Skin deep

SKIN SENSE

UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES THAT CAN AFFECT THE HORSE’S SKIN AND HOW TO PREVENT OR TREAT THEM CAN DO A LOT TO KEEP HIM COMFORTABLE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, REPORTS BARBARA YOUNG.

As the largest organ in the horse’s body, general health and condition is re ected in the uality of his s in, displaying a glossy coat which shines naturally. A dull coat is indicati e of internal pro lems with s in infections and infestations often a sign that there is something amiss, e plains etplan uine et il iley. For e ample, ushings disease can cause many pro lems from laminitis to muscle loss it often affects the s in rst, so a dull, e cessi ely hairy coat is the indicator that pro lems may e afoot. il points out that many s in conditions are affected y seasons. ice and mites are much more common in the winter when coats are longer, mud fe er and rainscald are due to wet conditions, and sun urn can cause concern in the summer, as can allergies to pollen or y ites. here is also a particular auto immune condition, leu ocytoclastic asculitis, which is related to sunlight and often affects white soc ed horses. in s in is suscepti le to conditions related to light photosensitisation, sun urn, leucocytoclastic cannon and pastern asculitis , while dar s in is not affected at all y these conditions.

TREATMENTS

First signs that a horse has suffered an urticarial’ reaction are raised swellings, circular or horseshoe shaped, distri uted o er the nec and ody, which tend not to be itchy and according to il, horses will usually respond uic ly to an anti in ammatory in ection. ets can also ad ise on anti in ammatory treatments in ecta le and topical which can e helpful at treating or pre enting the initial cause of the complaint. For e ample, with mud fe er, anti iotics will e necessary ut minimise the time your horse stands around in wet paddoc s, wash off mud and towel dry the limbs when coming in and apply a protecti e waterproof arrier to the s in efore turnout. In the case of y ite allergies, an effecti e repellent and purchase of a good uality y rug can minimise the need to treat. When choosing y sheets for those which are sensiti e s inned or prone to allergies, you get what you pay for so it’s worth that e tra in estment.

ABOVE: THE HORSE’S SKIN IS THE LARGEST ORGAN IN HIS BODY, REFLECTING HEALTH AND CONDITION. LEFT: TO HELP PREVENT AND TREAT MUD FEVER WASH OFF LIMBS AND TOWEL DRY WHEN COMING IN.

CLEAN SPORT AWARENESS

When it comes to staying safe in competition, NAF head nutritionist Kate Hore says it’s important that owners are aware of pitfalls when choosing a skin product.

“There is often an assumption that if a product has been designed for horses then it must be safe and suitable, but sadly that isn’t the case. For feed, including supplements, we have the BETA NOPS scheme, but unfortunately there isn’t a similar scheme for applications.

“We would advise to only use applications from companies which are aware of the risks, and carry out suitable risk assessments on their products, as we do at NAF.

“Also, just because a product you’ve used hasn’t previously caused an issue, it doesn’t mean it won’t in the future. For example, if you use nappy rash cream for cuts and grazes, or shampoo from the supermarket, it’s time to think again as there is every chance that these may contain unsuitable ingredients.

“Aloe vera naturally contains salicylic acid, which is the basis of aspirin and therefore a Controlled Medication on the FEI list. The inclusion level is small, but as sensitivity in testing is increasing all the time, we would not take the risk, and have stopped using aloe vera in all NAF products.”

Kate points out that it’s not only top riders who may get tested at competitions.

“Anyone competing at any level of affiliated competition can get tested without prior warning that a testing van is going to be in attendance. It’s important to ensure that all products – whether applied or dietary – are suitable for competition horses.

“Home-made products can also be cause issues. Owners regularly contact us after using a home-made product on their horse – particularly fly sprays – which have burnt or reacted with their horse’s skin. Ingredients such as essential oils are incredibly powerful, and while they can be useful, we would not advise amateur mixes as they can have really nasty results.

“Our advice would always be to stick with commercial products designed for competition horses, by a company that knows the risks associated in Clean Sport.”

BELOW: IT’S AS IMPORTANT TO CHECK THAT INGREDIENTS IN TOPICAL APPLICATIONS ARE SAFE AND SUITABLE FOR COMPETITION HORSES AS IT IS FOR FEED. ABOVE: CHECK REGULARLY THAT YOUR HORSE IS NOT TOO WARM, AS THIS CAN CAUSE SKIN PROBLEMS.

RUGGING UP

Over-rugging throughout the seasons remains a subject of debate among owners, however Gil explains “it’s easier for a horse to warm themselves up than it is to cool themselves down”.

“Factors to consider include your horse is clipped and how much growth it has, as well as how much warmth the stable provides, the age of the horse and his condition. Generally, older, leaner horses will require more layers than younger fuller ones, while those which are clipped will require more rugging than those with full coats.

“Check weather forecasts and rug accordingly. Regularly put your hand under the rug and learn how to gauge your horse’s temperature – ideally, he should feel lukewarm, although owners who feel cold themselves tend to rug their horses up more!”

UNDERSTANDING ALLERGIES

Reactions to allergens are linked to the individual’s immune system, however there is evidence of some genetic predisposition. perts say y ites are y far the most common trigger for allergies, with ponies especially developing an allergy to the saliva of Culicoides, the biting midge, while other frequent causes include pollens such as oil seed rape, or bedding.

