Fly free horse riding - it is possible!

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Horse riding during the summer months is a wonderful pastime, with the feeling of the sun on your back as you and your trusty steed ride throughout the countryside without a care in the world.

However, the one thing that can prove really troublesome for horses is the dreaded fly infestation. Be it horse flies or stable flies, the bothersome little insects can cause havoc to both you and your horse.

With an overwhelming choice of products and paraphernalia on offer to protect your beloved horse, this article looks at the major categories in order to assess how best to enjoy a fly free summer.

Your Horses Routine

The first thing that you can do to protect your horse against flies is to simply change their routine. This is because as the heat of the summer increases, the flies become a dominant feature. In order to prevent too much aggravation the best thing to do is to keep your horse in during the high heat of the day. However, one must remember when changing their routine, due care and attention is taken place to avoid upsetting your horses digestive system.

Feeding

Putting certain supplements into your horses feed can improve their natural defences to insects and bites. The most popular supplements are garlic, Brewers Yeast, apple cider and Calendula Tincture (flower extract). Garlic in particular enables your horse to secrete oils that repel flies, and other such products can raise the pH (acidity) level of the horses blood that makes them an unsavoury meal for biting insects. To successfully manage against flies, garlic should be given daily in safe quantities to produce the desired repellent effect. As always, care must be taken in following the guidelines that are on the packaging.

Fly Repellents (Sprays)

Too numerous to mention specific products, the fly spray market is filled to the hilt with both natural and chemical sprays. The safest, cheapest and often most effective option to choose is actually make your own fly spray. Popular choices of ingredient include Citronella, cloves and thyme. With a little knowledge of the key ingredients, a remedial spray can be made in minutes.

The important point to remember about fly spray usage is its application. The most effective time to spray your horse for riding is just before you set off, but before you have put on all the horse tack. In this way you can get a thorough covering and will not be inhibited with your spraying when you are trying to avoid your tack.

One must remember that horses attitudes differ; some may not mind being sprayed with a fine mist where others may want to run a mile. The best course of action to take is to untie the horse and get someone to hold it while you spray. If they do not mind then this can be continued up until the upper neck area, if not, then apply direct to a sponge or towel and then onto the horse. In either case, around the head and ears you should always apply onto a sponge or towel and then onto the face, which will avoid getting any into the eyes, nose, mouth and ears.

Fly Sheet

Whilst one would not recommend riding in one, the use of fly sheets can prove to be a very effective measure in keeping your horse happy and unperturbed in the field or stable. There are many fly sheets on the market, each one having their own unique features and fabrics. The most effective fly rugs are the ones that cover the neck areas as well as the underbelly, as these are the two areas that horses have the biggest problem deterring the flies. The WeatherBeeta Original Fly Shield as well as the WeatherBeeta Airflow Mesh Combo are two rugs in particular that feature the neck and underbelly protection.

Fly Masks

One of best advances in fly protection for horses is the fly mask. What may look like a George Lucas-inspired invention is actually a horses greatest partner in summer comfort. This is down to the fact that flies tend to pray on the sensitive eye area because they are attracted to the moisture. It is even known for flies to lay their eggs in horses eyes, which can result in much discomfort and damage when larvae begin to hatch.

An added benefit of some fly masks is that they can protect the ears as well. This is especially effective at preventing bugs in the ears as well, which is ideal for horses that are prone to ear problems and are head sensitive.

Fly Bonnet

As a partner to fly repellent, when you are out hacking you can also use a fly bonnet. The fly bonnet fits over your horses ears and attaches to the bridle. It has tassels that come down over the forelock so when the horses move their head the tassels sway from side to side and deter the flies from landing and getting too comfortable.

The steps above, if followed correctly, should aid in you and your horses enjoyment of the summer and should provide many hours of happy horse riding.

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