Why is my horse shaking its head more in summer?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse is shaking its head more in summer, the most common reason is irritation from flies, midges or other seasonal triggers. It can also be linked to heat, bright sunlight, dust, grooming irritation or a tack fit issue, so it’s worth looking for patterns rather than assuming it’s one thing.

Most cases are about discomfort or nuisance, but if the behaviour is persistent or getting worse, it’s sensible to check for skin, eye, ear, tack or dental-related irritation and keep an eye on how your horse is behaving overall.

Things To Check

1. Notice when the head shaking happens most. Does it start after turnout, in bright sunlight, during grooming, when ridden, or when flies are active?

2. Look closely around the face, ears and poll for redness, swelling, broken skin, discharge, scabs or signs of rubbing.

3. Check whether flies are settling around the eyes, ears, muzzle or under the jaw, especially in still weather or at certain times of day.

4. Look at the tack and headcollar fit if the horse is being ridden or handled when it happens. Pressure, rubbing or poor fit can make head tossing worse.

5. Check for nasal discharge, sneezing, watery eyes or sensitivity to light, as these can point to irritation that needs a closer look.

6. Think about recent changes to turnout, field conditions, grooming routine, bedding, dust levels or hay, as these can sometimes add to the problem.

7. Watch whether the horse is also stamping, tail swishing, rubbing its face or trying to get away from insects, which can help you link it to fly pressure.

Common Causes

Fly and midge irritation is one of the most common causes in summer. Horses may shake their heads, toss, rub, or try to avoid insects around the face and ears.

Bright light and heat can also make some horses more reactive, especially in open fields with little shade.

Dust, pollen or bedding irritation can add to the problem, particularly if the horse is also coughing, sneezing or rubbing its face.

Sometimes the cause is mechanical, such as a bridle, noseband, headcollar or ear cover that’s rubbing or not sitting comfortably.

Less commonly, ongoing head shaking can be linked to eye, ear or dental discomfort, so it’s worth keeping an open mind if it doesn’t settle with simple management.

What To Do

Start by watching for patterns. If the head shaking is clearly worse in fly activity, bright sun or after turnout, that points you towards seasonal management rather than a sudden injury.

Keep the face, ears and surrounding area clean and check them regularly for irritation. If the horse is ridden, make sure tack is comfortable and not adding pressure or rubbing.

Reduce exposure where you can by using shade, avoiding the worst fly times when practical, and keeping the stable or yard as calm and tidy as possible.

If the horse is rubbing its face, getting more reactive, or the problem is not easing with basic changes, speak to your vet for advice.

When To Contact A Vet

Contact your vet if the head shaking is persistent, clearly painful, or comes with eye discharge, marked sensitivity to light, swelling, nosebleeds, a change in vision, or any sign the horse is unwell. It’s also sensible to ask for advice if the behaviour is interfering with riding or doesn’t improve with sensible fly-season management.

Products That May Help

If fly season seems to be making your horse more unsettled, a practical summer-care routine can help support day-to-day management and make the horse more comfortable around turnout, grooming and time in the stable.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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