Sweet itch action plan

If you own or ride a pony with sweet itch you’ll know it’s a horrible skin condition that can make him really itchy and sore. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for sweet itch, but there are things you can do to help make the warmer months more comfortable for him.

Once bitten

Sweet itch is an allergy to the saliva of female midges. If a pony with this allergy is bitten by the insects, it makes his skin super-itchy, and he’ll look for something to scratch on. However, instead of feeling better, scratching can make him even itchier, and some ponies will rub and rub until they’ve made their skin really sore. 

Spot the signs

If your fave pony has sweet itch, he might…

• rub his head, mane and tail on fencing, trees, gates or his stable door
• bite his skin
• have bare or sore patches on his head and body
• have hair missing from his mane and tail

TOP TIP

Put a prevention plan into action before the midges come out, which will be as soon as the weather warms up. Once he’s been bitten it’ll be harder to keep him comfy.

Action plan

     1. Keep him covered

A fly or sweet itch rug’s essential to provide a barrier between your pony’s skin and the pesky midges. It’s important that it covers as much of his body as possible, so choose one with a full neck, a wide belly flap and a large tail flap. 

     2. Mask it

Your pony’s face is really sensitive, especially his eyes and ears, so keep midges and other annoying insects away by popping a mask on him. These come in loads of different designs, but if your pony’s sweet itch is particularly bad, you’ll want one that gives him the best coverage and includes ears and a nose section.

     3. Find a midge-free zone

It’s a no-brainer that if your pony’s allergic to midges it’s best to keep him where they’re less likely to hang out. This isn’t always possible, but try to avoid turning him out in a paddock close to their absolute fave places, such as…

• trees and woodland
• smelly, wet areas, such as bogs and ponds
• muck heaps

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Midges can’t fly in wind, so keeping your pony in a paddock where there’s often a breeze, such as on a hill, can help keep them away.

     4. Give him shelter

Midges are more likely to fly around at dusk and dawn, and this is when they’ll be extra likely to munch on your pony. It can be sensible to stable him during these times, but if you can’t, make sure he has a field shelter he can use to get away from the biting bugs.

     5. Super spray

You may have dressed your fave pony from head to tail in anti-midge gear, but it’s a good idea to apply some insect repellent, too, especially if there are any areas of his body that are still exposed. Your local tack shop will be full of lotions, sprays and creams that are designed to keep bugs away, but try to choose one that’s been designed to target midges.

TOP TIP

If your pony’s skin’s sore from rubbing, ask your vet to recommend a soothing lotion you can use.