Head nodding?

[Ellaandbailey]

My gelding has recently started nodding his head as if a fly has landed on his nose. It’s not a continuous nod or one for attention. He does it when he’s tied up, being ridden, in the stable, in the field etc. It’s like something touches his nose and it makes him jump a little and then he nods his head up and down a couple of times. What could it be?

 

[ycbm]

My gelding has recently started nodding his head as if a fly has landed on his nose. It’s not a continuous nod or one for attention. He does it when he’s tied up, being ridden, in the stable, in the field etc. It’s like something touches his nose and it makes him jump a little and then he nods his head up and down a couple of times. What could it be?

If this is recent he sounds like a pollen activated head shaker. Did he do it last spring?

 

[Ellaandbailey]

If this is recent he sounds like a pollen activated head shaker. Did he do it last spring?

It’s only just started this year, didn’t think about pollen. Thanks

 

[ycbm]

It’s only just started this year, didn’t think about pollen. Thanks

Timing is spot on. Try riding in a nose net and see what difference it makes. You can also give him human antihistamines.

 

[oldie48]

My horse does this, However, he doesn't do it ridden and I've found it is associated with him being tight in his poll. Just a thought!

 

[Ruby's Mum]

My previous mare would flick her head a lot like a fly went up her nose, we were baffled and a friend suggested a link to the clover in her paddock. We moved her from the paddock onto a paddock further away without clover and the problem never returned. If you search on google (as it is not letting me link on my phone) for head flicking and about the 6th result is by green pet and that explains in more detail.

 

[Birker2020]

My gelding has recently started nodding his head as if a fly has landed on his nose. It’s not a continuous nod or one for attention. He does it when he’s tied up, being ridden, in the stable, in the field etc. It’s like something touches his nose and it makes him jump a little and then he nods his head up and down a couple of times. What could it be?

EXACTLY the same as my mare used to be - get your horses neck checked by a physio. Mines had her veterbrae injected with steroid and stopped doing it. She has slight arthritis in the neck.