Headshaking can be one of the most distressing conditions to watch in a horse. What may look like unusual or difficult behaviour can actually be a sign that the horse is experiencing significant discomfort.
Headshaking can range from occasional nose flicking to severe, repetitive movements that interfere with eating, exercise and everyday life. It is important to recognise the signs and investigate possible triggers rather than treating the behaviour as something the horse simply needs to be trained out of.
Signs of Headshaking in Horses
Signs can vary considerably between horses and may include:
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Sudden, involuntary jerking or flicking of the nose
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Repeated shaking of the head or ears
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Holding the ears out to the side
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Urgently rubbing the nose on a leg or against the ground
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Attempting to rub or strike the nose with the front feet
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Pressing the head against a person or object
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General distress, agitation or irritability
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Increased sensitivity around the face
Some horses may also develop symptoms during exercise or become increasingly uncomfortable in particular weather or environmental conditions.
What Can Trigger Headshaking?
Headshaking may be triggered or aggravated by a range of environmental and physical factors.
Commonly reported triggers include:
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Bright sunlight
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UV light
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Wind or breezes
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Flying insects
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Exercise
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Excitement or stress
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Changes in weather
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Seasonal conditions
Some horses appear to be particularly sensitive to sunlight, a response sometimes referred to as photic or light-triggered headshaking.
Keeping a diary of when episodes occur can be useful for identifying patterns and possible triggers.
Headshaking Is Not Naughty Behaviour
A horse that repeatedly flicks or shakes its head should not simply be considered naughty or difficult.
Trying to physically restrain the horse or train the behaviour out of them may increase their distress. If headshaking is occurring because of physical discomfort or sensory sensitivity, the underlying cause needs to be investigated.
A horse experiencing frequent or severe headshaking should be assessed by an appropriately qualified professional.
The Trigeminal Nerve and Headshaking
The trigeminal nerve is a major sensory nerve of the head, with branches supplying areas including the face, nose and mouth.
Trigeminal nerve dysfunction has been associated with some forms of equine headshaking. In affected horses, normal sensations may become exaggerated or painful, which can help explain why some horses react so strongly to sunlight, wind or other seemingly minor stimuli.
There are different forms and suspected causes of headshaking, and not every horse will have the same underlying trigger.
Because the condition can be complex, there is no single approach that works for every horse.
Is Headshaking Seasonal?
Many owners report that their horse's headshaking is worse at particular times of the year.
Spring and autumn may bring changes in pasture, weather, temperature, sunlight and plant growth. Some horses also appear more affected following rain, during windy conditions or after several cloudy days.
Where there is a seasonal pattern, keeping a record of pasture conditions, weather, diet, exercise and symptoms can help identify possible associations.
Could Diet and Pasture Play a Role?
Diet and pasture are worth considering when investigating headshaking, particularly when symptoms appear to follow seasonal changes.
Some holistic approaches suggest that mineral and electrolyte balance, as well as the nutritional composition of pasture and hay, may influence sensitive horses.
Rapidly growing or regrowth pasture can differ considerably in its nutritional composition from mature forage. Ryegrass, clover, lucerne and highly fertilised pasture may also be unsuitable for some horses, depending on their individual needs.
For a horse experiencing headshaking, it can be worthwhile reviewing:
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The type and maturity of pasture
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The nutritional composition of the hay
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Whether the pasture has been heavily fertilised
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The inclusion of lucerne, clover or ryegrass
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The amount of fresh green grass being consumed
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The overall mineral and electrolyte intake
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Any recent changes to feed
Diet should always be considered as part of the bigger picture rather than assuming it is the sole cause.
Why Can Symptoms Change With the Weather?
Grass and pasture plants change in response to weather and growing conditions. Rainfall, temperature, sunlight and plant stress can all influence the nutritional composition of forage.
This may help explain why some horses appear more sensitive at certain times of the year or after particular weather conditions.
If your horse's symptoms consistently coincide with changes in pasture or weather, these patterns are worth recording and discussing when reviewing their diet and management.
Associated Signs
Headshaking horses may also show other signs of discomfort or sensitivity.
Depending on the individual horse, these may include:
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Being unusually twitchy or sensitive to touch
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Changes in movement or willingness to exercise
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Difficulty maintaining a comfortable canter
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Irritability or agitation
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Sensitivity to sunlight
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Digestive or metabolic issues
These signs do not necessarily have the same underlying cause, so each horse needs to be considered individually.
10 Steps to Supporting a Headshaking Horse
Every horse is different, but the following steps can provide a useful starting point when reviewing management:
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Focus on identifying what is making the horse uncomfortable rather than trying to suppress the behaviour.
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Observe when the headshaking occurs and keep a diary of weather, pasture, feed, exercise and symptoms.
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Consider providing a grass-free area if pasture appears to be aggravating the symptoms. A dry lot or track system can be useful for managing access to pasture.
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Review the quality and type of hay being fed. Consider whether it contains ryegrass, clover or lucerne and whether it has been heavily fertilised.
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Review all hard feeds, chaffs, supplements and treats rather than focusing on one ingredient alone.
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Ensure the diet provides appropriate levels of essential minerals and electrolytes for your horse.
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Provide adequate shade and consider a suitable UV-protective mask if sunlight appears to trigger symptoms.
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Keep exercise within the horse's comfort zone. Avoid forcing exercise during an episode.
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Make dietary and pasture changes gradually where possible and monitor the horse's response.
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If symptoms are persistent, severe or worsening, seek professional advice to investigate possible causes.
Reintroducing Grass
If your horse improves after reducing access to pasture, reintroduce grass carefully rather than assuming they can immediately return to their previous grazing routine.
Before reintroducing grass:
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Inspect the pasture and identify the main grass and plant species if possible.
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Allow suitable pasture to mature rather than relying on short, lush regrowth.
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Introduce access gradually.
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Start with short periods of grazing and closely monitor your horse.
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Keep a record of weather conditions and any return of symptoms.
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Reduce pasture access again if headshaking returns or becomes noticeably worse.
Some horses may be more sensitive to particular pasture conditions than others, so there is no single grazing schedule that will suit every horse.
What About Nose Nets and UV Masks?
Nose nets and UV-protective masks can be useful management tools for some horses, particularly when sunlight, wind or airborne irritants appear to trigger symptoms.
They should be viewed as ways of reducing exposure to potential triggers rather than a cure for the underlying problem.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
Persistent or severe headshaking deserves proper investigation, particularly when the horse is distressed, injuring itself or becoming unsafe to handle or ride.
Headshaking can have several possible causes, including sensory and neurological factors, so it is important not to assume that diet or pasture is responsible in every case.
Supporting Your Horse Naturally
A natural approach begins with looking at the horse as a whole.
Reviewing pasture, forage, diet, mineral intake, exercise, environment and potential triggers can help identify factors that may be contributing to your horse's discomfort.
If you need help reviewing your horse's diet and management, complete our Horse Questionnaire.
For ideas on creating a suitable dry lot or track system, see our related guide.