Spring for horses

We are again at the beginning of spring accompanied by warmer temperatures, biting insects appear again. Like sweet itch, mite, mug, rasp, cpl and eczema which is very uncomfortable for the animal as well as the rider and significantly affects riding as well. I see and notice that there are many questions and uncertainties about when to start with your horse when it comes to his feed or other products to make sure he gets through the months well when it comes to skin irritation like itching.

The breeds Tinkers and Friesians are most prone to it. Usually starts at the tail and mane. Allergic reaction to the saliva/protein of a certain fly species. This does not mean that other breeds cannot also suffer from this, only that it is usually mites, lice, mug or worms. Itching can be caused by bacterial skin infections and occasionally slight itching can occur with fungal infections (ringworm). Furthermore, itching can be caused by stress and boredom or by nutritional deficiencies (vitamins/minerals).

Horses are naturally sensitive creatures and skin problems can never be 100% avoided but that is why paying attention to good care, proper nutrition especially where it is so little difficult to contain sugar when it comes to eczema already makes a big difference.

It is important to detect skin irritation in time and also act on it immediately to prevent it from spreading further.

Eczema in horses

What is eczema? Eczema in horses is caused by an allergy to the bites of small Culicoides mosquitoes. When the small, itchy bites form on the skin, irritation occurs, causing the horse to rub and scratch the affected areas. The rubbing can cause scabs and ulcers to form.

Horses that get eczema is usually in spring, often itching in the mane and tail hair.

Affected parts of the body may be:

• Mane and tail;
• Legs
• coal cavity
• Face and ears; or

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT:

 1.Start on time

The first Culicoides- mosquito eggs hatch when the temperature rises above 10°C, so in the case of sweet itch, it is important to act sooner than later. If a horse is already rubbing and clearly itching, it is almost impossible to stop the emergence of sweet itch.

2.Reduce sugars in feed

Sugars are not only found in concentrate, but also in roughage and grass. Check your forage for sugar content and don't let your horse out to pasture too early after a cold night.

3.Make sure your horse is active every day:

Activity is important in combating eczema. Free movement in the pasture alone is not enough to ensure good circulation and removal of waste products. If you do not want to ride, lunge every day make sure you walk or do ground work with your horse for at least 20 minutes a day.

4.Make your horse unattractive to mosquitoes

If your horse's blood tastes unpleasant, it is less likely to be bitten. Therefore, it is advisable to start with anti-bug Spray the formula to repel mosquitoes.

5.Treat itchy areas locally:

If you still get itchy spots, use neem oil natural-based for wounds and scabs. Neem oil can also be used on the top of the street and mane. Before riding spray your horse with Anti-insect spray

To conclude:

It was a lot of fun writing this blog! I hope you will find it useful. All products are tested by me or by people I know very well. I prefer to go for natural-based products. My preference is for products that actually help, barring exceptions....