Why is my horse rubbing its head on everything?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is rubbing its head on fences, posts, rugs or stable walls, the most common reason is itching or irritation. It can be something simple, like flies, sweat, mud or a dirty forelock, but it can also be linked to skin sensitivity, wounds, tack rubs or discomfort around the ears, face or neck.

It’s worth checking the pattern carefully, because the cause is often in the details. Most cases can be improved with sensible day-to-day care, but ongoing or severe rubbing does need a closer look.

Things To Check

1. Notice when the rubbing happens most often, such as after turnout, during fly season, after exercise or when the horse is stabled.

2. Look closely at the skin around the face, ears, jaw, poll and neck for redness, scabs, broken skin, swelling or hair loss.

3. Check for flies, midges or other insects around the head, especially at dawn and dusk.

4. See whether the headcollar, bridle or rug is sitting evenly and not rubbing or pinching.

5. Check for dirt, sweat, mud or dried discharge in the forelock, ears, around the eyes and along the mane line.

6. Notice whether the horse is also shaking its head, stamping, tail swishing or showing signs of general irritation.

7. Think about any recent changes in bedding, grooming products, turnout, feed or routine.

Common Causes

Fly and midge irritation is one of the most common reasons, especially in warm weather or at dusk and dawn. Some horses are simply more sensitive to insects than others.

Skin irritation from sweat, dirt, mud or a build-up around the face and ears can also make a horse rub. This is often worse after exercise, turnout or wet weather.

Rubbing can sometimes be caused by tack or equipment that is slightly out of place, especially headcollars, bridles, nosebands or rugs that press on the same spot repeatedly.

Less commonly, itching may be linked to skin allergies, lice, mites or a local skin problem that needs veterinary attention if it keeps returning or spreads.

What To Do

Start by cleaning the affected area gently if it’s dirty, and check whether the rubbing seems linked to flies, sweat or a particular piece of equipment.

Keep the horse’s face, ears and forelock as clean and dry as practical, and review turnout times if the problem is worse when insects are most active.

Make sure tack and headcollars fit comfortably and aren’t creating pressure points. If rubbing seems to start after grooming or exercise, note exactly what changed.

Keep an eye on whether the skin is improving or getting worse over a few days. A simple record of when it happens can be very helpful if you do need advice later.

Products That May Help

For horses that are more bothered by flies, midges or summer irritation, a collection that supports seasonal care may be useful as part of your routine.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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