Why is my horse running around the field because of flies? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is running around the field because of flies, the most likely reason is simple irritation from biting insects, especially in warm or still weather. Some horses are much more bothered than others, and you may also see stamping, tail swishing, head tossing, skin twitching or frantic movement as they try to get away from the flies.

It can also be made worse by sweating, a thick coat, standing near water or hedges, or skin that’s already itchy or sensitive. In most cases, the behaviour is about discomfort rather than something more serious, but it’s worth checking for skin changes or signs that your horse is struggling more than usual.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the behaviour happens at certain times, such as early morning, late evening, during windy still days, or after turnout.

2. Look closely for redness, lumps, broken skin, scabs, wet patches or areas where your horse has been rubbing.

3. See whether flies are concentrating around the face, belly, legs, ears, mane or tail head.

4. Notice if your horse is also stamping, tail swishing, head shaking, biting at the skin or trying to roll more than usual.

5. Check whether the field has shelter, shade, airflow or obvious fly-heavy areas near muck, water or damp ground.

6. Think about whether your horse is more bothered after exercise, when sweaty, or if the coat is thick and hard to keep clean.

7. Watch for signs of a bigger skin issue, such as persistent itching, scurfy skin or repeated rubbing even when flies seem light.

Common Causes

The most common cause is ordinary fly and midge irritation. Some horses simply react strongly to biting insects and will move around, stamp or rush about to try to escape them.

Another common reason is that the horse is sweaty, hot or carrying a thick coat, which can make flies feel even more irritating.

Skin sensitivity can also play a part. If your horse has sore, flaky or itchy skin, flies may make the behaviour look much worse.

Less commonly, intense movement can be linked to an allergic-type reaction to insect bites, especially if the horse seems very itchy or develops marked skin changes.

What To Do

Start by reducing the horse’s exposure where you can. Turnout timing, shade, airflow and moving away from obvious fly hot spots can all help as part of normal management.

Keep an eye on the skin and coat so you can spot whether the problem is just fly irritation or whether rubbing, soreness or scabbing is building up.

If your horse is sweaty after exercise, allowing them to dry off and keeping grooming routine gentle can make them more comfortable.

It can also help to review muck removal, field hygiene and any standing water nearby, since those areas often attract more insects.

If the behaviour is new, severe, or coming with obvious skin damage, it’s sensible to get veterinary advice rather than assume it’s only flies.

Products That May Help

When flies and midges are making turnout stressful, a fly-season care routine can be useful as part of day-to-day management. It may help you stay organised with the practical things owners often look for in summer.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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