Prevent itchiness before it becomes a problem...

This sensation can be very strong and excessive scratching can lead to bald patches and damaged skin. You might be thinking "my horse isn't itchy yet, why do I need to consider this now?" but let me explain to you the best way of helping to keep the itch at bay this Summer.

Before external allergens such as midges become apparent you can give your horse a boost by addressing their diet.

Hilton Herbs Bye Bye Itch is a great natural approach to aiding the skin's cellular structure and boosting your horse's natural resistance against external allergens whilst helping reduce skin irritation. Bye Bye Itch has been designed to be fed in the months prior to "itching season" in order to build up your horse's defenses and improve skin quality to reduce the effects caused by midges and biting insects. Bye Bye Itch will also help to prepare your horse for Summer by cleansing toxins from the body.

Extensive field trials over an 8 month period for horses and ponies in the UK, showed the long chain fatty acids omega 3 & 6 found in Bye Bye Itch can support skin structure, integrity and the skins natural resistance to external allergens.

93% of the trial participants reported that feeding Bye Bye Itch had significantly helped their horse or pony.

For optimum results from Bye Bye Itch you can pair it up with the Bye Bye Itch Lotion, this non-greasy, pleasant smelling lotion can be applied to soothe your horse's skin in irritated or sensitive areas. The formula can also promote hair re-growth.

Stock up on midge repellent!

A good repellent is essential to help keep biting insects away and reduce the itchy effects caused by them biting your horse's skin to begin with. Leovet's Power Phaser is a popular choice for insect control due as it gives up to seven hours of protection, even when sweating occurs. Making it an effective, longer lasting option, ideal for use when exercising or just in hot weather.

I always think it is important to apply a fly repellent to my horse's face. Due to the sensitive nature of the skin on the face I recommend using a more natural approach for your horse, such as Leovet's Tam Tam Vet Intensive Gel. Just like Power Phaser, Tam Tam Vet is a high-performing insect repellent but consists of a gentle formula with no alcohol or preservatives.

As with any new products, it is recommended you should patch test them on your horse first.

Invest in a quality rug designed to help prevent midges and biting insects from accessing your horse. Just like the dry herbs it is so important to start using a fly rug before itching becomes a problem. The biting insects are the cause of the itching, so to actively help your horse as the seasons change, you need to ensure the midges have as little access as possible.

If you apply the rug after your horse has become itchy, they may shred the rug itching in it.

Prepare your routine for when midges are most active.

If you have a particularly sensitive horse, ensure their turn out is away from any water sources such as ponds or ditches as this is where many biting insects are likely to be found. You can also prepare your stable to house your horse during hours when midges are most active, if your horse is particularly sensitive you may even want to install an insect proof mesh on any windows or doors.

Lastly if you are unsure of the best way to help your itchy horse you should consult your vet. Your vet will know your horse's history and be able to help get their itch under control.