Tiddler, a tiny pony rescued by an East Sussex family in October 2010 was struggling. She clearly suffered from sweet itch during summers but also from dramatic hair loss and itching in winter.

During that winter it was just about trying to manage the mystery issue, build a trust bond and keep her warm (see the before photo). Trying to get near her very sore ears/poll was challenging – with violent rearing and teeth-baring!

Despite no flying bugs in December, she was rubbing her legs on buckets, doing the ‘doggie drag’ with her bottom on the muddy ground, viciously rubbing her face, neck and rear end on fences, and rolling a lot.

A close look confirmed her skin had almost instantly transformed into flakes and scurf; small crusty lumps with other patches of hard scabby areas, her skin was pink and hot and she was very grumpy.

So what was it? There were no lice or midges and whatever was bothering her so much was completely invisible. Answer – “Millennium” Mites!

Mites are tiny, parasitic creatures that can be found almost anywhere – in bedding, bales of hay and straw as well as in fields and hedgerows. They are a fact of life. But in the Millennium’s unusual climate, they have become mostly invisible to the naked eye. For example, did you know that from August 2010 without any break whatsoever, invisible “Millennium” mites have savaged our animals (horses, dogs, cats and alpacas)? And when it snows or is very cold, they get more, not less, active!

Culprit No.1.

● Many of us know that the Chorioptic mite is found on lower limbs (often hiding in feathers or heavy coats), but nowadays they can attack even Thoroughbreds with fine coats (also found on pets).

● Very importantly, it seems they breed AWAY from the legs – in the armpits, groin and all across the belly.

● From there they can migrate down all legs, go between the back legs and into the tail, from the armpits up the shoulder and often into the mane and ears, and sometimes even between the jawbones.

● In our current climates, they can be active 365 days a year. A little known fact is that they can thrive in frosts, snow and extreme cold.

● Common signs can be some or all of the following - stamping, nose and rear end rubbing, itchy heads, chewing and biting the legs, biting the belly sides and under the stifle, rolling, ‘doggie dragging’ as well as tell-tale crusty, scaly and scabby skin.

Culprit No.2.

● Another mite is the Trombicula autumnalis (Harvest Mite) that can cause chaos in the late summer/autumn to horses, large animals and all pets.

● It attacks the lower limbs, muzzle and if the animal lies down, basically anywhere that it can grab a hold. Whilst it’s feeding on the victim’s blood it’s not itchy – only when it drops off does the site become itchy.

● It can be hiding in grass, hedgerows and even in forage and bedding. But again, it’s one of Mother Nature’s creations and part of someone’s food-chain!

● With Millennium weather patterns, it seems to survive well beyond the Autumn months these days.

What to do.

Once you see the itching, you need to act fast to:

a) Kill off those that are feasting on the skin to stop them breeding.

b) Deter further attacks by leaving a “No Entry” sign impregnated into the skin or

hair follicles.

Tiddler was treated with the diluted element of the Ruggle-it 100% natural vegetable oil mixture and the pioneering soap-free, low lather shampoo. The really clever bit is that you do NOT have to bath (although results will be quicker if you do), and you then just slap on the diluted oil mix which uses mostly tap water!

Almost instant soothing can be experienced and often after just three days, you then only need to top up with the diluted mix just once weekly. Whilst it can look a bit untidy initially, because it works fast, your horse will adore you and in no time, you will only need to apply it once a month, saving you money and time. Happy horse means the purse stays shut and you both sleep better!

So it’s not only fast-acting but cheap as chips too. Whilst Ruggle-it has proven hugely effective against living mites, lice, midges and most other biting critters, it also helps retard eggs from hatching AND leaves the all important “No Entry” sign afterwards.

However, if there’s a hiccup and itching starts (like Tiddler did suddenly in December 2011), do not panic! Just slap on some diluted oil mix in the key breeding zones (all clearly explained in the Application Notes) and watch it soothe almost instantly. Or for pets, just spray-bath them with the shampoo – no need to wash out!

The dramatic ‘Before’ and ‘After’ photos from October 2010 and May 2011, speak for themselves on how Ruggle-it helped Tiddler beat the winter itching naturally.

As an extra bonus and for no additional cost, Tiddler did not have sweet itch in 2011 either, and for the first time in years, grazed happily all summer with hardly a fly on her and not a frizzy mane, tail or hair in sight (her rescue centre said she used to live in her shelter 24/7 trying to hide from flies and mosquitoes). So whether you want protection from “Millennium” mites, winter and mystery itching or sweet itch, Mother Nature’s Ruggle-it has got it covered.

For an impressively long list of testimonials and photos, plus more information on all the Ruggles & Stopitall Ltd product ranges visit www.karenruggles.co.uk or call 01823 259952

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