Head shaking in horses can not only be frustrating when riding, it can be downright dangerous depending upon the severity. As with humans, horses can shake their heads for a number of reasons. It’s up to us as owners to determine if it’s simply a one off, or whether there is an underlying problem that needs addressing.
If your horse starts shaking its head, is it a one off, or is it the start of something more serious? Head shaking, often accompanied by snorting or face rubbing could simply be an allergy to seeds or pollen. It could also be the beginning of a progressive nerve condition.
We’ve all been riding at some point when our horse has decided to start tossing his head. It’s not a pleasant experience when you realise that he’s not listening to you, and brakes and steering have all but disappeared. This article looks at possible causes and potential treatments.
Is your horse a head shaker?
If you’re wondering is your horse a head shaker, then the answer is very likely to be No. At least, not in the medical sense. Most horses shake their heads occasionally, just like we would if we get an itch, or a hair or fly in our face. However, for some horses, this is more than just the odd head shake, but an ongoing problem.
Only 4.5% of horses are head shakers i.e. those that have been medically diagnosed. These horses show head shaking signs in the field, and/or whilst ridden or lunged.
Some horses shake their heads due to a sensitivity to pollen or to grass seeds. If this is the cause then management using antihistamines and/or a nose net can be all that is needed to stop the unwanted behaviour.
Noting down your horse’s behaviour; are they head shaking in the field, or only when ridden for example, can help with diagnosis should you decide to call in the vet. Some horses have a sensitivity to bright sunlight and other weather, so note down the weather conditions when your horse is head shaking. You cannot have too much information as this will allow you to see any pattern far more quickly.
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Why does my horse keep shaking his head?
There are many different reasons for equine head shaking. Some are relatively innocuous and easily managed. Others are more deep rooted and can stem from a progressive nerve problem.
Horse head shaking triggers:
- Pollen, dust, and dander, plus airborne seeds: occurring throughout the year
- Bridle fitting: ill fitting tack can cause pressure on facial nerves
- Trigeminal Nerve: Problems with this nerve have been found to be associated with many head shaking horses
- Photic head shaking: Again related to the trigeminal nerve, this is often related to changes in weather such as bright sunshine or wind
- Ears: If something has become lodged in your horses ear/s then head shaking can be a way to rid then of the irritant
- Aggression: Head shaking in the field can be a sign of aggression to other herd members
It’s important not to jump to the worst case scenario if you’re concerned about your horse shaking his head. When you’re grooming your horse, pay special attention to his ears and nostrils, and ensure that his face is clean and clear where the bridle fits.
Head tossing when ridden? Stress?
Stress manifests in all kinds of ways. Head tossing when ridden could be a sign of stress. It may be separation anxiety if asked to leave other horses, or an attempt at avoidance if being asked to go faster/slower, a different route to which he wants to go.
Head tossing when ridden could also be a sign of pain. This should be ruled out before anything else:
- Dentist: have your horse’s teeth checked by a dental professional
- Bridle fitter: ensure that your bridle fits correctly. Possibly try other types of bit, anatomical bridle, or a bitless bridle to see if the head shaking reduces
- Saddle fitter: if your horse is experiencing pain as a result of an ill fitting saddle it could manifest as head shaking. If your horse has lost or gained condition prior to the onset of head shaking then this should be your first port of call
- Back massage/Chiropractor: A poor back or hind end can also result in head shaking
If the problem only occurs when you ride your horse out alone, then de-sensitising your horse to short periods of being away from the herd could help. These periods can be slowly increased until your horse is confidently walking out alone and the head shaking ceases.
Headshakers syndrome in horses
Headshakers syndrome in horses can be caused by pain in the trigeminal nerve in horses. A Photic head shaking horse’s pain can be set off by wind, sun, heat, or other environmental factors. Nose nets or pressure on the nose may alleviate the pain in some horses, as can reducing the horse’s exposure to changes in light levels.
Each horse experiences the pain differently and will react in accordance to the levels of pain they are experiencing. For some it may simply be a small annoyance and they will be able to continue working life as usual with only a few alterations to their regime. For others though the pain can be so severe that it renders the horse unrideable.
For a small percentage of those horses with trigeminal neuralgia, it not only shows when ridden but also when the horse is at grass. In very rare cases the condition is progressive and the continued welfare of the horse must be placed above all else.
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Head shaking in horses treatment
Depending upon the reason that your horse is head shaking the following may help:
- Ivermectin: If your horse is head shaking from ear mites (these can often be seen with the naked eye) then ivermectin should be able treat the infestation
- Nose net: This will help to stop pollen, mites, and other irritants away from the nose which should reduce the instances of head shaking.
- Antihistamines: If your horse has an allergy to pollens, treating from Feb to October with antihistamines can reduce the severity of any reaction.
- Fly mask: A fly mask will reduce any reaction due to flying insects, but may also be able to reduce reactions to changes in sunlight and reduce exposure to breezes if the lower section is made from a windproof material
- Medical procedure: Whilst there are medical intervention pathways that can be followed, none have proven 100% successful, and are invasive for the horse.
Before using any medication, veterinarian advice should be sought.
Once mites have been ruled out or treated, using antihistamines with a mask would be the next step to see if this reduces the number of head shaking episodes.
If your horse is head shaking in the field and a mask doesn’t reduce the severity of the attacks, then thought should be given to whether a medical intervention is required.
Conclusion
There are many different causes of head shaking. Most of them are relatively simple to manage; a nose net, riding only in the early morning when flying insects are less prevalent, antihistamines etc. As only a very small percentage of horses suffer from medically diagnosed trigeminal neuralgia or the idiopathic variant, most of the above measures should reduce the occurrence and severity.
