Hi friends -
Well we're having an interesting time adjusting to our first summer here in Maryland :)
1. Grazing Muzzles - Advice Wanted:
- tried Best Friends, Tough 1, similar; Bella removes hers, 100% of the time, and Odin so far has refused to eat/drink with his on during 1, 2, and 4 hour tests
- ordered Greenguard based on boarding barn recommendation; will arrive next Monday
- any other brands/models I should try? a bit at my wits' end here
- NOTE: They ARE on grass (mostly weeds now); I know this is NOT recommended but I've had zero luck finding a dry lot within 60 miles, so I've got to get this muzzle thing to work
2. Sweet Itch - New Issue:
- haven't encountered Sweet Itch before, but see bug-based reactions to some extent in 3/3 ponies (including my younger Arabian gelding) since our move from much dryer Idaho in March
- Bella is by far the worst - she's rubbing herself on their run-in, but not exhibiting the sitting dog behavior etc. that I've read is possible with severe cases - she seems pretty unhappy though
- they are currently in fly masks (which they keep removing) and fly boots (which they keep on)
- I purchased a Rambo fly sheet for Bella but she's not a fan, so I haven't enforced wear
- I use SWAT, Pyranha/Farnam Endure sprays and Farriers' Wife Belly Salve for the prurient areas
- what else should I try?
Thanks y'all for any feedback!
--
Jen McCabe
Laytonsville, Maryland
Joined 2022
+ Odin (2010 BLM Mustang - IR/EMS diagnosed after Winter Laminitis), Bella (2008 BLM Mustang - PPID/Cushings diagnosed in 2000)+ Fiki (2015 Arabian)
Odin and Bella Case Histories
