Latest News & Survey research for Sweet Itch Sufferers.
Plus top tips on how to look after equine skin.
Throughout the summer & winter months naturally!
Here at Stable Environment we are on a mission to wipe out “Sweet Itch”. We have carried out our own survey whilst trialling and testing different methods of application. Most importantly, we asked for information about your equines who suffer with “Sweet Itch”. We discovered that it affects the condition of the skin, coat, eyes and chest throughout the whole year. We hope the following information will be helpful and give you and your equine a happier future.
About us
My background credentials have helped in the understanding and treatment of equine skin conditions and in turn the development of our company’s products. All of these promote healthy skin, well being, are environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
When we rescued our Shetland pony, he had the worse “Sweet Itch” imaginable. Our vet was surprised that maggots were not present in his open wounds! Hence, my quest to create a safe cure, or preventative product that would work effectively, without the use of toxic pesticides being applied to his skin.
Harry (the pony) has been an excellent tester, as he lives with us and can be monitored every hour if need be. It has been an amazing experience, to see his full recovery from the shear misery he was experiencing. A whopping 100% of you have told us that your Sweet Itch suffering equines have excessive dandruff, or skin build up throughout the winter months, especially in the mane and tail regions. You told us about watering eyes and little coughs that occurred, especially in the first half hour of exercise. It was astonishing, but interesting to hear, that they all suffered these mild effects throughout the winter months. I say mild, as they were not rubbing themselves raw like they do throughout the summer! The odd case was reported however, where excessive rubbing needed veterinary treatment. Some equines are rugged up throughout the winter months therefore giving the skin protection from rubbing, but concealing what was going on beneath.
Many have been bathing their equines on a weekly basis, believing this would rid the unsightly looking dandruff condition and create a better-looking appearance. In most cases, this would make the situation worse, by de-hydrating the skin, thus leading to more problems, such as dry, cracking skin, which in turn can lead to bacterial invasion. Some have gone to extremes of clipping out, in an attempt to remove troublesome build up in the coat. Equine skin can dry out in the winter, not just through adverse weather conditions, but also by dry dusty bedding and chemical based products applied to the coat. We discovered that there are all sorts of biting insects living in the stables, even blood sucking ones such as mites, deer ticks and bed bugs to name but a few! Mice can easily transport deer ticks; these pose more of a problem if woodlands are nearby. Most equines cope adequately, showing very little sign of discomfort; however, the Sweet Itch sufferers do show visible signs of skin and eye irritation.
“The Ultimate 2in 1 Fly Repellent & Skin Tonic” is the ideal solution to deal with all of these problems. I developed this product for many reasons. (Far too many to fit on the label) The two essential oils were specifically chosen as they have the following beneficial qualities;
Neem Pure Essential Oil is an excellent, natural, alternative insect repellent for equines sensitive to Permethrin or Deet insecticides, which can be found in many fly repellents. Neem does not kill the pests instantly, but changes their growth cycle. One outstanding component, Azadirachtin, disrupts the metamorphosis or insect larvae, by inhibiting moulting. It keeps the larvae from developing into pupae and the insect dies without producing a new generation. It has such a repugnant bitter taste, that insects would rather starve to death than touch a food source with a trace of it on! It can deter biting insects more effectively than synthetic chemicals such as “Deet”. This is great news, as this means there is actually no need to use toxic poisons on the skin. Neem has a profound, natural action against unwanted pestiferous, blood sucking and biting insects, over 500 worldwide. It is non-toxic to humans, mammals, earthworms, birds, bees and beneficial insects.
It also contains vitamin E and essential amino acids, plus a percentage of fatty acids, which helps to maintain the skins elasticity. Skin needs to be kept healthy, toned and supple all year round. Neem has been used for centuries because of its proven natural, antibacterial and anti fungal qualities. It is a natural alternative in the treatment of skin allergies, such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. The healing quality and the speed at which it works, is quite remarkable. I have never seen broken, weeping skin heal so quickly. Feedback from the field has been phenomenal in this respect.
I personally suffered with dermatitis on my hands for seven years, but after applying Neem solutions to Harry, in the development of this product, it cleared up! I cannot express my relief in not having to apply steroid creams and wearing gloves for virtually everything! Sometimes it was that bad, I held ice packs for relief from the burning sensation. It makes me shudder to think what suffering Harry must have endured. I know people have been put off using this most beneficial essential oil, due to its unpleasant odour and lard like consistency, but we found a way to overcome this.
