glitzandgrit - 2018-05-02 11:28 AM So my new mare seems to be a headshaker...she head shakes a little bit to the right on the lunge line and any direction undersaddle wherever and whenever. She DOES need her teeth done (she was somewhat neglected where she was) they are getting done in a couple days so I am hoping that will fix the issue but I have noticed she is an itchy horse, always scratching her head when she is tied up. She also appears to have some kind of fungal/itchy patch bald patch on her withers where her mane is and some rubs on her nose. She does have a lot of attitude too lol so that could be part of it, but I was doing a bit of reading on headshaker syndrome and was suspicious...she doesn't do it by herself however so I wonder if maybe it is exercise triggered...opinions? Thanks.

wishingforsun - 2018-05-02 7:10 PM


Flip up her top lip up and check the underside for herpes bumps.  If she has them but they are flat that means she is in a dormant state but if they are raised then she is experiencing a flare up. Think of it like shingles/chicken pox in humans.