Flies and mosquitoes can make your horse’s life a misery and can even create a dangerous situation; horses which are constantly being bitten by insects will take serious avoidance action even if it means risking an injury. Horse flies can plague them just as much under saddle too as when they are grazing in the field.
Fly repellents can be used to avoid insect predation in the stable yard and they can also be used instead of a fly rug or in addition to a fly rug. Carr & Day & Martin’s Flygard Extra Strength Insect Repellent Fly Spray will combat even the most persistent of bugs and flies. The DEET levels in this product are at a maximum level of 20% but if your horse has sensitive skin and could react this then you can still use the spray on top of a fly rug to keep insects at bay.
Some horses get very itchy in the summer months, either as a reaction to insect bites or because they just have more sensitive skin; there are lots of horses like this who are not sweet itch horses but who still rub and scrape their bodies to relieve constant irritation. Use the Lincoln Summer Citronella Fly Wash every time you bath or wash down your horse after exercise. It contains refreshing peppermint oil to cool irritated skin and the citronella also helps to keep flies at bay.
Many horses are not that tolerant of fly sprays so try and use a brand which has a pump action to mist the liquid over the horse’s body rather than an aerosol. Obviously it is never a good idea to spray anything around the horse’s head in case you spray the product into the horse’s eyes, so use Nettex Fly Repellent Wipes on the head - perfect for those sensitive areas around the eyes, nose and ears.
If your horse has a cut or a minor wound then its going to be dinner time as far as the flies are concerned. It always seems to be in a location that you can’t cover too! Lincoln Itchy Switchy S.O.S Skin Shield Barrier Cream is perfect on grazes and abrasions to protect the area from fly predation. This antibacterial barrier cream also moisturises and soothes and is even suitable for use in sensitive areas like the dock, sheath, teats and the abdomen.
Make sure your horse can enjoy long periods of time out in the field and is comfortable under saddle with our range of proprietary fly sprays, repellents and creams. Chelford Farm Supplies stock everything you need for turnout, exercise and when you are out at shows and competitions. Browse the selection in our online shop or pay a visit to our friendly saddlery and country store.