Wondering what everyone’s favorite allergy/headshaking solutions are, that are permissible by USEF while showing. If that even exists. Have one that doesn’t cough or seem to have any trouble breathing, but flips his head and constantly wants to itch his nose on everything. Trying to figure out the best way to help him
Headshaking is a horrible, wretched mystery. There are many possible causes and a myriad of possible solutions, some of which are medications that are prohibited to show under. If it is caused by trigeminal nerve pain, electricity has been shown to help, usually administered by electro acupuncture or percutaneous nerve stimulation. If it is due to dust, bugs or allergies nose nets can work. If it is due to light sunglasses or contacts can help. If it is unknown after trying all of the above good luck and I feel for you–ask me how I know. Not a good problem to have. Do your own research, work with your vets and rule out possible causes.
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Nosenets help A LOT of horses and are legal although you might need a vet’s written approval. Spirulina is known to help some horses, as well as magnesium and vitamin B. Platinum Performance makes a product that I think is legal, Platinum Steady I believe.
Unfortunately nose nets are not allowed per the rule book
Nosenet a are allowed as are poll pads which may help in some cases. Different tack (no noseband, Myler noseband, different bits, etc) may help too.
Prednisone helped one for me and I checked directly with USEF and it was legal as of 2021. I believe Benadryl is legal as well but didn’t ask about it specifically.
I’ve also found MSM, magnesium and lysine helped.
Nosenets are allowed for dressage, eventing and jumpers but I don’t think they’re allowed for hunters. Sometimes warming up in one and then taking it off at the last second can help.
Have you explored different bridles yet?
I had a headshaker that constantly wanted to rub his face on his legs. He shook his head and rubbed for years. Switching to a Micklem bridle solved it. He just stopped.
The horse is a hunter to clear up any confusion.
HU106 states, “All artificial appliances, including but not limited to nasal strips, nose nets, belly bands, boots, wraps and bandages are prohibited.”
So looking for hunter-legal solutions which unfortunately rules out a nose net or a different bridle ie a micklem. Might be worth a try to warm up with the nose net and take it off right before the class.
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Benadryl is allowed up to 24h before competition, so probably not helpful.
I think you need to narrow down if it’s caused by allergies or nasal stimulation.
I had my headshaker on a melatonin/magnesium protocol recommended by UC Davis. It greatly reduced the episodes although I never hesitated to add a nose net to his bridle when he seemed particularly bothered. I was also allowed to show with the nose net when I had show management permission and a note from the vet. However, I know that this is no longer an option. My horse developed headshaking when he was 8 or 9 years old. When he was around 14, the condition for the most part cleared up. I kept him on the melatonin/magnesium protocol but no longer needed the nose net and showed for years without it. Every horse is different and I considered myself incredibly lucky that my horse’s headshaking eventually became manageable.
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Have you had the horse tested for allergies? Allergy shots were a game changer for mine.
