horse allergy

[completelytorn]

I got back on a horse for the first time in well over 10 years last night. Spent a lot of time grooming beforehand and started sneezing and a little bit of wheezing. Didn't notice much while actually riding, probably distracted, but on the drive home was sneezing uncontrollably, eyes streaming, noticed a couple of hives on my hand.

By the time I got home my face had started swelling and in the mirror I could see hives all round my neck/upper chest, could heat myself wheezing, nose completely blocked.

Sent Oh out for antihistamines, after a wash, and it did start to calm down but had a terrible night's sleep, eyes are still swollen today although no hives/sneezing.

I do have a fur/dander allergy and suffered when I first got my cats but am now fine with them. Just wondering if anyone has had similar experience and gone on to desensitise? I loved being back in the saddle and would like to continue but the severity of the allergy scared me!

[Pixel]

Sounds horrible! Perhaps you could start off with just the riding part and see how you get on with that before you try grooming again?
How does the allergy work, do you have to breathe in the dust or does it just have to get on your skin? I was just wondering if you could wear one of those filter masks until you actually get on to ride.

[Pixel]

Meant to say that the fact that you've already managed to desensitise yourself to your cats must be a sign that there is hope!