How to Clean a Shy Horse's Ear

Horses have acute hearing, which forms part of their natural defense against predators. Many horses dislike having their ears touched, as it interferes with their hearing. Other horses are sensitive in that area, or have memories of an old trauma that makes them wary of having their ears handled. Normally horses' ears do not require much maintenance, but occasionally there will be problems caused by parasite infestation or a wax buildup. It is worth teaching a shy horse to have its ears handled in case you have to deal with ear health problems.

Things You'll Need

  • Flashlight
  • Halter
  • Soft grooming brush
  • Food rewards
  • Assistant
  • Twitch (optional)
  • Cotton balls
  • Ear cleaner (optional)
  • Antiseptic cream (optional)
  • Fly repellent cream (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tie up your horse and groom its head and neck area with a soft brush. If your horse lets you, take the base of the ear in one hand and run the grooming brush over it with the other. If your horse becomes agitated, rub your hand around the base of the ear while giving a food treat as a distraction. Continue to handle the ears each time you groom to desensitize the horse to having its ears touched. It may be several weeks before you can handle and stroke the ear without your horse reacting.

    • 2

      Have an assistant hold the horse while you examine the inside of the ears with a flashlight. Horses have a layer of protective hairs inside the ear that helps prevent dust and insects from entering. If there is excess wax, you will be able to see dark colored lumps at the base of the ear.

    • 3

      Dip a cotton ball into warm water and squeeze until almost dry. A horse's ear canals are almost vertical; using too much water will cause an excess to run down inside the ear and cause discomfort. Sponge out the base of the ear, taking care not to push the cotton in too deep. If your horse becomes agitated, have your assistant distract it with food or apply a twitch as a restraint. Change the cotton frequently until it comes out clean. If there is still evidence of wax, you may have to apply a few drops of ear cleaner to the cotton.

    • 4

      Clean the other ear in the same way. If there are sores where the horse has rubbed its head in discomfort, apply an antiseptic cream. You can also apply a fly repellent cream to the base of the ears, but not to the inside, where it may cause a reaction.