Hey fellow horsey people!

[Ninni1995]

Hi everyone, I look at these forums so much for help that I thought that is best sign up!
I've got a beautiful Welsh D who has just turned 19, but still loves his show jumping and showing!
Sadly a sweet itch suffered and tends to loose a lot of weight in the winter, so hopefully i can get some good hints and tips on how to help him further!
I have 2 diplomas in horse management and I'm currently studying towards my honours degree in equine science 😊

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[npage123]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Oh that's great that your 19yr old still enjoys SJ and showing! Here's to many more happy years!

I can't give you any advice from personal experience regarding sweet itch, but to help prevent weight loss during winter I feed ad lib forage (with good quality organic hay, not dusty mouldy stuff) and plenty of fibre-based feed twice/day with a cup of micronized linseed added per day. And ensuring my horse doesn't get cold/soaking wet. I'm sure you'll get some great tips if you start a thread about sweet itch - I hope you're able to manage it effectively this year.

 

[Regandal]

Welcome! My friend has a Sec D with sweet itch. He wears a fly rug from beginning of March until end September/October. He is also lathered in Neem oil, from his forelock, down the mane, along his back and massaged into his tail. Roughly every 2nd day. You need gloves as the stuff stinks! Effective though.

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

Hello. Brewers yeast is supposed to help sweet itch sufferers, alongside fly rug. If you can provide shelter from biting midges then it's appreciated by the horse.