Why is my horse rubbing its mane raw?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is rubbing its mane raw, itching is usually the reason. Common causes include flies and midges, sweat and dirt under the mane, skin irritation, or something rubbing such as a rug, headcollar or tack. Less commonly, it can be linked to skin disease or allergies.

The good news is there are a few sensible things you can check straight away, and the pattern of rubbing often gives useful clues.

Things To Check

1. Check when the rubbing happens, such as after turnout, after exercise, after grooming, or mainly in the evening when flies are active.

2. Look along the mane for redness, small scabs, broken hairs, flakes, swelling, heat, or any wet, sore, or crusty patches.

3. Check whether the skin feels very dry, greasy, or sweaty, especially if your horse has been wearing a rug or has a thick mane.

4. Think about recent changes in feed, bedding, turnout, shampoo, grooming products, or insect pressure, as these can sometimes affect itching.

5. Check rugs, headcollars, neck covers and any tack for rubbing points, tight straps, or trapped dirt and sweat.

6. Look for rubbing in other places too, such as the tail, dock, face, belly, or inside the thighs, which may suggest a wider itch issue.

7. Note whether the skin is damaged enough to be painful, or whether your horse is rubbing so much that the skin is getting worse day by day.

Common Causes

One of the most common reasons is fly and midge irritation, especially in warmer months. Some horses react strongly to bites and keep rubbing the mane to get relief.

Another common cause is sweat, mud, or product build-up under the mane. If the skin is damp, dirty, or irritated, your horse may start scratching more often.

Rubbing from rugs, headcollars, or neck covers can also cause sore patches and broken hair, especially if the fit is a little off or the area gets warm and chafed.

Less commonly, itching can be linked to allergies, skin infections, lice, mites, or conditions such as sweet itch. These often cause repeated rubbing rather than a one-off bout of scratching.

What To Do

Start by gently parting the mane and checking the skin closely. If there is only mild irritation, keep the area clean and dry, and avoid harsh grooming or over-washing.

If you suspect flies or midges, reduce exposure where you can by changing turnout times, improving stable protection, and keeping the horse's environment as comfortable as possible.

Remove or adjust anything that may be rubbing, and make sure rugs and headcollars are clean and properly fitted.

Try to keep a simple note of when the rubbing is worse, because that often helps you spot a trigger. If the skin is getting raw, if there are scabs or discharge, or if the problem keeps returning, it’s sensible to speak to your vet for advice.

Products That May Help

If flies and seasonal irritation seem to be part of the problem, this collection may be useful alongside your usual turnout and grooming routine.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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