>>> we have one mare who does have some skin sensitivities, she was bred in California...
Storme, Hawaii is so far from the mainland USA, physically, and climate-wise, that if you think about it, your California-bred mare is probably almost as much of an "import" to Hawaii as your Icelandic-born horses. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if she is exposed to bugs, pollens and other allergens there that she was not able to develop immunities for as a foal on the mainland. That Hawaii is considered part of the USA is largely a political decision, not so much a geographical one. I don't think the immune system pays too much attention to political borders though. Karen Thomas, NC
