How to effectively protect your horse from insects? Check out these 7 methods!

Every year the topic of protecting horses from insects returns like a boomerang. It is a problem, which can spoil even the most promising training or a ride in the field. Specifically for you, we have prepared as many as 9 effective ways to protect your horse from insects!

Late spring and summer are the peak of the riding season. Unfortunately, this is also the time when all kinds of insects become active and can seriously trouble both riders and horses. Many horses get nervous about all the bites and flies landing on their nostrils, around their eyes or getting into their ears. Some horses are allergic to bites. It is advisable that you learn how to effectively deal with insects. Which strategies to adopt?

1. Act in several directions to maximize the effect

Many people pick one product and use it when the flies, nits and other insects become particularly problematic - and by then it's too late. Consider combining a number of various methods. The best results are achieved by those who use several methods simultaneously:

2. Repellents, or anti-insect preparations

Available in the form of sprays (e.g., Over Horse Horsefly anti-insect spray). During spring and summer you should always have these close at hand. They are effective for several hours and often contain natural oils. We recommend applying such sprays before taking horses out to the paddock and before a ride.

1. Absorbine UltraShield Brand 946 ML
2. Absorbine UltraShield Brand 3.8 L
   

3. Insect repellents to use in the stable

These products will help reduce the number of insects in buildings. Absorbine Ultra Shield is one of the most effective insect repellents and works for up to 14 days. It is a well known and proven insect repellent for horses. However, remember that Ultra Shield must not be applied directly onto the horse or near its food. A traditional method - whitewashing the walls with quicklime - combined with modern insecticides, will give horses a break from annoying insects.

4. Bug and fly traps or anti-insect lamps

Their construction attracts flies and other insects, which are then neutralized. In case of a nest trap, the lured insects are trapped inside - a simple yet very effective solution that perfectly complements the use of chemicals.

5. Natural insect repellents

A number of substances can be used to make your own repellent or natural preparations. Many plants have insect repellent properties and can be used to prepare an infusion or in the form of an oil. Gentle preparations are also becoming more and more popular, however they may not be very effective when a great number of insects appear in our area, or when our horses react particularly poorly to the presence of insects.

6. Fly fringes, antifly masks, fly hats, mesh rugs

1. Busse Horse Fly Mask Fly Buckler
2. Horze Fly Fringe with Mesh

Such accessories are a perfect choice for horses that are particularly sensitive to flies or allergic to bites. These can be worn in the paddock and during training. They are lightweight, affordable and do not bother the animals. They are also easy to put on and perfectly supplement all the efforts to protect the horse against insects.

1. Busse Mesh Rug Fly Free
2. Busse Zebra Mesh Horse Rug

Remember to thoroughly read the labels and the manufacturer's recommendations before using a given product. Regular use of well-tested substances will improve efficiency and positively affect the comfort of horses and those who visit the stable.

7. What else can be done, apart from using repellents, to protect horses from insects?

In addition to the steps listed above, you can also take steps regarding the stable life and its surroundings:

• If possible, choose early morning or evening hours for training - when the temperature is lower and insect activity decreases.
• Set up boxes for insectivorous birds and bats somewhere near the stable - they will certainly offer valuable assistance in the battle against flies.
• Keep the stable and paddocks clean.
• Selected plants can be planted in the beds near the stable and in flower pots placed in windows as insect repellents! These include lavender, catnip, Dalmatian pyrethrum and lemongrass.

A properly organized space will not only benefit the horses living there, but also draw the attention of the guests. Implementing these methods is not very demanding, and it can bring amazing results. Find out which methods work best for you!

In the Equishop equestrian store you will find a wide range of insect repellents and protective accessories for your horse. Check our offer in the section Fly control for horses

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Equestrian store: +48 784 039 784

E-mail: contact@equishop.com

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