Horse doesn’t like things touching his head?

[Mylo3825]

I have a 6yr old Shetland x Arab, I have had him since he was 1 and he’s never really liked things touching his face, halters, bridles, flymasks he doesn’t seem headshy. I can pet his face but he always wants to rub on something after. In the past few weeks it seems to be irritating him more and he can’t seem to think about anything except what’s on his face. I’m not sure why he’s acting this way or how to stop/help him.

 

[YourValentine]

Have you had a vet look at him? It sounds like it could be a pain or irritation response and I'd want teeth, eyes, and ears checked, particularly if he hasn't improved with time/handling.

Also not sure where you are but the midges are vile atm here, and it's possible he's being eaten and itchy? Could you try rubbing some fly spray on by hand?

 

[Mylo3825]

The vets say he is in good condition, the dentist came out about 6 months ago and said everything was fine. Because it’s gotten worse in the last few weeks I’ve thought maybe I should get a different dentist in just to double check

 

[Mylo3825]

Have you had a vet look at him? It sounds like it could be a pain or irritation response and I'd want teeth, eyes, and ears checked, particularly if he hasn't improved with time/handling.

Also not sure where you are but the midges are vile atm here, and it's possible he's being eaten and itchy? Could you try rubbing some fly spray on by hand?

Yes, he’s had the same vet since I got him who said he is in good condition all round, I have thought about getting a second opinion from someone else, my first thought was his teeth but he has been checked before. I will try fly spray but I don’t think that’s it as when he doesn’t have a fly mask or anything on he is completely fine

 

[HopOnTrot]

We used to have a mini-Shetland that came to us with sweet itch, I realised that she was only really itchy during coat change times and gave her anti histamines during that period and she was able to live out without a fly rug. I would definitely get the vet out to look at ears and maybe see if they would do an antihistamine or bute trial? I know a horse that had aural plaques that was really funny about having his ears touched and you had to bridle him by taking it apart.

 

[Hackback]

Has the vet looked at this particular issue? If he were mine I'd want him sedating and a thorough check of mouth and ears initially, possibly a scope of his nasal passages if there was nothing obvious.

Btw - interesting cross - I'd love to see pics

 

[GrassChop]

Has the vet looked at this particular issue? If he were mine I'd want him sedating and a thorough check of mouth and ears initially, possibly a scope of his nasal passages if there was nothing obvious.

Btw - interesting cross - I'd love to see pics

I came here for pics too!

 

[Mylo3825]

Has the vet looked at this particular issue? If he were mine I'd want him sedating and a thorough check of mouth and ears initially, possibly a scope of his nasal passages if there was nothing obvious.

Btw - interesting cross - I'd love to see pics

I came here for pics too!

He’s a cutie (plus a pic from when I first saw him)

 

[GrassChop]

He’s a cutie (plus a pic from when I first saw him)

He's a lovely looking pony!