Whilst most of us welcome the sun and the accompanying balmy days and nights with relish, for many horses, and particularly ponies, it can spell the beginning of months of discomfort and permanent irritation. 

“Sweet itch” is a common seasonal problem caused by hypersensitivity to the saliva of the biting Culicoides midge.  Those suffering from the allergy will rub their manes and tails, and sometime the whole of their body, against any available tree, fence or bit of stabling.  Eventually the hair breaks away, leaving unsightly bald patches and a range of secondary skin problems. 

It is unfair to stop the horse or pony from physically rubbing themselves, and owners should aim instead at preventing the midge from coming into contact with the pony in the first place.  There are a whole range of “anti-fly/midge” summer rugs on the market and these may well be effective for milder cases.  There are also numerous lotions and potions available which claim to keep flies and midges away and to prevent the skin from flaring up – none appear to have a guaranteed effect. 

Ultimately it may be a case of keeping your pony stabled during the midge periods (dawn and dusk), only turning them out for a few hours in the middle of the day.  The sweet itch helpline can offer further support and advice (01352 771718), or discuss things with your vet.