People can be allergic to many things and some people are allergic to horses. Depending on the person, this can result in one or more of the following symptoms: - Itchy or watery eyes - Itchy or running nose - Itchy skin, hives or rashes - Sneezing or coughing - Difficulty breathing - Asthma attack

People vary not only in terms of the types of symptoms but also the severity. This can range from a slight itch to a serious asthma attack. If you suffer from asthma, you should take care when you first come into contact with horses, and have your inhaler or other treatments to hand, as there have been a few instances of fatal asthma attacks associated with horses. In particular, special care should be taken with asthmatic children when first exposed to horses, in case they have an adverse reaction.

Horse dander (essentially dandruff) is the most common source of horse allergies. However, people can be allergic to urine, salvia or even horse mites. There are at least five different horse proteins which can be allergic agents.

It is not uncommon for people to have an allergic reaction without being near a horse, through indirect contact. For example, if you enter a barn or other enclosed space where horses have been, one can come into contact with allergic agents even though the horses are not present at the time. Likewise, if a family member rides or works with horses, it is possible to have a reaction upon exposure to clothes or tack which they bring home which are carrying bits of allergic agents (e.g. dander).

Fortunately, horse allergies can be treated, using the same approaches as for other allergies. These include avoidance (if practical and acceptable), medications (such as anti-histamines or corticosteroids), or desensitizing treatment.

If you want to ride horses but find that allergies are making this difficult (or less enjoyable), another approach is to try riding a 'curly horse' breed. Many people who are allergic to other breeds of horses find that they have little or no reaction with these breeds.

You may also wish to be medically tested to determine which aspect of horses you are allergic to. For example, if you are allergic to horse mites, treatment of the horse and its box against mites may reduce your symptoms to acceptable levels. Likewise, if it is urine or saliva you are allergic to, one can take care to avoid these specific elements when involved with horses.

The article Allergy to Horses was written by Doug Stewart, as part of his series on Horse Care.

Posted under Horses