Why Horses Roll
Shedding Hair
In the spring, when horses are shedding their thick winter coats, rolling helps loosen the hair. Horses may be damp with sweat if the temperature suddenly soars up, and your horse will be sweating beneath its warm coat. So rolling helps to relieve the itchy sweaty feeling while removing some of that excess hair. Rolling may also help dry the horse's skin, which is why it will do it after a rain or bath.
When Rolling Indicates a Problem
Most of the time, rolling is perfectly okay, and natural, healthy horse behavior. But there are a few situations where rolling might indicate a
problem.
You don't want your horse to try to roll while you are riding it. Horses attempt to roll while being ridden because they are uncomfortable, or rolling can be the horse's way of being balky, and resisting work. If your horse suddenly tries to roll while being ridden, carefully check your tack for anything that may be poking or pinching the horse. Your horse may also be experiencing muscle soreness while being ridden. Often, an equine chiropractor can help you sort out this sort of problem. And for horses that are balking, and using rolling to get out of work, some re-schooling with a rider who recognizes the signs that the horse may try to roll before the horse carries out the deed is in order.
