When it starts every summer
all over again
Delivery in 1–3 days · While supplies last
Insects are the trigger –
not the cause
Two horses, the same pasture, the same insects—one barely reacts, while the other rubs itself raw. The difference isn’t in the bite itself. It lies in how the body reacts to it: how sensitive the immune system is to the insects’ salivary protein—and how much that sensitivity has increased over the years.
Same environment, same insects. The body reacts to the sting—but the immune system responds appropriately and without any noticeable reaction. The stimulus threshold is high, and the body is well-nourished.
The same sting, but the immune system overreacts. The saliva protein triggers a cascade of inflammation—and with every season that passes without internal support, the threshold for defense continues to drop.
The key difference: Insects are the trigger—but the actual cause lies in the body’s readiness to react. If you only tackle the trigger, you’re not addressing the problem.
First Seasons: Mild, occasional reactions – often still manageable, hardly concerning.
Mid-season: Reactions begin earlier in the year and become more intense. The effort required increases—while the effectiveness of external measures decreases.
Later seasons: Persistently sensitized. Minimal stimuli are sufficient to trigger full reactions. The horse begins reacting earlier, reacts more intensely, and recovers more slowly.
What most people try –
and why it's not enough
All traditional approaches share the same blind spot: they work from the outside. They reduce contact—but they do not change how responsive the body is to that contact.
| Action | Provides protection right now | Changes the stimulus threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Eczema Blanket | Yes | No |
| Repellent / Spray | Partially | No |
| External Skin Care | Yes | No |
| Stabled at dusk | Partially | No |
| Targeted internal support | Indirectly | Yes |
The result after years of relying solely on external measures: the effort required increases, while the effect diminishes. Not because the measures themselves are becoming less effective—but because the body becomes more sensitive as long as the internal foundation is lacking.
Vigorous Hair+ Anti-Itch
Vigorous Hair
The internal foundation
for skin and coat
Sensitive skin and brittle fur are often associated with nutritional deficiencies, because the body’s needs are significantly higher during stressful periods. Vigorous Hair contains high-dose, natural nutrients and ingredients:
An essential nutrient for cell growth, keratin production, and coat quality.
Highly bioavailable – wound healing, immune regulation, protection of the skin barrier.
A natural source of sulfur—affects inflammatory processes at the cellular level.
Tasteless – regulates the body's inflammatory response, balancing rather than suppressing it.
B1, B2, B6, B12, niacinamide, panthenol, folic acid—essential for cell regeneration and metabolism.
Amino acid for keratin synthesis and hair structure; manganese for connective tissue metabolism.
Important for horses with skin metabolism issues: Grains and added sugars can place additional strain on the body and increase reactivity. Vigorous Hair is specifically formulated to be free of these ingredients.
Liquid, added directly to the feed—odorless, readily accepted by most horses.
Expert recommendation: Feed at least 1 bottle continuously. Also recommended for long-term feeding if needed.
Why External Care
Is Crucial
As long as a horse rubs, irritated or open skin areas can develop – and without external support, secondary infections can quickly arise. It's important to use only products that do not further burden the skin – meaning they should be free from mineral oils, silicones, or synthetic additives.
Chamomile & Natural Moisturizers
Traditionally used for irritated skin—including directly on the withers and the base of the tail
Precision Application Tip
The tonic targets the affected areas precisely—no rubbing over a large area, no waste, and no unnecessary stress for the horse.
Formulated to be microbiome-friendly
Free of anything that might further irritate sensitive skin—formulated for sensitive skin during the summer months.
Directions: Use 2–3 times a week; use daily if experiencing severe itching. Apply directly with the applicator tip and gently massage in—no rinsing necessary. Handcrafted in Hamburg.
Not one or the other –
but together
Vigorous Hair and the Anti-Itch both start working immediately – but on different timelines. Nutrients need time to become sufficiently available in the body. External care can directly address the itch from the very beginning. That's why it makes sense to use both together from the start.
Starting on Day 1 – both products launch
Vigorous Hair is given daily with feed. The Anti-Itch is applied precisely to the mane crest and tail base. Chamomile and natural moisturizers can soothe irritated skin externally, while the body begins to absorb the provided nutrients.
