Why is my horse suddenly head shaking after being bitten by flies? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse has started head shaking after being bitten by flies, the most common reason is simple irritation or sensitivity to biting insects. It can also happen if flies are bothering the face, ears or around the eyes, or if the horse has become extra reactive in warm, fly-heavy conditions. In some cases, ongoing head shaking can have other causes too, so it’s worth checking the full picture rather than assuming it’s only the bites.

Things To Check

1. Note when the head shaking starts, such as after turnout, around dusk, near water, during grooming or when flies are worst.

2. Look closely at the face, ears, jawline and neck for redness, swelling, small bites, scabs, rubbed patches or broken skin.

3. Check whether the horse is also stamping, tail swishing, rubbing, tossing the head or trying to avoid touch around the face.

4. See if the eyes look watery, the nose is running, or the horse seems bothered by light, wind or dust as well as flies.

5. Think about any recent changes in turnout, stable routine, bedding, feed, grooming products or fly control measures.

6. Check whether the head shaking settles indoors, improves with a fly mask or nose protection, or gets worse in certain places.

7. Make sure there isn’t a separate problem such as a loose headcollar, tack rubbing, or something caught in the coat or mane.

Common Causes

The most common cause is fly irritation. Some horses react strongly to bites on the face, ears or poll area, and the shaking is their way of trying to get away from the insects.

Another common reason is general fly sensitivity. A horse that is already bothered by midges or biting flies may start head shaking more noticeably after a few bites, especially in warm weather or still evenings.

Skin irritation can also play a part. Small bites may look minor at first, but if the skin becomes itchy or sore, the horse may keep shaking, rubbing or flicking the head.

Less commonly, head shaking may be linked to other irritants such as dust, sunlight, wind, tack pressure or something affecting the nose, ears or eyes. If the behaviour is persistent or not clearly linked to flies, it’s sensible to keep an open mind.

What To Do

Start by reducing fly exposure where you can. Turn out at quieter times if possible, use a well-fitted fly mask if your horse tolerates one, and keep the face and ear area as comfortable as you can.

Check the skin daily for any sore spots, and gently clean away mud, sweat or debris if needed. Keep a simple note of when the head shaking happens so you can spot patterns.

If the horse is spending a lot of time outside, make the environment as fly-light as practical by removing manure promptly, keeping water areas tidy and using sensible stable and field management.

If the behaviour is mild and clearly linked to fly season, watch whether it improves when fly numbers drop or when conditions change. If it becomes more frequent, more intense, or starts happening when flies aren’t around, it’s worth seeking veterinary advice.

Products That May Help

For horses that are bothered by flies, summer-related irritation and face sensitivity, this collection may be useful as part of a sensible owner routine during fly season.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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