Horse Racing

Question about sweet itch?

Last summer was the first time my horse ever got sweet itch. I was wondering, if a horse gets sweet itch, will she start getting sweet itch every year? If yes, how do i prevent it? in which month should i start preventing it? thank you!

Sweet itch is a horsemans term for Culicoidies Hypersensitivity. Basically your horse is allergic to midge spit. Culicoidies are very tiny bitting midges and horses develope an allerigic reaction to their saliva. My mare started to develope this as she aged and I battle all year long since she lives in an area that they kinda stick around. So yes, I would imagine you will be dealing with this every year.
Now, the good news is that if you have gobs of money then you can have your vet perform an allergy test, they you get to inject your horse with a dose of the allergin/contagin and over time you are able to make your horse tollerant to them again.
However, if like me you dont have the cash to go high tech, then here is what I have found to prevent the little buggers from driving my mare crazier then she already is.
1. Fly spray, fly spray fly spray. Since my mare resides in CA, I use Absorbines Ultra Shield in the black bottle. It works very well as does Equisect. If you are not in CA then you have access to even better fly sprays. I cant really recommend those since I have not had any practical experience with them since CA bans them.
2. Next invest in a bunch of jars of Vicks Vapo Rub (the Dollar Tree’s version works too!) and use generously where the wee beasties bite the most. They dont like Vicks. If you have access to cash then I would get one of the best- if not the best- Anti Midge prodcuts called Belly Salve made by The Farriers Wife. It runs about 20 bucks for a 7oz jar of pure Midge repelling perfection. It is herbal and very soothing to ponies and very repulsive to midges. You might have to journey onto the net to get it.
3. When to apply-I have to continually wadge battle due to the So Cal heat, but in winter the midges are less bothersome. I would start my line of defence in the early spring when the weather starts to get warm and then be diligent. Also, when its bath time, try to get a shampoo that has a citronella base for bug repellentness. This helps to. The best prevention is dillegence, good flyspray and to never let your guard down.
Anyway, I hope this helps you and your horse out. Good luck!!

My Horse Journey [Updated Version As Video Response]