Would you take on a sweet itch case?

Sweet-itch would normally put me off, BUT if I knew the horse already and therefore was 110% sure that the problem was manageable AND the horse was exceptionally suited for the purposes I wanted, then I would take one on.

As you can take this pony on loan before committing to buy, I would be tempted to go ahead, because it will give you the opportunity to see how easy the condition is to control. (Obviously you would want the loan to continue through the summer months to assess this.)

The other factor to consider is the facilities you have available - it is often easier to manage this condition if you have your own land and stables where you can choose to stable and turnout as appropriate and have the option to have electric fences. The restrictions at a livery yard can sometimes make it difficult to give the pony the individual routine it needs.
 
It would really depend on the horse and the severity of the SI. We currently have a horse and a show pony with SI. the pony is fine to manage, but the cob is a bit of a nightmare.
 
Another yes, but think the advice about where you are located is also relevant. Apparently the midges breed in damp, rotting wood, so if your fields are surrounded by woodlands, lakes etc then it might make the management side much harder and not be fair on the pony.

I have bought 3 sweet itch rugs this year, one expensive and two cheap in sales, and all did a great job and with a bit of sewing two of them should last another year. I get my gelding in before dusk in the spring/summer/autumn, and turn him out when it is dark. If it is a midgey afternoon, he stands at the gate and calls me to get him in! I'm not so good at getting up early to get him in, but with rug and lotions on he isn't too bothered.

Also you can have an injection to stop the allergic reaction completely, although that is not recommended if pony is prone to laminitis. Lots of info available from the Boett rug people on drug trials if you want to look it all up. Good luck!
 
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