Stamping, rubbing, scabs, and sometimes even swollen legs: an infection with mites is no fun for your horse. During the winter months, when horses spend more time in the stable, these pesky parasites often strike.

What are mites?

Mites are tiny creatures that like to nest on horse's legs. They resemble little spiders. Mites are especially at home on horses with long socks. The Chorioptes mite, the type of mite that is common in horses in the Netherlands, causes itching, scabs, and irritation. Horses may bite their legs, stamp a lot, and have flakes on their legs that resemble mud fever. Mites become active when the temperature drops and horses get a thicker coat.

Susceptible to mites

Which horses are susceptible to mites? Firstly, horses that have had mites before. The eggs can survive for a long time in the environment and on the horse. As soon as the temperature drops again, the eggs hatch and the larvae of the mite nest in the horse's skin. Once they have matured, after three or four weeks, the females start biting and feeding on blood to lay eggs. Horses with a lot of feathering and long socks, such as Friesians and Gypsies, are more susceptible. The mites can easily hide in their socks unnoticed. Additionally, horses with a lower immune system are more vulnerable: especially when the weather changes, they are shedding, or have just transitioned from pasture to stable, the immune system of many horses may be lower.

Detox!

To prevent mites, it is important that your horse has a strong immune system. In the fall, the immune system works overtime. The big temperature differences, the moisture, and shedding all take a toll on health. Support your horse's immune system with the right supplements and give your horse a detox at the beginning of fall. A detox is an herbal extract, usually containing boldo, milk thistle, and turmeric for horses. A healthy horse can have a short detox in spring and fall, lasting a maximum of seven days. The detox clears impurities and purifies the entire horse's body. Your horse's immune system receives a boost. If your horse is older, pregnant, or has just been ill, a detox may be too intense. In that case, you can give a course of nettle or dandelion.

Prevention

Starting preventive measures on time is important if you want to defeat mites. The stubborn parasites can only be effectively stopped with a total approach. In addition to a detox, an effective dietary supplement is also a good idea. Certain herbs can make your horse very unattractive to the biting female mites. A mixture based on the herbs echinacea, uncaria, astragalus, and citronella works best. You must start with this supplement in time, so that your horse's blood tastes unpleasant to the mites. You can simply add the herbal mixture to the feed, fortunately most horses really like it.

Combating spots

If your horse has already been bitten by mites, a supplement with black cumin and cannabinoids can help alleviate skin inflammation, pain, and itching. Cannabinoids from cloves also boost the immune system, making your horse more resistant to parasites. Black cumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory that calms the skin and reduces itching in your horse.