Why Is My Horse Rubbing Its Mane and Tail in Summer?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is rubbing its mane and tail in summer, the most common reason is fly irritation, often including sweet itch. It can also be caused by other skin irritation, sweat, dirty tack or rubbing from the environment, so it’s worth checking the pattern and the skin closely rather than assuming it’s one thing.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the rubbing is worse at certain times, such as at dusk, after turnout, or after exercise.

2. Look closely at the mane, tail head and dock for broken hair, redness, scabs, flakes, swelling or sore areas.

3. See whether your horse is also stamping, tail swishing, head shaking or appearing restless in the field or stable.

4. Think about recent changes in turnout, bedding, grooming routine, feed, rugs or fly pressure in the yard.

5. Check for dirt, sweat, mud or trapped debris in the mane and tail that could be making the skin more irritated.

6. Look for signs of rubbing on fences, stable walls, doors or trees that could be causing the hair loss and skin damage.

7. Note whether the skin seems warm, painful or more inflamed than usual, especially if the rubbing is getting worse.

Common Causes

The most common cause in summer is fly irritation, especially midges. Sweet itch can make some horses intensely itchy and they may rub the mane, tail and sometimes the dock and belly.

Other common causes include sweat, dust, poor grooming, or irritation from rugs and tack if the rubbing happens after exercise or handling. Skin allergies or simple surface irritation can also play a part.

Less commonly, there may be a skin infection, mites or another skin problem that needs a closer look, particularly if there are crusts, hair loss or sore patches that don’t settle.

What To Do

Start by keeping a simple note of when the rubbing happens and what seems to trigger it. That can help you spot a pattern and decide whether it’s mainly linked to turnout, flies or handling.

Keep the mane and tail as clean as is practical, but avoid over-washing or harsh products if the skin is already sore. Gentle grooming and removing sweat, dust and debris can sometimes make a difference.

Try to reduce exposure to biting insects where you can, especially at peak fly times. If the rubbing is happening in a field, check whether shade, shelter or turnout timing may help support day-to-day management.

If the skin is broken, sore or crusted, be careful not to make it worse with brushing or scratching. If the problem keeps returning each summer, it’s worth reviewing your horse’s routine more carefully with your vet.

Products That May Help

For horses that are bothered by flies and summer irritation, a collection focused on fly-season care may be useful as part of your day-to-day management routine.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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