In a recent article we explained about how horse fly rugs, or horse fly sheets as they are also sometimes known as, can help protect your horse or pony against flies, insects or midges.
Although at horserugs.me.uk we are primarily concerned with giving useful help and advice on what horse rug or horse blanket to chose for your horse or pony, we do think it is useful to give more rounded advice on particular issues. One such area is dealing with horse flies, insects and midges which are a particular problem during the summer.
We believe that no one approach is sufficient for dealing with the scourge of horse flies, insects or midges and that as well as kitting your horse or pony out in a horse fly rug or horse fly mask you should take a holistic approach. What can you change about your daily routine? What changes can you make to your horse’s diet? What other products are on the market that can help combat horse flies, insects and midges?
We all know horse’s love routine but is your routine not best planned so as to limit the impact that flies, insects or midges may be having on your horse? For instance are certain areas of your fields and paddocks more prone to flies than others? If so then consider moving your horse out of these areas, particularly if your horse in sensitive to flies, insects or midges. This is especially the case if your horse has a condition such as sweet itch. It may be that you need to bring your horse in at certain times of the day when the flies are particularly prevalent. The horse’s welfare is paramount so do always way up the benefits gained by moving your horse like this against any distress that may be caused by changing its routine.
We know from our own experience of dealing with mosquito and other insect bites that certain smells can act as a deterrent to the unwanted flies, insects and midges. It is almost certain that these insects tend to go for the least offensive smelling animals around. As such by adding certain supplements to your horses feed, such as garlic, apple cider, Brewer’s Yeast or Calendula Tincture, your horse’s level of acidity in its blood is raised which makes your horse or pony a most unappetising meal for insects. This is perfectly safe for your horse provided, as ever, that you only give your horse the recommended amount. Always read any guidelines on product packaging. And if in any doubt as to whether it is safe for your horse, contact your vet.
You will have seen numerous fly repellent sprays and products in your local equestrian supplier but which one to chose? This is probably an article in itself and if there is interest something we are certainly more than happy to cover. Your choice can be broken down into organic and natural products versus chemical sprays.
I know many of you out there will not only be wary of chemical products but also, in these cash strapped times, money conscious. Can one justify all that money on chemical spray particularly as hay prices are likely to rocket over the coming weeks and months! Why not therefore try making your own spray. A simple spray could be fashioned from Citronella, thyme and cloves! Why don’t you let us know what works for you?
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