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by Ditte Young
Updated on April 5, 2024
Estimated reading time:ย 6 minutesย
When horses communicate, they use a variety of different signals, including shaking their heads. However, some horses shake their heads more than normal. Continual and uncontrollable headshaking can be a sign that your horse is in pain or perhaps even suffering from headshaking syndrome.
In this article, I will cover why horses bob their heads, trigeminal-mediated headshaking โ also known as headshaking syndrome โ and what you can do to help reduce your horseโs symptoms.
Horses bob their heads for a variety of reasons, some of which are harmless. For example, horses sometimes bob their heads to show excitement or to draw attention to themselves in hopes of getting a treat. Your horse might shake its head to show annoyance or irritation. If your horse is playful and energetic, it might shake its head as a sign of boredom.
However, continual headshaking can be a sign of something more serious, such as pain or health problems. It can be a sign of stereotypical behavior due to stress or damaged nerves.
These problems can all cause horses to shake their heads. However, the most common cause of continual headshaking in horses is a condition known as trigeminal-mediated headshaking.
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Trigeminal-mediated headshaking, sometimes referred to as headshaking syndrome, is a condition in which the horseโs trigeminal nerveโthe chief sensory nerve of the horseโs faceโgrows extremely sensitive, resulting in headshaking without apparent cause.
In affected horses, the trigeminal nerve fires spontaneously or with minimum stimulus, causing the horse to experience itching, tingling, burning, or electric shock-like sensations.
While these signs can occur when the horse rests, horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking are typically more affected at exercise. The condition can leave more severely affected horses unable to perform or even dangerous to ride and handle.
Trigeminal-mediated headshaking affects approximately 1% of horses across the world. All breeds of horses are susceptible to the condition, although geldings appear to be the most commonly affected group.
The exact cause of trigeminal-mediated headshaking is unclear, as the trigeminal nerve appears normal under microscopic examination.
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Because trigeminal-mediated headshaking is little understood, there is currently no specific or curative treatment for this condition. There are also no known measures for prevention of the condition. However, some horses recover over time with the use of craniosacral therapy or Bemer Vet blankets.
Some horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking also respond well to nose nets. Nose nets are thought to work by constantly stimulating the trigeminal nerve, which helps override pain signals. Some horses also seem to experience relief when wearing fly masks with ultraviolet light protection.
The prognosis for the condition is case-dependent, as the clinical signs and response to treatment are highly variable. In some horses, the clinical signs can be limited or reduced. Extreme cases, however, may require euthanasia.
If your horse is headshaking badly at rest and appears distressed, you should seek veterinary aid immediately. If the problem appears less severe, itโs a good idea to record a video of your horseโs headshaking, as this can help an expert determine the cause of the issue.
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Our horses shake their heads for many reasons. If your horse is shaking its head continually and uncontrollably, however, it may suffer from headshaking syndrome or trigeminal-mediated headshaking.
Because the cause of trigeminal-mediated headshaking is unknown so far, and because the signs and severity of headshaking syndrome vary depending on the individual horse, this condition can be challenging to diagnose and navigate.
For that reason, the best way to alleviate your horseโs headshaking is to listen to what it is trying to tell you. A horse whisperer can help you do just that.
With the help of a professional horse whisperer like myself, you can better handle behavioral problems such as biting, bucking, or kicking. Even more importantly, you will learn how to ask your horse why it is shaking its head, listen to what it is trying to tell you and get to the root of what you can do to reduce this behavior.
This will not only help you improve your horseโs health and quality of life but also strengthen the bond of trust and love between you and your horse.
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Animal Telepathy Mastery
I, Ditte Young, have been a spiritual coach, therapist, and clairvoyant for 25 years. I am the author of three books about animal communication and am known as the most recognized animal communicator and horse whisperer in Europe.
In my online course, โHorse Personality Types,โ I will help you get to know your horseโs personality profile and gain a new, more profound understanding of how your horse understands you, responds to you, and reads your signals. With this knowledge, you will learn to understand exactly what your horse is trying to tell you, allowing you to see what you can do to help reduce your horseโs headshaking.
Want to learn behavior techniques applicable to horses from Europeโs most recognized horse communicator? Now is your chance.
You can now participate in Animal Telepathy Mastery from anywhere in the world.
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