That Samba has summer eczema is no secret.
Since we’ve been living on the coast, he’s been doing “pretty okay” with it – at least you can’t see it from afar anymore, but unfortunately the itching isn’t gone, and only with painstaking care have I managed to get him through the summer relatively symptom-free over the past few years – even here in the north. Daily moisturizing from April to October and regular Washing have long been part of our routine, but the itching has never completely stopped.
At the latest, when it was time to go from the paddock to the stable at dusk, rubbing was the first thing he did in the stall.
It wasn’t nearly as bad as in the first years, no bloody spots and no bald tail root anymore, but still definitely not a pleasant feeling for him.
I think itching is one of the nastiest symptoms; anyone who has had hives or itchy allergic reactions can surely relate – you can hardly think of anything else.
This year I really wanted to change something; fewer symptoms were no longer enough, I wanted him to be as symptom- and discomfort-free as possible.
Point 1:
Blanket.
Actually never an option for me because I didn’t want to wrap him up in summer too. But since the flies and horseflies have been so aggressive here this year, I gave in and ordered the Bucas ‘Buzz Off’ on kavalio’s recommendation.
I was looking for a tightly woven blanket that isn’t too thick. It had to be durable, definitely with an integrated neck cover and optionally with a belly flap.
When it comes to fit, I’m an absolute Bucas fan anyway, because the blankets fit Samba really well. The blanket has now passed the long-term test, not a single hole despite lots of frolicking and tussling.
The only thing I find difficult with most models is how to keep the neck cover in place.
I attach the elastic band under the Fly Veil; without it, it doesn’t stay at all.
Speaking of Fly Veil: He’s actually been wearing it 24/7 in summer for several years now!
Not because of his eyes, but it’s the ears where the biting midges especially like to settle. Annoying, because I always struggle to tuck away his long forelock. There are a few Fly Veils with a forelock hole, but so far they’ve sat awkwardly on the eyes or ears. Maybe one of you knows a model we haven’t tried yet?!
Point 2:
Feeding.
Wrapped up and regularly moisturized, he only rubs sporadically this year; I think I can count on one hand how often I’ve “caught” him or noticed it the next day.
My vet has suggested it from time to time but never named a specific product to try. Admittedly, I was probably just too lazy in recent years and didn’t think it was important enough, but I’ve now been proven wrong: I decided to test products from the company Stiefel. I tried Biotin and hemp oil.
Does it help?
Honestly, it’s hard for me to say.
However, alongside the feed, I also tested the care lotion “Ekzemprotect” from Stiefel, and with this combination, he is truly absolutely SYMPTOM-FREE!!!
Even now, when it’s unbearably hot and I had to take off his blanket (he still wears the mask…), he doesn’t rub at all.
...And the last point:
Training.
I’ve noticed that he rubs more when he hasn’t sweated. My vet says this can be related to him getting too much protein from grass and concentrated feed without exertion, which he can’t properly use. Generally, a low-protein diet is often recommended for eczema – sometimes even completely avoiding oats – but that’s not so easy for a horse that has to perform a lot and needs muscle and endurance.
My solution:
Protein yes, oats yes, but as soon as he does less, is off, or similar, I make sure he gets less.
With this combination of support through the right feed and moisturizing, prevention through his “beekeeper suit,” and enough exercise, we’re doing very well this year.
Currently even WITHOUT a blanket! As soon as the temperatures allow, I want to relieve him of the “stress” on the paddock again and will put the blanket back on. Especially in late summer, the insects usually get really aggressive again…
Here’s my TEST VIDEO of the BUCAS blanket: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq790kUR_vc&t=3s
Here you can find all products from BUCAS: https://kavelio.shop/bucas/
