Headshaking when raining

[Lizzeexox]

I have a yearling (14 months) that’s begun headshaking in the rain, it’s a flick of the nose and then she’ll do one or two shakes every few strides. It stops as soon as she’s in the stable and only happens when raining or so we have noticed.
Any ideas? Really hoping she doesn’t have the head shaking syndrome but from reading up she’s a bit younger than common

 

[July dreamer]

My horse does this. It's a really sharp snatch of the nose into the chest. I think it started about 10/12 years ago, he is now 22. He spent a couple of days a Liphook Equine Hospital (he was insured at the time!) but they could find nothing wrong. It seems to happen when rain is light or in the air and will start a few minutes before it actually starts raining. Once it starts raining properly he stops and heavy rain doesn't seem to affect him or if he is inside he doesn't react. He lives out 24/7 with a field shelter. He has just had to learn to live with it, I don't ride in the rain, if we get caught out I just let him have his head and he will stop after a few minutes even if it continues to rain.
Sorry, not much help but you are not the only one with a headshaker in the rain.

 

[Surbie]

Getting rain in their ears? Mine hates it.

 

[July dreamer]

Not with my boy because he will start before it actually starts raining.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

What breed is your yearling? Maybe her ears have ultra-fine hair covering on them and she is just very sensitive.

I had a lovely sweet mare who developed trigeminal nerve headshaking at around 8yrs old. Had to make the toughest of decisions about her. Sorry, not wanting to frighten you.

All you can do is just wait and see what happens with this. If you are concerned - or if it worsens - I'd suggest you get some video footage so you can show your vet.

 

[soloequestrian]

I had one who developed headshaking at around 12 years old - the first time he did it was in hailstones. He only ever did the head flicks when ridden faster than walk, but it was always worst when things were hitting his face (hail, rain, pine needles, blossom leaves). His was completely controlled by either a nose net or a fly mask - I actually got to the point where I wasn't sure if he was a headshaker any more but I just kept the net on! Perhaps try putting a mask on next time it rains and see what happens?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I don't ride my slight head shaker in rain he hates it and will spin and try and run home if its really heavy and windy, using an ear bonnet might help especially if it's the ears that are sensitive worth a try.