From Struggling to Thriving: Persephone’s Story

A lifelong battle for calmer skin

When Eleni first brought Persephone (Seph) home at four years old, she was already
struggling with dry, flaky, itchy skin and had rubbed her mane and the top of her tail
completely out.

Managing her skin became part of Eleni’s daily routine.

“I always vowed I’d never keep a horse rugged unless absolutely necessary. Seph’s life has been spent completely rugged and covered with fly rugs, fly and Snuggy rugs, both winter and summer.”

For Eleni, it wasn't just the physical impact on Persephone. The constant management became stressful too.

She found herself continually questioning whether she was doing enough to keep Persephone comfortable - whether she needed another rug, whether she was cool enough in summer, or whether there was something else she should be trying.

When other products made things worse

Before discovering Biteback Products, Eleni had tried other creams marketed for soothing itchiness.

Unfortunately, rather than helping, they seemed to make things worse.

The products caused more itching and left Persephone’s mane and tail oily and flaky, with product build-up becoming another problem to manage.

It was a friend experiencing similar issues who recommended Biteback.

With other options failing to help, Eleni decided it was worth trying Sweet Relief.

Starting with Sweet Sun Relief

Eleni initially started looking for something to help with Persephone’s nose.

She was experiencing problems with flies around her nose and sunburn, so Eleni started using Sweet Sun Relief Cream.

She quickly noticed a difference.

“It stopped the fly bites and the sunburn.”

Eleni then decided to try it around Persephone’s mane and tail too - and that's when she began noticing changes there as well.

The flaking disappeared, and Persephone was no longer coming in from the field immediately looking to scratch.

Encouraged by what she was seeing, Eleni went on to purchase the stronger Sweet Relief Cream, using it on Persephone’s mane and tail morning and night.

Subtle changes became a big difference

Eleni noticed subtle signs of improvement within just a few days, with a much more noticeable difference developing over the following couple of weeks.

The first changes were the reduction in flaking and itching.

“I noticed that her mane and tail were no longer flaky, and her rubbing had subsided drastically.”

Eleni also introduced Sweet Relief Shampoo into Persephone’s routine, using it once a week to wash the cream out before reapplying.

After around a month of following the routine, Eleni felt confident enough to make another change - reducing Persephone’s reliance on rugs.

A new sense of freedom

One of the biggest changes has been the freedom Eleni has been able to give Persephone.

Previously, managing her skin meant layers of rugs, hoods, fly masks and topical products throughout the year.

Now, Eleni has been able to leave Persephone out wearing just a protective hood and fly mask to keep her mane clean and braided. But for the first time since bringing her home, she has also been able to leave her completely unrugged.

Despite this, there are no abrasions and bald patches - quite the opposite, in fact.

For a horse who has spent years needing extensive management, that represents a huge change.

Less management. More peace of mind.

For Eleni, the biggest difference isn't simply the improvement in Persephone’s skin - it’s how much simpler life has become.

Winter previously involved a Snuggy rug, a larger rug, a fly mask or hood, as well as creams before and after rugging to manage abrasions around the mane and tail.

This year, she hopes that routine will look very different.

“This year hopefully it will just be one rug, Biteback, and for the summer the most I’ve had to use is her hood and fly mask, which also keeps her cooler!”

After years of worrying about whether she was doing enough, having a simpler routine has brought Eleni a sense of relief too.

More than just a horse

Persephone has had her fair share of challenges over the years, from mystery lameness and a locking stifle to itching, thrush and other health concerns.

For Eleni, caring for Persephone has always been about much more than keeping a horse comfortable enough to ride.

She has changed her tack, gone bitless, prioritised turnout and even allowed Persephone to choose liberty over ridden activity when that was what suited her best.

“She isn’t just a sport or activity to me, she’s a dear friend that has been through some of the most difficult moments of my life.”

And that is why making even one part of Persephone’s life more comfortable has meant so much.

“To make just one part of her life more comfortable is so relieving and refreshing for both of us.”

Eleni’s experience with Sweet Relief

For Eleni, the combination of the products and the support from the Biteback team has made the experience particularly positive.

“Excellent; the staff were extremely responsive and helpful and answered all questions and scepticisms I had.”

After trying her first Biteback product, Eleni asked about other products in the range and received guidance on how to use them as part of Persephone’s routine.

Today, Persephone’s mane and tail are full and healthy-looking, and Eleni has been able to take a step back from the layers of management that once felt essential.

For Persephone, that means more comfort. For Eleni, it means more freedom, less worry, and the reassurance that she is doing everything she can for a horse who means the world to her.