My background credentials have helped in the
understanding and treatment of equine skin conditions
and in turn the development of our company’s
products. All of these promote healthy skin,
well being, are environmentally friendly and
biodegradable.
When we rescued our Shetland pony, he had the
worse “Sweet Itch” imaginable. Our
vet was surprised that maggots were not present
in his open wounds! Hence my quest to create
a safe cure, or preventative product that would
work effectively, without the use of toxic pesticides
being applied to his skin.
Harry (the pony) has been an excellent tester,
as he lives with us and can be monitored every
hour if need be. It has been an amazing experience
to see his full recovery from the shear misery
he was experiencing. A whopping 100% of you
have told us that your Sweet Itch suffering
equines have excessive dandruff, or skin build
up throughout the winter months, especially
in the mane and tail regions. You told us about
watering eyes and little coughs that occurred,
especially in the first half hour of exercise.
It was astonishing, but interesting to hear,
that they all suffered these mild effects throughout
the winter months. I say mild, as they were
not rubbing themselves raw like they do throughout
the summer! The odd case was reported however,
where excessive rubbing needed veterinary treatment.
Some equines are rugged up throughout the winter
months therefore giving the skin protection
from rubbing, but concealing what was going
on beneath.
Many have been bathing their equines on a weekly
basis, believing this would rid the unsightly
looking dandruff condition and create a better
looking appearance. In most cases this would
make the situation worse, by de-hydrating the
skin, thus leading to more problems, such as
dry, cracking skin, which in turn can lead to
bacterial invasion. Some have gone to extremes
of clipping out, in an attempt to remove troublesome
build up in the coat. Equine skin can dry out
in the winter, not just through adverse weather
conditions, but also by dry dusty bedding and
chemical based products applied to the coat.
We discovered that there are all sorts of biting
insects living in the stables, even blood sucking
ones such as mites, deer ticks and bed bugs
to name but a few! Mice can easily transport
deer ticks; these pose more of a problem if
woodlands are nearby. Most equines cope adequately,
showing very little sign of discomfort; however
the Sweet Itch sufferers do show visible signs
of skin and eye irritation.
“The Ultimate 2in 1 Fly Repellent
& Skin Tonic” is the ideal
solution to deal with all of these problems.
I developed this product for many reasons. (Far
too many to fit on the label) The two essential
oils were specifically chosen as they have the
following beneficial qualities;
Neem Pure Essential Oil is an excellent, natural,
alternative insect repellent for equines sensitive
to Permethrin or Deet insecticides, which can
be found in many fly repellents. Neem does not
kill the pests instantly, but changes their
growth cycle. One outstanding component, Azadirachtin,
disrupts the metamorphosis or insect larvae,
by inhibiting moulting. It keeps the larvae
from developing into pupae and the insect dies
without producing a new generation. It has such
a repugnant bitter taste, that insects would
rather starve to death than touch a food source
with a trace of it on! It can deter biting insects
more effectively than synthetic chemicals such
as “Deet”. This is great news, as
this means there is actually no need to use
toxic poisons on the skin. Neem has a profound,
natural action against unwanted pestiferous,
blood sucking and biting insects, over 500 worldwide.
It is non toxic to humans, mammals, earth worms,
birds, bees and beneficial insects.
It also contains vitamin E and other essential
amino acids, plus a percentage of fatty acids,
which helps to maintain the skins elasticity.
Skin needs to be kept healthy, toned and supple
all year round. Neem has been used for centuries
because of its proven natural, antibacterial
and anti fungal qualities. It is a natural alternative
in the treatment of skin allergies, such as
eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. The healing
quality and the speed at which it works, is
quite remarkable. I have never seen broken,
weeping skin heal so quickly. Feedback from
the field has been phenomenal in this respect.
I personally suffered with dermatitis on my
hands for seven years, but after applying Neem
solutions to Harry, in the development of this
product, it cleared up! I cannot express my
relief in not having to apply steroid creams
and wearing gloves for virtually everything!
Sometimes it was that bad, I held ice packs
for relief from the burning sensation. It makes
me shudder to think what suffering Harry must
have endured. I know people have been put off
using this most beneficial essential oil, due
to its unpleasant odour and lard like consistency,
but we found a way to overcome this.
