Mites in Horses

Especially cold-blooded horses and Friesians are affected by mites, but it can occur in all horses, including those with little or no socks/leg hair. Mites cause a lot of itching and irritation on the legs of horses. Unfortunately, there is no quick solution for mites, and you can never completely eliminate them. Therefore, it is important to keep the mite population as small as possible to prevent irritation.

What are mites?

There are various types of mites; they burrow into the skin or live among the hair. They are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. To confirm that it is indeed mites, a veterinarian can take a skin scraping and examine it under a microscope. The mite season in the Netherlands runs from October to April, but during humid summers, it can also occur in the summer. Once a mite infection is diagnosed in a horse, you can assume that there are already many eggs in the coat and the environment. The eggs are indestructible, and unfortunately, there is no treatment to kill them. Mite eggs only hatch when conditions are ideal, which can be after 2 weeks or even after 2 years. Therefore, with a mite infestation, you can only address the adult mites, which can be done through chemical treatment. The downside of chemical treatment is that it significantly lowers the horse's immunity, making the horse more susceptible to a new mite infestation. Another approach is natural treatment, which takes more time but aims to increase the horse's immunity and reduce the mite population. A mite problem cannot be solved with just one or two treatments; it requires time and aims to keep the mite population manageable. Mites are highly contagious. Treating only your horse while it is in a herd is not very effective, as the infestation can return within a day. Additionally, horses that show no symptoms can still have mites and spread them within the herd. Therefore, ensure that the entire herd is treated.

Symptoms of a Mite Infestation in Horses

A horse with mites often exhibits the following: Itching, especially on the legs. As a result, the horse may frequently stomp or bite at its socks. Horses sometimes rub their legs against each other. Crusts and flakes on the legs and in the fetlock areas. Cracks in the legs. Wounds on the legs. Mud fever. Thickened legs (sometimes with a risk of cellulitis/elephantiasis). Symptoms are usually first observed on the hind legs. Therefore, it is important to always check the legs thoroughly for spots during daily care. A wound on the legs does not necessarily indicate mites; it could also be another form of mud fever or something else. If in doubt, have a veterinarian perform an examination.

How to Tackle Mites in Horses

Mites are very persistent and require a consistent approach. Additionally, mites are difficult to reach and are highly contagious; unfortunately, they can also develop resistance to chemical treatments, making them less effective over time. While there is no miracle cure for mites, a natural approach still seems to be the best option. Combine multiple strategies to help your horse get rid of this irritation as quickly as possible. A clean body is extremely important, as it absorbs nutrients better. You can administer a detox in September/October. Furthermore, it is crucial to make the horse's blood and skin flakes indigestible to the mites, which will prevent them from reproducing and gradually reduce the mite population. Choose a supplement based on: fenugreek, sepiolite, echinacea, astragalus, uncaria, gentian, thyme, citronellal, and citronellol. Lastly, it is vital to maintain the horse's immune system, as a stronger immune system makes them less susceptible to mites. This can be supported with liquid nettle. Always review the feed as well; clean nutrition is essential for gut flora and, consequently, for immunity. Avoid grains and packaged hay; opt for loose hay and ensure adequate minerals and vitamins. One aspect of the approach that not all horse owners appreciate, but is important: clip the socks. This allows air to reach the skin and makes the environment less attractive for mites. It also enables you to spot any wounds more quickly, allowing for better treatment.

Summary of the approach:

• Start treatment as soon as the temperature drops
• Begin a detox/drainage in September
• Ensure that the blood and skin flakes are indigestible to mites
• Clip the socks
• Support the immune system with liquid nettle
• Avoid sugars and grains in the diet

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