management as part of the daily routine.

Inspect the ears gently once or twice a day so you can spot changes early. If the skin is only mildly irritated, keep it clean and dry and avoid over-handling it.

If the ears are already raw, be careful not to keep applying products to broken skin unless you know they’re suitable. It’s usually better to focus on calm, gentle care and reducing the insect pressure around the horse.

Keep a note of when the rubbing is worst, because that often helps you work out whether flies, turnout, weather or grooming are making it worse.

Products That May Help

If fly season is the main trigger, a summer care routine can be useful as part of keeping the horse more comfortable day to day.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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