The Equinist: Articles and Commentary by Susan Kauffmann

In "Ask The Equinist", blog readers are invited to submit their questions, and I will do my best to provide a well-researched answer. Here is the latest reader query: Question:  In all of your research, have you come across anything useful for sweet itch? My Welsh Cob has it and generally tries to rub all the hair off his belly. Last year we kept it managed really well by just spraying him with a good fly spray in the evening. This year, even though we are doing this he is already rubbing his belly. I bought a Boett blanket but it is just too heavy to keep on him -- any ideas? Jill A. in BC Answer: Hi Jill. Sweet itch is the common name for hypersensitivity to the bites of C ulicoides midges. Horses affected by this problem can do themselves serious harm by rubbing incessantly to try to rid themselves of the terrible itching caused by these tiny "no see ums". As you have discovered, the belly is the most common site of attack, though people may see their ho...

This article first appeared in EQUUS magazine. After a long, dreary winter, most horse people look forward to the coming of summer with great anticipation. Whether we are pleasure riders who live to hit the trail or serious competitors gunning for the top prize, summer is prime horse time, and we want our horses to be at their very best. Fortunately, horses generally have fewer health problems in the summer months, but this doesn’t mean we can take their health for granted. In fact, there are a number of ailments associated with the insects, heat, sun and activities of summer – some of which can be quite serious. Therefore, if you want your horse to remain hale and hearty throughout the summer season, you need to know what problems to look out for, and what you can do to prevent them. What’s Bugging You: The serious health threats             The presence of insects is an inescapable and irritating part of life in the summer -- b...