Why is my horse rubbing its face on fences or gates?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is rubbing its face on fences or gates, flies and midges are one of the most common reasons, especially in warm weather. It can also happen because of skin irritation, a reaction to grooming or tack, or something bothering the eyes or nose.

The good news is that there are a few sensible things you can check at home before deciding what to do next.

Things To Check

1. Note when the rubbing happens most. If it’s worse at turnout, near dusk, or after rain, flies and midges are more likely to be involved.

2. Look closely at the face for redness, small scabs, broken skin, damp patches, swelling, or areas that seem sore to touch.

3. Check the eyes and around the nostrils for discharge, watering, squinting, or signs that something may be irritating the area.

4. Think about recent grooming, washing, clipping, or new products that may have irritated sensitive skin.

5. Inspect the fence, gate, stable door, or field edge for rough surfaces, sharp edges, or places where the horse could be scraping its face.

6. Observe whether there are other fly-season signs too, such as tail swishing, stamping, head shaking, or restlessness.

7. Check whether any headcollar, noseband, fly mask, or rug fit could be rubbing or trapping dirt around the face.

Common Causes

Flies and midges are the most common cause in fly season. Horses often rub their faces against fences, gates or stable fittings to try to relieve the irritation.

Skin irritation can also play a part. That might come from sweat, grooming products, mud, pollen, or a reaction to something that has touched the skin.

Sometimes the issue is more local, such as a sore patch, a small scratch, or a rub from tack or equipment.

Less commonly, eye discomfort or something irritating the nose can lead to face rubbing, which is why it’s worth checking for discharge, squinting or changes in behaviour.

What To Do

Start by keeping a simple note of when the rubbing happens and what seems to trigger it. That can make patterns easier to spot.

Gently check the face, eyes and nostrils, and keep the area clean and dry if there’s any dirt or sweat build-up. Be careful not to over-handle sore skin.

Reduce exposure where you can by managing turnout times, using shade or shelter, and keeping the horse away from rough surfaces it’s using to scratch.

If you suspect a fit issue, a grooming product reaction or a rub from tack or equipment, pause the likely trigger and see whether the behaviour settles.

If the rubbing continues, becomes more intense, or the skin starts to look sore, it’s sensible to get veterinary advice.

Products That May Help

During fly season, some owners like to keep a focused summer care routine in place to support day-to-day management of irritation and rubbing.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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