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Sweet Itch is also sometimes known as Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis, Equine Summer Itch or Pruritus.

It affects around 3-5% of British horses and commonly occurs between the months of April to October, although it may occur in earlier or later months.

In most cases, it is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of biting midges. The allergic reaction results in an intense itching and an immune system overreaction. The immune system tries to counteract the situation and ulceration and thickening of the skin can happen.

Signs of sweet itch include:

  • Mild to severe itching and rubbing
  • Dandruff
  • Weeping sores
  • Thickening of skin
  • Loss of mane and tail hair
  • Areas of sore, open and broken skin
  • Bald patches
  • Itching along legs and under belly
  •  
There is no specific cure for Sweet Itch but the best way to prevent it is to stop the flies and midges biting the horses. Prevention strategies include:

  • Regularly applying midge repellent
  • Stabling during dawn and dusk when midges are at their worst – and on humid days
  • Allow the horses to graze in open, dry areas.  Midges tend to like woodland and water
  • Give the horse a sweet itch rug to wear
  • Feed supplements that help promote healthy skin and reduce the impact of any allergic reactions
  • Place insect proof mesh on stable doors and windows
Treatment can help to reduce the itching and discomfort that the allergic reaction causes. However, all horses respond differently and what works for one may not work for another.

Topical treatments can help to soothe and steroids and antihistamines may also be advised, depending on what your vet suggests. Whichever treatment is decided upon, it is vital that strategies are put in place to take away the cause of the Sweet Itch and, ideally, this should all happen before the horse starts to show symptoms.

If your horse has started to exhibit the symptoms of Sweet Itch and he’s never had it before, you should consider calling your vet to make sure that that is the issue and it’s not something else. Equally, if you find that your management style isn’t working, your horse has sores that won’t heal or the situation has deteriorated, it’s always best to contact your vet.


Posted: 15/07/2015 12:01:47

With the competition season in full swing, we wanted to help those of you that suffer with competition anxiety by putting together a few top tips to help you deal with competition nerves…

  • Prepare your horse by practising everything you’re planning to do at the show at home. This will eliminate the element of surprise and allow you and your horse to be more confident as you will both know what you’re doing.
  • In a similar way, think about what may scare your horse at a show e.g. banners and loud speakers.  Practice with music playing and make sure your horse is used to banners.
  • Know your Test - If you are riding a dressage test at the show, make sure you know it before the morning of the competition! If you’re familiar with the routine, it will become easier.
  • Pack everything that you need well in advance. Use a checklist so you don’t forget anything.
  • Arrive in plenty of time.  This means you will arrive calm and will have time to get your horse used to his surroundings.  Have a pre-show routine – this will help both you and your horse.
  • Don’t go by yourself if you are really nervous! Take a friend or family member.
  • Work out what warm up plan works for you.  It may be positive visualisation or chatting and laughing with a friend.
  • Breathe! Deep breathing will relax you and will also send calming signals to your horse.  Learn to keep physically relaxed and create images in your mind of you riding confidently!
  • Make sure you warm up properly but at the same time, don’t exhaust your horse.  You need to know his stamina levels and how much work he requires to be warmed up.
  • Explore the competition area with your horse.  Make sure you are both familiar with your surroundings.
  • Eat! But make sure you leave a couple of hours before your event to properly digest food.
  • Remember why you’re doing it! We all like to do well at shows, but if you’re so nervous and worried about doing well that you don’t enjoy it, you’ve lost half the appeal. You will have more challenging days, but try and enjoy the experience!
Posted: 07/07/2015 08:54:36

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