Tried and Tested:

Having purchased a Boett rug initially, I found the face cover worked really well (so much so C would stick his head out to make it easier for me to put on), but his coat deteriorated in quality under the rug itself. He just seemed greasy and hair fell out daily in carpet-like quantities, so we switched to a Shires Highlander Sweet-itch Rug.

I’ve personally found these to be really easy to wash, not too hot for 99% of the UK summer and really hard wearing. The older version with the stretch fabric over the ears works best for me - as we have a huge neck and mane!

Buy online at Amazon or any online equestrian retail outlet.

Since our biting incident, C has been terrified of biting insects getting under his tummy when we hack out. I’m usually reminded of this fact on a Spring hack when I start leaping in the air and a wild look comes over C which is difficult to shift. There’s a point where you need to decide if you want to risk life and limb, or if its better to get off and walk home as fast as you can. I now know he appreciates the security of a rug in these situations, so I’ve invested in a couple of ride on fly rugs for hacking. Yes, we get sweaty, but we both feel much safer. And we look like we’re off to a mediaeval jousting tournament as we hack down the road!.

I’ve tried both the Amigo Flyrider by Horseware, and more recently, the QHP Fringed Fly Rug, available from Equus.

I have been experimenting with adding chia seeds to feeds for the last 12 months, gradually reducing the amount of linseed I feed as I increased the measure of chia to avoid too much condition.

Research suggests chia seeds can help with insulin regulation - and I’ve noticed that increasing the serving from 25g to 50g daily made a difference at the start of Spring.

I go through phases where C almost seems allergic to his own saliva - and if it lands on his chest he will start to bite himself in irritation. When we added chia to the mix this stopped. Could be coincidence, but it seemed worth continuing.

For more info, take a look at this article by Kentucky Equine Research.

When we were at our worst, the vet recommended Fidavet Cavalesse, to help promote healthy skin. The key ingredient is nicotinamide and when searching for cost-effective alternatives I came across Health 4 All Nicotinamide tablets, available to buy on Amazon.

If you do buy a tablet version, be sure to check they are ‘no flush’ otherwise you risk adding an extra ‘itch’ to your collection! With a horse weighing around 550 - 600kg I tend to feed 2-3 500mg tablets daily, dropping down to a smaller dose over winter (1 tablet) to ensure we hit the ground running when Spring arrives.

Please do speak to a veterinary professional if you are considering adding nicotinamide to your horses diet. I have found my vet practice to incredibly supportive as soI’ve left no stone unturned in trying to get to the bottom of our ‘itchy’ nightmare.

I’ve experimented with a range of supplements which provide omega oils - including chia seeds - which have the added benefit of adding protein to C’s diet.

Omega 3 and omega 6 are essential fatty acids. According to Kentucky Equine Research they can help with allergy and immune conditions and respiratory issues.

They are also a source of slow release energy as they are high in calories.

As horses can’t produce essential fatty acids they often need to be added to the diet. When the grass is good (if your horse is allowed to eat it!) - it is rich in omega 3, but if grass is reduced (drought or winter) or your hosre has no access - perhaps due to restricted grazing, then a supplement can be beneficial.

Visit the NAF website for more information.

Ground milk thistle is rich in antioxidants and can be used to promote a healthy equine liver. Once again, milk thistle can help support healthy skin, healthy hooves and the wider immune system.

You can pick up milk thistle in most equestrian/agricultural feed merchants, but I also buy online from Horse Health Solutions who are super quick to deliver, ring me if they think I’ve accidentally ordered the wrong thing(!) and are super helpful over the phone if you have questions.

Horse Health Solutions

I was introduced to chamomile when C was 6 years old and probably best described as “lazy sharp”! A Spanish horse breeder in the UK recommended them, alongside hops, to help owners who were struggling with sharp spanish horses in winter time. Ae all seemed to be experiencing the same thing and the personality switch was a tad too dramatic!

Over the years I’ve dropped the hops (now having a slightly older, more ‘sensible’ horse most days) but kept chamomile.

Not only does it have a calming, relaxing effect on both my horses nervous and digestive systems; as a natural anti-inflammatory, its a key ingredient in soothing the ‘itch’.

Many owners make chamomile tea and use it to wet their horses feed, but you can just add it in dry.

Many itchy horse owners find a blend of chamomile and rooibus tea helpful and Turmeritch is another good product to try if you want all your anti-itch support in one convenient supplement. You can find details on the ingredients on The Golden Paste Company website.

Just be mindful that as this particular supplement includes a number of other ingredients, including milk thistle, you won’t need to add these separately in your horses diet.

If you’d like to buy chamomile as a straight supplement, go to Horse Health Solutions - they’re great!

I’ve had both of these Leovet products in my kit for quite a few years now (as you can see by the frayed edges on the bottle - they’re in regular use!)

I’ve found the Leovet No Rub really good for tackling itchy manes and tails when horses are rubbing.

It can be applied daily and foams up when you rub it in. It’s actually made from bio-sulpher fluid and urea.

The bio-Skin oil contains bio-sulpher fluid, calendula oil, st. john’s wort oil , carrot oil and marigold. it’s great for putting on the bald patches!

I really like this fly spray - it’s full of essential oils so acts as a coat conditioner and really does keep the flys away. The bottle comes with a pouch so you effectively ‘mix your own’ at home and you can buy multiple packs so you can continue topping up.

Delivery is quick and there are often special offers.

I use the ‘EXTRA’ verson which is suitable for horses that react badly to midges and other insects. I think we qualify!

Find out more at: Neddycare