Lemon Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil has been blended into this product; it has a fresh uplifting aroma and is an excellent, natural insect repellent, in its own right. It helps provide protection from, mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats and deer ticks.
The two essential oils combined make this an excellent product for “Sweet Itch” sufferers. They have been carefully blended, tried and tested, to benefit and nourish the skin whilst protecting it from unwanted blood sucking insects. Our recent trials have confirmed that regular use throughout the winter months relieves the equine from dandruff, dry skin and runny eye conditions. You will notice the improvement overnight.
Below I have put together a skin care programme, which will help keep your equine in tiptop condition throughout the whole year.
When washing your equine to remove dirt, grime, grease and dandruff, you also remove some of their natural oils. Care is needed to restore and maintain a natural healthy balance. Nourishing conditioners need to be applied after washing. Be careful when selecting a shampoo and conditioner, as perfumes can be an irritant, not only to the skin but also to the equines sense of smell! All animals prefer natural ingredients to synthetic ones.
Please note; our company does not use silicon based conditioners, as they tend to sit on top of the hair, coating it in a film, making it slippery and dangerous, especially under saddles.
“Shower n’ Shine” or “2in1 Equine Intimate Body Wash” for mares, stallions and geldings external genitalia
We recommend either one of these products as an all over body wash for equines suffering with Sweet Itch or a nervous disposition. Tea Tree and Lavender pure essential oils are blended into this gentle wash, as they help to assist the immune system, by stimulating the cells around the wound and speeding up regeneration. After bathing, the beneficial qualities of both essential oils carry on working. They help to combat viral, fungal and bacterial invasion, such as ringworm, warts, soothing insect bites, minor cuts, abrasions and sunburn.
“The Ultimate 2in 1 fly repellent & Skin tonic”
We recommend the application of this product after washing, as it goes a long way on damp skin and penetrates more easily through the hair. Always sponge or apply with a cloth onto the facial areas, ensuring that the ears are sufficiently coated, as insects tend to like them! I found it an invaluable natural conditioner for Harry after he has had a bath. When dried, his skin feels toned, supple and his coat has a very healthy shine. Please note this can be applied to dry coats too and is a leave on product. I recommend using this once or twice a month(or more frequently depending on the environment) throughout the winter months for Sweet Itch suffering equine, to protect them from biting insects and bed bugs.
“3in 1 Tangle Free Mane, Tail & Coat Shine”
Alternatively, after washing you could apply this product, as the conditioners will help re-hydrate the skin, creating a natural balance. I would recommend using it once a week on a dry coat throughout the winter months. Pure Lemongrass Essential Oil has been blended for the following reasons; it has a natural antibacterial action, is beneficial to respiratory problems, eczema type conditions, runny eyes, and coughing. Lemongrass is also renowned as a natural skin tonic, a cooler, deodorant and energiser. It works to assist the digestive system. This is a leave on product.
“5in1 Fresh H-Air”
This multi action spray has been developed using Eucalyptus and Tea Tree pure essential oils. Both act as natural decongestants. It helps alleviate breathing problems and minimises dust in the coat and bedding. We have added natural conditioners, which gives the coat a healthy shine. Apply liberally to the chest area and spray bedding and walls. It is excellent for horses on box rest or hoses in transit, simply spray around boxes/trailers thus making breathing easier whilst in a confined space.
It is an excellent coolant after hard work; it can be sprayed onto the horse or added to a bucket of water and sponged on. Always apply to head areas with a damp sponge or cloth, avoiding eyes. Eucalyptus pure essential oil is so versatile it protects the body all year round, but is renowned for its effectiveness against coughs and colds. It also helps combat viral infections, bronchitis, rheumatism, muscular strains and used in veterinary care as an antiseptic. Sweet Itch sufferers will benefit greatly if this product is regularly sprayed on their chest and bedding.
I carried out the above programme on Harry and his Sweet Itch has gone! In addition, his winter excessive skin shedding has cleared up. We have received many calls and emails thanking us for developing these products and we hope your equine benefits from them too.
We have You Tube videos showing how to use our products.
Mags Roxburgh
Managing Director
Stable Environment Limited
www.stable-environment.co.uk