| Some people are allergic to horses. Depending on the | | | | (e.g. have the rider change clothing before coming |
| type of allergy, this can result in various symptoms: | | | | home, wipe down tack before bringing it into the house, |
| - Itchy eyes, nose or skin | | | | etc.). Likewise, entering a barn or other enclosed area |
| - Hives or rashes | | | | where horses have recently been can result in a |
| - Watery eyes | | | | reaction even if the horses are not present at the |
| - Sneezing or coughing | | | | moment. |
| - Difficulty breathing | | | | Treatment |
| - Asthma attacks | | | | Horse allergies can be treated in the same way as |
| When first being exposed to horses, one should | | | | other allergies: avoidance if possible, otherwise |
| carefully check if one has an allergic reaction. Special | | | | medications such anti-histamines or corticosteroids, or |
| care should be taken with anyone who suffers from | | | | desensitizing treatment. The various treatment options |
| asthma as a horse allergy can trigger a asthmatic | | | | should be discussed with your doctor. |
| attack, which in the most severe cases have been | | | | If one cannot easily avoid being around horses, one |
| fatal. Consequently, if one has an asthma problem, one | | | | may wish to be tested to determine which aspect of |
| should take precautions when first exposed to horses | | | | the horse one is allergic too, as this will help in |
| (including having an inhaler and other asthma | | | | determining how to best manage the allergic condition: |
| treatments to hand) and one should monitor asthmatic | | | | - In the case of the allergy being caused by dander |
| children when first exposed to horses. | | | | (rather than other aspects of the horse), many |
| The most common cause of allergies to horses is their | | | | people report that the 'curly horse' breeds do not |
| dander. Dander is bits of skin which has flaked off (like | | | | cause a reaction (apparently they produce little |
| dandruff) and bits of hair. Another common cause is | | | | dander), so they are able to ride these breeds. |
| horse mites (or rather, their droppings). One can also | | | | - In the case that one is allergic to horse mites, |
| be allergic to horse salvia or urine. | | | | treatment of the horse and its box against mites may |
| It is possible to have an allergic reaction without being | | | | reduce the allergic reaction to acceptable levels. |
| near a horse, through indirect contact. For example, | | | | - In the case of allergy to urine, avoiding contaminated |
| dander and mite droppings can be rubbed off onto | | | | areas (e.g. the horse's box) and washing the horse |
| tack and clothing (in particular, they adhere to rugs, | | | | down (in case it has rolled in its box) may allow one to |
| blankets and clothing), so contact with these items can | | | | continue to be around horses without suffering from |
| trigger a horse allergy. There are a number of cases | | | | the associated allergy. |
| where one family member rides horses, resulting in | | | | - In any case, knowing the exact cause of the horse |
| another family member having allergic reactions or | | | | allergy may allow one to minimise exposure to this |
| asthma due to exposure to clothing or equipment | | | | particular aspect and thereby continue to be around |
| which is brought back home by the horse rider. In such | | | | horses. |
| cases, one should take appropriate preventive steps | | | | |