“Sweet itch is the most easily recognised and managed allergy, however delayed hypersensitivity means that it takes a few days to show, so the damage is done by the time the horse is seen rubbing and an itch-scratch-itch cycle is set up.”

If your horse develops an unexplained skin condition or allergic reaction, Gil recommends consulting your vet.

“The excellent camera functions on our mobile phones means you can send great pictures of what you’re dealing with. Your vet can then decide if a isit would e ene cial or give you advice over the phone, although if the skin condition is painful, it’s always better for the vet to see your horse.”

Infestations from parasites such as lice and mites can also cause pain and discomfort.

“Lice cause tremendous itching so that the horse or pony will self traumatise in an eff ort to get some relief,” explains Gil. “This is most common in the winter when coats are longer in young stock (less than two years old) and old, immune-compromised patients. Fortunately, once identi ed they are reasona ly straightforward to treat with the appropriate wash or powder, thus providing much needed relief. “There are various mites that can infest horses, but the most common by far, especially in winter, is the feather mite, so called because it lives in the longer hair at the base of the limbs. These cause irritation for the horse as the mites crawl around on the surface of the skin, but fortunately this is straightforward to treat with an anti-parasitic wash.”

COMFORT FOR FELIX

Having successfully managed a number of horses which had problematic skin conditions over the years, Lara believes a combination of a nutritious balanced diet, good stable management and the right rugs works well.

“I’ve had quite a few horses of different breeds which have struggled with itchy skin or rubbing when it’s change of coat time, including a 23-year-old Welsh pony, Cadans M, my KWPN approved stallion, as well as 12-year-old advanced warmblood Felix (Jazzed Up).

“Felix was really itchy and would rub himself raw on his neck and bottom, but luckily I came across two companies which have both helped. “Through The Itchy Horse Company I bought a BOETT rug, which stopped him making himself too sore and also tried their Bio-Plus capsules which made all the difference.

I also found a brilliant range of grooming products from Goodbye Flys, which have been the icing on the cake in terms of keeping coats moist, clean and non-itchy, while also helping to build a layer of defence against wanting to itch or scratch.”

Lara highlights the importance of a well-balanced feeding regime and says combined with good stable management incorporating tried and tested approved products is key. management incorporating tried and tested approved products is key.

“Stick to the same products; don’t try cheaper or cheat methods such as washing up liquid or human shampoo as this can cause fl areups and dries the skin causing them to itch.

“For horses with itchy skin, it’s important that they are washed off thoroughly allowed to dry properly in a cooler before changing into stable rugs. It’s also important not to over-rug an itchy horse as their temperature may be slightly higher than normal, and you don’t want them sweating under their rugs.”

RUG RUBS

Spring often sees rug rubs developing as the horse starts to change his coat, so it’s important to be prepared.

“If your rug is dirty and the coat is wet and muddy underneath, it is more likely to chafe, especially if the rug doesn’t t, says il. a e sure rugs t, swap wet rugs, wash them regularly and keep your horse’s coat clean, especially where there are pressure points.

Both rain scald and mud fever are painful conditions caused by the same bacteria and more usually a problem in the winter when the wet weather undermines the protective oily layer that covers the entire skin and allows the bacteria to gain access to the tissues beneath. However, the right treatment can turn things around quickly.”

LEFT INSET: THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT PRODUCTS FOR WASHING DOWN AS INGREDIENTS NOT INTENDED FOR HORSES CAN LEAD TO ITCHINESS.

ABOVE: LARA EDWARDS’ ADVANCED HORSE FELIX SUFFERS FROM ITCHY SKIN, BUT CHANGING GROOMING PRODUCTS AND USING A SPECIALIST RUG KEEPS HIM COMFORTABLE

PRODUCT WATCH

SKIN AND HAIR HELP

PERFECT PLAITS HOLDING WAX

by Supreme Products smooths and straightens fl yaway hairs and will keep hair and plaits securely in place. It contains moisturising oils to condition and nourish for a sleek and shiny fi nish, as well as promoting hair growth and maintaining healthy skin and hair.

RRP £10.30 | battles.co.uk

TRM EQUIZAL NATURAL BARRIER CREAM

is a natural protective barrier cream that soothes and moisturises. Enriched with beeswax, tea tree oil, zinc oxide and lanolin, it is particularly suitable for external application to horses with mud rash or rain scald in wet conditions, horses working on abrasive or sandy surface, horses with cuts or grazes and many other skin conditions. For routine use, apply liberally to affected areas twice daily.

RRP FROM £20.59 | farmstable.com

LOVE THE SKIN HE'S IN NATURAL SKIN WASH

is a gentle unique blend of herbal ingredients designed to help support damaged or challenged skin. This versatile product provides optimum skin care and can be used either as a hot towel wash following clipping or for a deep clean, as a cold wash for a refreshing cleanse or applied directly to specifi c areas in concentrated form. Every 1L bottle comes with a FREE NAF deep cleansing towel.

RRP £21.99 FOR 1L OR £36.99 FOR 2L | naf-equine.eu/uk

MAGIC RELAX LAVENDER WASH is ideal following exercise to help cool, calm and aid rapid recovery. A time-saving product that doesn’t need rinsing off after application – there are no hidden detergents or soap within the product – leaving your horse calm and smelling amazing. Part of the sensational Magic range from Hy Equestrian – everything you need to get your horse ring-ready.

RRP £9.99 | hy-equestrian.com