Weeks 2–4 – Nutrients become increasingly available
Biotin, zinc, methionine, and the other ingredients in Vigorous Hair build up in the body. Individual responses vary, but initial changes in coat quality or skin appearance may become noticeable.
Starting in Week 6—the feeding routine is established
After several weeks of continuous feeding, the nutrient supply through Vigorous Hair is integrated into the daily routine. The Anti-Itch continues to provide external support – together, both products address the situation from two sides.
Targeted Nutrient Supply
High-dose nutrients for skin and coat—added to their food every day, right from the start.
Direct external support
Precise grooming for the mane and base of the tail—microbiome-friendly, with no synthetic additives.
Your Questions –
Our Answers
This exact situation is the starting point for the combination of Vigorous Hair and Anti-Itch. Vigorous Hair is a complementary feed containing highly concentrated nutrients for skin and coat, providing targeted nutritional support for horses during demanding periods. Anti-Itch is an externally applied care product specifically designed for the mane and tail area. Please note: Both are complementary feeds or grooming products – not medications. If a veterinary condition has been diagnosed, a veterinarian should always be consulted first.
Yes. The nutritional support provided by Vigorous Hair is effective regardless of how long the horse has been affected. The body can only utilize nutrients that are adequately supplied – this applies anew every season. Simultaneously, external care with the Anti-Itch is also beneficial as long as the horse is rubbing, as chafed areas should be treated regardless of their previous condition.
It’s best to start before the insect season begins—not only after the scabbing has already become visible. Nutrients take time to become available in sufficient quantities in the body. Starting early gives the body this head start. The Anti-Itch can be used immediately at the first signs of itching on the mane and tail—both products should be used together from the very beginning.
This varies from horse to horse and cannot be predicted across the board. Since nutrients take time to become available in sufficient quantities in the body, many horse owners report noticing the first visible changes in their horse’s coat or skin after a few weeks of continuous feeding. It is recommended to feed at least one full bottle continuously before making an assessment.
Vigorous Hair is formulated to be flavorless and is readily accepted by most horses. For very picky horses, we recommend starting with a smaller amount and mixing the product in thoroughly. If the horse still refuses to eat it, our Taste Guarantee applies—you’ll get a full refund, no questions asked.
Vigorous Hair is suitable for long-term feeding. Since the nutritional needs of the skin and coat exist year-round—not just during insect season—continuous feeding may be beneficial. Please be sure to monitor the overall nutritional intake if you are also feed other Complementary feed .
Generally speaking, yes—but when combining this product with other vitamin and mineral supplements, you should check the total intake to ensure that the recommended daily amounts of individual nutrients are not exceeded. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian or a nutritionist.
Yes. Vigorous Hair is Show safe and therefore suitable for use at competitions and events with anti-doping policies.
Vigorous Hair and Hestakofi Anti-Itch are complementary feed or care products – not medicines. They do not replace veterinary treatment. For persistent or worsening symptoms, please always consult a veterinarian.
Vigorous Hair + Anti-Itch
Product Description
Product Description
Vigorous Hair is a high-quality Complementary feed for horses that supports the nutritional needs of the skin, coat, and hooves. The carefully balanced combination of biotin, zinc, manganese, and B vitamins provides essential building blocks for normal skin function and the maintenance of coat and horn structure.
Especially during the coat change or when facing specific challenges such as intensive grooming or increased physical stress, Vigorous Hair can effectively supplement daily. A well-groomed appearance of the coat, long hair, and hooves can be an indication of adequate nutritional support.
Daily feeding with Vigorous Hair is suitable for horses of all ages—especially when there are increased nutritional needs.
Vigorous Hair
Volume: 1 liter
RRP 99,90€ per liter
Show safe
Hestakofi Anti-Itch
Volume: 250 ml
RRP 12,90€ per 250 ml
Feeding Recommendation
How to Use
Composition
When feeding, please also consider other sources of vitamins and minerals to ensure the recommended daily intake is not exceeded.
