Prevention and management | Itchyhorse.com

There are many products on the market to help prevent and manage the damage caused by the horses itching and rubbing due to the reasons discussed.

Natural Remedies – The use of natural herbs and oils has been investigated in the form of ointments and proven to show success in helping horses to heal and relieve their irritation from such conditions as Sweet Itch. Aromesse Ltd produce Equi-Nat products for itchy horses which have been shown to have great success. The range includes a spray, cream and shampoo bar which can be found here
Sweet itch rugs – There are now many on the market including the original Boett Blanket developed by the National Sweet Itch Centre, Rambo’s Sweet Itch Hoody, Equi-theme Sweet itch sheet and many more. They are designed to provide a barrier to stop any insects and midges biting the horse and subsequently causing allergies.
Barrier Creams – The use of Barrier Creams can help to prevent the spread of bacteria and fungi found in the mud thriving in the Autumn and Winter such as the Bacteria that cause Rain Scald/Mud Fever. The removal of any scabs will help to keep the condition under control whilst applying a barrier before the horse is turned out can help to protect the horses skin and help prevent further outbreaks where possible. There are many on the market including heel to hoof, Naf Mud barrier and then going back to a more natural method Aromesse Ltd as previously stated also have mud ointments and barrier creams which can also be found here
Steroid creams and ointments – Usually containing Corticosteroids these are usually effective for early treatment but can often become less effective over long term use.
Fly repellents – Repelling midges, flies and other biting insects can often be the best prevention as well as management method, however, repellents that work for one horse may not work for another and in some horses may increase the reaction from sensitivity to Citronella for example. There are many fly repellents on the market including NAF OFF fly sprays which come in different forms, American Equine Citronella summer spray and a lot more.
There are a variety of options available to deal with lice & mites but usually topical products are favored. It is also best practice to groom your horses regularly to check for lice and mites and quite often clipping the horses hair is beneficial to help manage any infestation.

There are many products on the market to help prevent and manage the damage caused by the horses itching and rubbing due to the reasons discussed.

Steroid creams and ointments – Usually containing Corticosteroids these are usually effective for early treatment but can often become less effective over long term use.

There are a variety of options available to deal with lice & mites but usually topical products are favored. It is also best practice to groom your horses regularly to check for lice and mites and quite often clipping the horses hair is beneficial to help manage any infestation.