If you’re facing headshaking in your horse, you’re not alone. But crucially, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your ridden goals. With better understanding and management options available today, many horses — like Fly — go on to enjoy successful, comfortable careers..
What is Headshaking?
Most horses flick or toss their heads now and again, usually to shake off a fly or express frustration. But when a horse begins repeatedly jerking or tossing their head without an obvious external trigger, especially during exercise, it may be something more: headshaking.
This isn’t a behavioural quirk. True headshaking involves involuntary, sometimes severe, vertical or horizontal movements. Horses may snort, rub their noses violently, or appear as though something is irritating them inside the nostrils or around the face. For the rider, it can feel unpredictable — and sometimes unsafe.
One Symptom, Many Causes
One of the most challenging aspects of headshaking is that it’s not a single disease. It’s a symptom, and there are over 60 documented causes — from dental issues and ear infections to nerve pain and UV sensitivity. That’s why the first, most important step is a full veterinary workup.
A study by the University of Lincoln and De Montfort University in the UK found no significant management differences between horses that did and didn’t exhibit headshaking symptoms, suggesting this isn’t simply a matter of turnout, diet, or handling style (Cook, J.L. et al., 2013). It’s far more complex.
Is it Pain? The Neuralgia Theory
One leading theory is that many headshakers suffer from trigeminal-mediated headshaking — a form of facial nerve pain. Essentially, a branch of the trigeminal nerve becomes hypersensitive, misfiring in response to stimuli like light, wind, or even touch.
In some cases, the root cause may lie in physical trauma or even virus-related inflammation. In others, it’s seasonal, with symptoms appearing mainly from spring to autumn. This seasonality has led to comparisons with hay fever, though allergy medications are typically ineffective, and true allergic reactions are rare in diagnosed cases.
Not All Headshaking is Triggered by Sunlight
While photic headshaking — sensitivity to sunlight — is well recognised, not all horses fall into this category. Even those that do may still experience symptoms in low light or indoors due to reflected UV rays. That’s why trialling protective solutions, like UV-blocking masks or nose nets, can be helpful even if your horse doesn’t fit the classic sunny-day profile.
Case study: Helena and Fly: A Real-Life Success Story
When Helena purchased Fly in 2020, she was warned about her headshaking. At first, it seemed seasonal and minor — perhaps just flies. But as symptoms worsened, particularly in sunlight, she sought veterinary advice. One revealing clue? Fly blinked far more than the average horse.
Helena trialled Equilibrium’s Riding Mask, which blocks over 65% of UV rays — and the result was instant. Thanks to management tools like the Riding Mask, UV-protective fly gear, and a smart turnout routine, Fly now competes up to Medium level dressage and enjoys a comfortable life.
Helena shares:
“I did some research and came across Equilibrium’s Riding Mask – this has been life changing for Fly. Instantly the head shaking stopped, she was happy to be ridden in a consistent contact and concentrated a lot more while jumping. When I then started British Dressage and found that they allowed the mask to be worn, this was amazing news as without the mask, there wouldn’t be a possibility of Fly to now compete up to Medium level and attend championships!
You can follow their journey on Instagram: @lin.firefly
Managing a Headshaker: Practical Tips
If your horse is showing signs of headshaking, here are a few practical starting points:
- Call your vet: Rule out medical causes like dental issues, ear infections, or respiratory problems.
- Keep a symptom diary: Track symptoms by date, time of day, weather, UV index, and exercise type.
- Trial UV protection: Consider a Riding Mask or UV-blocking fly mask — particularly for horses with photic sensitivity.
- Adjust turnout: Many owners find stabling during the day and turning out at night helpful in summer months.
- Nose nets: While not a cure, they can reduce irritation for many horses. The Equilibrium Muzzle Net has improved the symptoms in 79% of horses in trials.
Looking Ahead: Hope from Research
The more we understand about equine headshaking, the better we can help our horses. Current studies continue to explore not just management options, but prevention — including whether early-life factors influence onset later in a horse’s career.
While there’s no universal cure yet, progress is happening — and stories like Fly’s prove that headshaking doesn’t have to mean the end of a horse’s ridden life.
Did you know?
One horse’s struggle with headshaking changed the lives of thousands. Timmy, a young Irish-bred gelding, began displaying sudden, violent headshaking behaviours—striking at his nose, rearing, and snorting uncontrollably. His owner and Managing Director of Equilibrium Products, Margaret Donnelly, tried everything to help, even placing her coat over his head mid-hack to ease his distress. Determined not to give up, Margaret turned to her product development background and created a simple yet effective solution: a mesh muzzle net that allowed Timmy to ride in comfort again.
This humble creation became the Net Relief Muzzle Net, and it didn’t stop with Timmy. In clinical trials by De Montfort University, it was found to reduce the frequency of headshaking in 79% of horses, with 50% showing complete improvement (Taylor et al., 2002). What started as an attempt to help one horse is now helping horses around the world enjoy a better quality of life and is what started the company Equilibrium Products.
Fast forward 25 years, Timmy and his stable mates helped to inspire multiple different products all focussed around making a difference to horses’ lives, including the Massage Pad, an award-winning magnetic range, scientifically tested boots and headcollars, and more!
Find out more about Equilibrium Products.
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References
- Aleman, M. (2011). Idiopathic headshaking in horses: prevalence, impact, and management. Equine Veterinary Education, 23(1), 11–16.
- Madigan, J.E., & Bell, S.A. (2001). Clinical syndrome associated with trigeminal-mediated headshaking in horses. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 219(3), 334–337.
- Newton, S.A., Knottenbelt, D.C., & Eldridge, P.R. (2000). Headshaking in horses: possible aetiopathogenesis suggested by the results of diagnostic tests and several treatments used in 20 cases. Equine Veterinary Education, 12(6), 320–327.
- Roberts, V. (2003). Equine headshaking: a review of current literature. Equine Veterinary Journal, 35(4), 294–298.
- Taylor, K.D., Mills, D.S., & Dodman, N.H. (2002). The efficacy of the Net Relief Muzzle Net in alleviating signs of headshaking in horses. Equine Veterinary Journal, 34(5), 457–460.
