Hay fever???

[GTorque]

Hi all, I’m looking for some advice on my new boy who I’ve had for three weeks now.
A week ago he started twitching his head and desperately rubbing his nose on anything he can, including me! He does it even when grazing when nothing on his face. When riding he does it occasionally but forgets about it once concentrating. The main problem is tacking up. His intensity is getting worse, can’t keep his head still, throwing it around and aggressively rubbing on me before and after riding. As soon as I step away from his head, he goes to sleep!!!
He’s had everything checked, back, tack etc, even willy, except his teeth which is next week. Ive started him on polleneze and wearing a fly mask which never stays on, and have changed from schockemohle crank snaffle bridle to micklem with buster roller which he goes better in but too early to tell if hay fever or bridle is effecting him.
Previous owner says he’s never done anything like it before which made me think it was environmental even though he hasn’t moved that far and have never seen this in him before last week, even when I tried him a few times before buying.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as apart from this new problem, he’s been an absolute dream! Thank you?

 

[holeymoley]

It sounds like an allergy, I use a nose net for pollen allergies but we’ve not had any signs yet. Perhaps the bridle could be irritating him too, there’s certain nerves in the face that can cause head shaking, or even in some sensitive horses if the headpiece or browband is too tight around their ears.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

It sounds like the bridle isn't helping I would try a nose net and yes it could be a change of environment as well, I have a mild head shaker but his is nerve damage we think, he is much worse with the wrong bridle and a net makes no difference to him, his is quite mild though he doesn't constantly rub his nose and face, I use a cranial therapist for him which can help head shakers.