Coat change is among us and finding the right products for your horse can be tricky, especially when sometimes it feels like you need to change them up every season! Of course, horses can develop allergies, infections and other skin conditions at any time of year, but dry and itchy skin is more common during the warm, wet spring weather. From head to hoof Carr & Day & Martin have it all, so we thought we’d explain what makes them and their products so great and how to best combat the itch with them!

 

The history behind the brand~

With a history dating back to 1765, Carr & Day & Martin is deemed the oldest UK brand for supplying horse care products. As an endorsement of the brand's quality credentials, they also hold an ongoing Royal Warrant, dating back to King George IV's reign. Pretty impressive right? So enough about history, let’s talk product!

 

Preventing~

Flies are probably the most annoying pests in the world to any horse owner or rider. Some hold a painful bite, often leading to kicking, bucking, itchy and irritated skin.

 

Introducing Flygard Extra Strength, a proven and effective insect repellent. Containing DEET at the optimum level of 20%, this powerful spray offers long-lasting protection from both midges and flies.

 

 

After a more natural alternative? Citromax is a slightly weaker water-based formula for safe, long-lasting protection, containing only natural HSE approved ingredients and Citriodiol.

 

 

Sweet-Itch~

So what Is Sweet-Itch? Sweet-Itch is a reaction in the horse’s skin caused from the saliva in biting midges. Once inflamed and itchy horses will bite and rub themselves to relieve the itching. Unfortunately this leads to further damage, causing hair loss, dandruff and bacterial infections. Sweet-Itch is largely a seasonal condition as midges do not fly in strong winds or heavy rain and like damp, humid conditions. Like most cases prevention is better than cure, but there are plenty of options out there for treating too.

 

Treatment~

Starting off with Itchgard, a 500ml bottle of soothing lotion, designed to calm irritated and itchy skin. Containing natural ingredients such as, Marigold, Menthol Oil, Geranium and Lemongrass. Itchgard helps to reduce any inflammation, calm irritation, soften the skin and prevent scratching. So, a real all-rounder, perfect for sweet-itch!

 

 

When the sun is shining, we’re all tempted to grab a bucket and give our horses a nice warm wash but what to use for dry and sensitive skin? The Gallop Medicated Shampoo is a high specification formula ideal for soothing and calming itchy, irritated and damaged skin. The pH neutral formula contains natural oils that help to soften and lift scabs and dandruff. This shampoo not only softens the skin, but exceptionally conditions and softens leaving for a gorgeous shiny coat.

 

 

Lastly, the Protection Plus is an ideal choice for use on minor wounds, mud fever and sweet itch. Apply the antibacterial ointment to the wounds to create a waterproof seal against the elements. The added citronella helps to deter flies, letting the wound to heal without interference.

 

   

Finding the right balance for you and your horse can be tough, especially with so many different products on the market now. The truth is, we can’t suggest “the perfect routine” because everyone will be different. These are only a few of the wonderful products from Carr & Day & Martin, that we predict will be popular this spring. Here’s hoping you’ve learnt a bit more about their range of products, so your horse can be comfortable all year round! Which products do you love? 

 

For us at Griggs Equestrian our aim is to provide you with all the tack and clothing you could ever wish for, as well as advice and information to help you get the most out of your horse riding. To stay up to date with our horse riding tips, secrets and hacks subscribe to our email newsletter and remember we offer 15% off for all first-time orders with us. Let us know how you get on; we would love to hear your feedback on our Carr & Day & Martin range. Keep tagging us in your pictures to feature on our Facebook and Instagram

 

Have you read our other blogThe Ariat Ascent Collection’? Ariat have given us all the opportunity to be kitted from head to toe in the best of the best technology! We thought we’d explain what makes the Ariat Ascent collection so clever just in case you fancy upgrading, it's certainly worth a read.

 

Want to read some of our other blogs? Check out one of our most recent articles on ‘Everything You Need To Know About Mud Fever