Sweet Itch advice

[basilbrush2009]

My 7 year old boy who I have owned from a 3 year old got Sweetitch last year, he had never had it before. Is this common? Should I expect it this year? Being unprepared last year we lost alot of mane and tail!
Having never dealt with it with my own horses before can you advise on how to manage, your experiences etc etc.

Now dont laugh but a friend used to give her horse a marmite sandwich a day to keep the flies away... never done it myself but willing to do anything after last year!

 

[Greylegs]

By no means an expert,but just sharing a few experiences on the basis of having a pony who removed a chunk of mane last year to SI ... Very frustrating.

Apparently brewers yeast is one line of defence recommended by some as it seems to make your horse less attractive to the midges and I've been trying to introduce marmite as well. Mine just licks it off my hand but that's very messy so might try making sarnies instead.

Also put mine on NAF D-itch this year. Just started but it's pretty expensive tbh so will see how it goes. Will also be applying Killitch as its supposed to kill the bugs on contact. Again, this is a new approach for me so will be taking stock later in the season.

I spray with Avon Skin so Soft oil which works brilliantly as a midge repellent but makes your horse smell a bit odd (but who cares, if it works). Spray it on yourself as well: makes your skin really soft and nice .....

Some on here will tell you nothi g really works and to get a Boett rug or similar but my horse just won't wear one so just have to keep trying other things.

Principally, I manage by bringing my horse in every night to avoid the evening midge attack. Also helps keep his weight down, of course.

Good luck. SI is a frustrating condition and what works for me might not work for you.