Head Shaking in horses: Causes, Signs and When to Call the Vet

All horses shake or toss their heads occasionally. However, frequent, repetitive or violent head shaking is not something that should simply be accepted as normal.

Head shaking in horses can have many possible causes, ranging from dental pain and problems with tack to ear, eye or respiratory conditions. In some horses, the behaviour may be associated with a condition known as trigeminal-mediated headshaking. 

Finding the underlying cause can sometimes take time, but a thorough veterinary assessment is an important first step - particularly when head shaking is affecting your horse's comfort, safety or ability to be ridden.

Head shaking can vary considerably between horses. You may notice:

• Repetitive vertical or horizontal movements of the head
• Sudden flicking or jerking of the head
• Snorting or sneezing
• Rubbing the nose or face
• Striking at the nose with a front leg
• Increased sensitivity around the face
• Head shaking that becomes worse during exercise
• Behaviour that worsens in bright sunlight or at particular times of year

Some horses are only affected when ridden, while others may show signs in the paddock or stable as well.

Keeping track of when and where the behaviour occurs can provide valuable clues.

There is no single cause of head shaking. Before diagnosing a primary headshaking disorder, other sources of pain, irritation or discomfort need to be considered.

Possible causes may include:

• Dental problems
• Poorly fitting tack or bit-related discomfort
• Ear disease or irritation
• Eye problems
• Upper airway or sinus disease
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Insects or environmental irritation
• Trigeminal-mediated headshaking

Because the causes vary so widely, treatment should be based on identifying the underlying problem rather than simply trying to stop the head movement.

If head shaking occurs primarily during ridden work, it is important to investigate possible sources of discomfort.

These may include:

• Dental pain or sharp enamel points
• Wolf teeth or other dental abnormalities
• An incorrectly fitted or uncomfortable bit
• Poorly fitting tack
• Back or neck pain
• Lameness
• Rider or rein pressure

A veterinary examination, including an appropriate dental assessment, may be recommended.

It can also be helpful to note whether the behaviour changes with different tack, activities or riders. However, equipment changes should not be used as a substitute for investigating possible pain. 

Dental discomfort can be a common reason for head shaking, learn more about Equine Dental Care. 

head shaking that occurs in the paddock or stable, as well as during exercise, may suggest that something other than ridden work is contributing to the problem.

Your veterinary may investigate possible problems involving the:

• Ears
• Eyes
• Teeth and mouth
• Upper airway and sinuses
• Neck or musculoskeletal

A detailed history is particularly helpful. Consider whether the behaviour is: 

• Seasonal
• Worse in bright sunlight
• Triggered by exercise
• Worse in windy conditions
• More noticeable at at particular time of day
• Associated with snorting, sneezing or facial rubbing

in some horses, no obvious source of pain or irritation is found and the head shaking may be associated with abnormal sensitivity of the trigeminal nerve, a major nerve responsible for sensation in the face.

Affected horses may experience abnormal facial sensations that lead to characteristic behaviours such as:

• Sudden vertical flicking of the head
• Snorting or sneezing
• Rubbing the muzzle
• Striking at the nose
• Acting as though something is irritating the nostrils

Signs can vary in severity and may be seasonal in some horses.

This condition can be challenging to diagnose because other potential causes of head shaking generally need to be investigated first.

Some horses show signs that are triggered or worsened by bright light. This is sometimes referred to as photic headshaking.

Owners may notice that their horse:

• Is worse on bright, sunny days
• Seeks shade
• Improves in lower-light conditions
• Shows seasonal changes in symptoms

However, not every horse with head shaking in sunlight has the same underlying problem. A veterinary assessment is important before assuming the behaviour is photic headshaking.

Diagnosing the cause can sometimes require a process of investigation.

Your veterinarian may recommend:

• A full physical examination
• Dental and oral examination
• Examination of the eyes and ears
• Assessment for lameness or musculoskeletal pain
• Further diagnostic testing where indicated 

The information you provide is also extremely valuable.

Videos of the behaviour can help, particularly if your horse does not show signs during the veterinary examination. Keeping a simple record of when the head shaking occurs, how severe it is and possible triggers can also help identify patterns.

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause.

If a source of pain or irritation is identified, treating that problem may resolve or significantly improve the head shaking.

For horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking, management can be more complex and may involve strategies aimed at reducing known triggers and improving the horse's comfort. What works for one horse may not work for another, so treatment needs to be tailored to the individual horse.

The important point is that persistent head shaking should be investigated rather than assumed to be a behavioural problem.

Contact your veterinarian if your horse:

• Develops persistent or worsening head shaking
• Shakes their head violently or appears distressed
• Becomes difficult or unsafe to ride or handle
• Frequently rubs or strikes at their face
• Shows signs of dental, eye or ear discomfort
• Has a sudden change in behaviour
• Has a head shaking that is interfering with normal activities or quality of life

A veterinary assessment can help rule out painful conditions and determine the most appropriate next steps.

Head shaking can be frustrating for owners and uncomfortable for affected horses. Because there are many possible causes, there is rarely a single solution that suits every horse.

Paying attention to when the behaviour occurs, possible and any associated signs can provide important information. A thorough veterinary examination can then help identify or rule out potential causes and guide further investigation or treatment.

If you are concerned about persistent head shaking in your horse, contact the Vet Cross team to arrange an assessment.

Written by: Vet Cross Marketing Team

Clinically reviewed by: Dr Kate Schroeder BVSc (hons)

Last reviewed: August 2026