Horse Feather Mites
- Debra Aslan
- Apr 15
- 2 min read
Chorioptes equi is a type of mite that affects horses, particularly around the lower legs, mane, tail, and underbelly. It's a surface-dwelling, non-burrowing mite, meaning it lives on the outer layer of skin rather than digging into it like some other mite species.
🔍 What You Should Know About Chorioptes equi:
Horse Feather Mites
Commonly causes: itchy, flaky skin, scabbing, hair loss, and inflammation (often mistaken for other skin conditions like dermatitis or mange).
Thrives in: moist environments—feathered breeds (like Clydesdales) are especially susceptible due to thick leg hair.
Transmission: Can spread from horse to horse via direct contact or contaminated equipment/bedding.
Diagnosis: Horse Feather Mites are usually identified made via skin scrapings examined under a microscope.
Neem Oil for Chorioptic Mange
Neem oil is a natural extract from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) and is known for its antiparasitic, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It's increasingly popular as a holistic treatment for mites like Chorioptes equi.
How Neem Oil Helps:
Smothers the mites: Its oily texture suffocates mites on the skin’s surface.
Disrupts reproduction: Azadirachtin (the active compound) interferes with the mites’ hormonal systems.
Soothes irritation: Reduces itching and inflammation, helping the skin heal.
Antimicrobial effects: Prevents secondary infections from scratching or mite bites.
How to Use Neem Oil on Horses:
Wash and dry the affected area.
Apply topically: Rub it into affected areas daily or every other day.
Maintenance: dilute neem oil (e.g., mix 1 part neem oil with 10 parts water max). and spray daily working into the feathers. You can start with a stronger dilution to start with depending on the severity.
Leave on: No need to rinse, but avoid applying to broken skin without testing first.
Test first: Always patch test a small area to check for any sensitivity.
Other Considerations:
Severe infestations might still require vet-prescribed treatments like ivermectin or topical acaricides.
Clean and disinfect grooming tools, tack, and bedding regularly to prevent re-infestation.
Neem oil is more effective as part of an integrated approach: hygiene + treatment + monitoring.
We offer two Neem Oil Products
FlyMac with added essential oils best known for its fly and midge repellent properties
Neem Mix Concentrate - Exactly the same but without essential oils.
FlyMac is more potent.
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