Lemon Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil has been
blended into this product; it has a fresh uplifting
aroma and is an excellent, natural insect repellent,
in its own right. It helps provide protection
from, mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats and deer
ticks.
The two essential oils combined make this an
excellent product for “Sweet Itch”
sufferers. They have been carefully blended,
tried and tested, to benefit and nourish the
skin whilst protecting it from unwanted blood
sucking insects. Our recent trials have confirmed
that regular use throughout the winter months
relieves the equine from dandruff, dry skin
and runny eye conditions. You will notice the
improvement overnight.
Below I have put together a skin care programme
which will help keep your equine in tip top
condition throughout the whole year.
When washing your equine to remove dirt, grime,
grease and dandruff, you also remove some of
their natural oils. Care is needed to restore
and maintain a natural healthy balance. Nourishing
conditioners need to be applied after washing.
Be careful when selecting a shampoo and conditioner,
as perfumes can be an irritant, not only to
the skin but also to the equines sense of smell!
All animals prefer natural ingredients to synthetic
ones.
Please note; our company does not use silicon
based conditioners, as they tend to sit on top
of the hair, coating it in a film, making it
slippery and dangerous, especially under saddles.
“2in1 Equine Intimate Body Wash”
for mares, stallions and geldings external
genitalia.
We recommend this product for an all over body
wash for equines suffering with Sweet Itch or
a nervous disposition. Tea Tree and Lavender
pure essential oils are blended into this gentle
wash, as they help to assist the immune system,
by stimulating the cells around the wound and
speeding up regeneration. After bathing, the
beneficial qualities of both essential oils
carry on working. They help to combat viral,
fungal and bacterial invasion, such as ring
worm, warts, soothing insect bites, minor cuts,
abrasions and sunburn.
“The Ultimate 2in 1 fly repellent
& Skin tonic,”
We recommend the application of this product
after washing, as it goes a long way on damp
skin and penetrates more easily through the
hair. Always sponge or apply with a cloth onto
the facial areas, ensuring that the ears are
sufficiently coated, as insects tend to like
them! I found it an invaluable natural conditioner
for Harry after he’s had a bath. When
dried, his skin feels toned, supple and has
a very healthy shine. Please note this can be
applied to dry coats too and is a leave on product.
I recommend using this once or twice a month(or
more frequently depending on the environment)
throughout the winter months for Sweet Itch
suffering equine, to protect them from biting
insects and bed bugs.
“3in 1 Tangle Free Mane, Tail
& Coat Shine”
Alternatively after washing, you could apply
this product, as the conditioners will help
re-hydrate the skin, creating a natural balance.
I would recommend using it once a week on a
dry coat throughout the winter months. Pure
Lemongrass Essential Oil has been blended for
the following reasons; it has a natural antibacterial
action, is beneficial to respiratory problems,
eczema type conditions, runny eyes, and coughing.
Lemongrass is also renowned as a natural skin
tonic, a cooler, deodorant and energiser. It
works to assist the digestive system and tone
the heart. This is a leave on product.
“4in1 Anti-bronchial Decongestant”
This multi action spray has been developed
using Eucalyptus and Tea Tree pure essential
oils. Both act as natural decongestants. It
helps alleviate breathing problems and minimises
dust in the coat and bedding. We have added
natural conditioners which gives the coat a
healthy shine. Apply liberally to the chest
area and spray bedding and walls. It is excellent
for horses on box rest and is ideal for those
being transported. Simply spray around boxes/trailers
thus making breathing easier whilst in a confined
space.
It is an excellent coolant after hard work
and can be sprayed on before or after sponging
down. Always apply to head areas with a damp
sponge or cloth, avoiding eyes. Eucalyptus pure
essential oil is so versatile it protects the
body all year round, but is best known for its
effectiveness against coughs and colds. It also
helps combat viral infections, bronchitis, rheumatism,
muscular strains and is used in veterinary care
as an antiseptic. Sweet Itch sufferers will
benefit greatly if this product is regularly
sprayed on their chest and bedding.
I carried out the above programme on Harry
and his Sweet Itch has gone! Also his winter
excessive skin shedding has cleared up. We have
received many calls and emails thanking us for
developing these products and we hope your equine
benefits from them too.
Mags Roxburgh
Managing Director
Stable Environment Limited
www.stable-environment.co.uk
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