We’ve probably all had, or at least seen, a horse with a scratching problem no one could quite figure out. In Monday’s roundtable discussion on itchy horses, veterinarians discussed just how to diagnose and manage these horses to keep them comfortable and with an unblemished hide.

“It’s very important to use management as well as products,” began Susan White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, professor at the University of Georgia and moderator of the session. For example, if the horse’s worst problem is a sensitivity to insect bites, provide him with wind. Hang fans in the stall or wherever and direct them at the horse’s leg level.

“I’ve had clients hang fans in the pasture run-in sheds,” said White. “The horses find them immediately.”

Another option is to find out to which insects a horse might be hypersensitive, and then manage him accordingly. For example, if a horse has a problem with dusk or evening-dwelling mosquitoes, then turn him out in the daytime and apply fly repellent when you bring him in at night