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Post by cookie on Feb 27, 2009 17:20:17 GMT 1
already?? I noticed today the pony I share has a cluster of what I assume are insect bites on his chest where he has a bib clip. they are teeny bumps, just like midge or fly bites. He is known to have sweet itch which was managed well last summer. No bites or bumps on his mane or tail and I haven't seen any signs of itching so far... but there are definately more flying beasties about. Put some benzoate on them and covered him in fly spray, he was so warm in the sun today with his winter coat, surely its too early for his fly rug?? anyone else seeing any signs of the start of sweet itch or similar? The first sunny day too, the thought of him itching so early in the year makes me
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Post by wabuska on Feb 27, 2009 18:08:46 GMT 1
If it were my horse I would get him into a sweet itch rug sharpish. Preventing those first bites is critical. We have midges here in this warm river valley in SE Ireland all year round.l
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Post by cookie on Feb 27, 2009 18:22:15 GMT 1
Kanga, I guess we're going to have to but he has been unrugged all winter and has a toasty coat. Its still february!!
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Post by wabuska on Feb 27, 2009 18:25:44 GMT 1
I can't believe it either. If I leave a light on here and the window is open in the evening... the place is alive. Now, I realise they may be some other midge, but it shows how the little blighters are about. I even rug my non SI horses here as the biting insects are so awful. I'm sure the SI experts here will row in tonight with some advice.
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Post by fth on Feb 27, 2009 19:59:07 GMT 1
just a factoid -- when we ahve a really cold winter, the midges and tiny biters start EARLY -- to get in a full breeding season as soon as possible as their numbers were hit by the cold
just thought you might like ot know!
Cathy
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Post by gordo on Feb 27, 2009 20:44:49 GMT 1
I have my bottle of Stop It All all ready to plaster Robster with it tomorrow, praying its as good as its claimed to be! www.karenruggles.co.uk/
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breezy
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 1,065
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Post by breezy on Feb 27, 2009 22:12:00 GMT 1
I Dectomaxed my boy today - he's still full clipped and in a turnout rug, but will be straight into his Rambo hoody when that comes off!
Better to be early to put it on, than late. Mind you the rambo isn't as good at helping them moult as the boett type rugs - I used to find matted horsehair sausages all over the field and in the tummy band!
Bx
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Post by arabmania on Feb 27, 2009 22:18:27 GMT 1
the midges have been out for about a week now, so yes its time to get out the fly rug
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Post by Dragonmaster on Feb 27, 2009 23:38:42 GMT 1
I have my bottle of Stop It All all ready to plaster Robster with it tomorrow, praying its as good as its claimed to be! www.karenruggles.co.uk/We'll have to compare results... I bought some and used it on Rosie in September but am about to start in earnest soon. It has worked very well on a cat with non-specific dermatitis. Also Rosie has been on Feedmark's Equidermis for about 4 years now, summer and winter, and her condition has improved.
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Post by gordo on Feb 28, 2009 14:40:21 GMT 1
Karen, the seller of Stop It All, only lives up the road from me so popped in and got some. Really interesting lady and so very passionate about her product.
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Post by julz on Feb 28, 2009 14:47:05 GMT 1
I saw a group of midgies the other day.. yes it's still February, but after the cold snap, it's warmed up pretty quickly and shot nature onwards too quickly!!!
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rosie
Grand Prix Poster
stroppy mare
Posts: 1,153
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Post by rosie on Feb 28, 2009 22:16:33 GMT 1
I've had ggod results with stopit all last summer when my horse was itchy. SHe has sweet itch but turned out to have feather/leg mites. Have just ordered some more as my horse has just started to rub her face to bits! My horses story is also on the Stopitall website in the testemonials.
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Post by cookie on Mar 1, 2009 19:21:39 GMT 1
thank you everyone for this. He has been rubbing a little last night but is now in fly rug and covered with deet. I'm off to look at stopitall too,
thanks for all the info, the timing of this caught me off guard obviously but at least it ties in with what you all are seeing too,
thank you! C x
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Post by jill on Mar 1, 2009 19:30:28 GMT 1
Interested in the Stop It All if it works well, but I can't find how often you are supposed to apply it - anyone know? Am I looking right at it but not seeing it?
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Post by gordo on Mar 1, 2009 21:25:38 GMT 1
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