What is a highly effective, yet simple to implement way to protect your horse from insects? Take a look at our suggestions of products and accessories for protection against insects, which you can use in the stable, in the paddock, during trainings, competitions, or outdoors. All this in order to bring relief to your horses and protect them from painful bites.
Any horse lover knows that while the peak equestrian season comes in the spring and summer, this period can be troublesome due to high insect activity. The lovely weather and late sunsets make for perfect conditions to spend time with your beloved animals - but unfortunately, the flies, mosquitoes and blackflies are still around. Their presence annoys many horses, and for some, the bites cause severe allergic reactions. Fortunately, we have a couple of methods that can help our four-legged friends. We recommend that you try different methods and see which ones work best for you.
1. Fly protection in the paddock
Eskadron Pro Cover Dura Fly Sheet
This is where our animals spend most of the day and are the most exposed to insects. The easiest solution is mesh rugs, fly masks and fringes that cover the eyes. Such accessories are made of gentle materials that slide over the skin when the horse moves and block access to sensitive areas. Mesh coats for horses and fly string browbands prevent insects from landing and keep the stubborn flies out of the eye area. This solution is universal, simple to implement and affordable - these are the unquestionable advantages that allow everyone to try them out.
Busse Fly Cover Pro Anti Fly Mask
An eco-friendly trap for botflies - the Fly-stop - works well, too. This clever tool takes advantage of the natural behavior of the flies to catch them. It is designed in such a way that it is not harmful to any beneficial insects (e.g. pollinators), while also reducing the number of botflies by up to 95%. This black ball, heated by the sun, attracts the insects (which consider it a prey) and once they want to fly away, they can only go upwards due to their flying technique. The lampshade then directs them into a closed container. The trap is safe and environmentally friendly, requiring no toxic poisons.
If flies become particularly annoying, try using insect repellent sprays. For example, Over Horse is an effective repellent that can be used with foals. This will give your horse a few hours of peace.
2. Protecting your horse from insects in the stable - repellents.
Absorbine UltraShield Brand 946 ml
Instead of closing windows and doors, compromising ventilation, you should fight insects in your stable by other means. The best idea is to regularly apply insect repellents in the stable. Among the high-quality products is Absorbine, which discourages insects from staying in the area where it is sprayed. Absorbine lasts for up to 14 days and has a pleasant citrus smell. Simply spray it indoors or in a transport trailer to feel the difference. Applying the repellent every ten days or so will help reduce the number of insects in the stable.
Other methods include insecticidal lamps or the Fly-stop trap mentioned earlier. Of course, hygiene is also key, i.e. regular cleaning of feces and changing the bedding. If possible, you may consider putting a mosquito net in the windows, as well as... planting insect repellent plants (e.g. catnip, lavender, lemon grass) close to the stable. We also recommend placing bird and bat boxes near the stable, which will certainly assist you in the battle against insects.
3. Insect repellents to be used when riding
Over Horse Horsefly Spray 650 ml
Before trainings, competitions or trail riding, remember to treat the horse with an insect repellent spray (e.g. the above-mentioned Over Horse repellent). Some horses react nervously to the presence of flies and have difficulty concentrating on their tasks. Tossing the head or kicking can be dangerous, especially for the beginner riders. The sprays should bring relief to any mount. Remember, however, that the products are effective for a shorter period of time when the horse sweats intensively. In this case we recommend having Over Horse spray on hand to re-spray sensitive areas if necessary.
Fly hats for horses are a sure protection of the horse's ears against insects. They fit well to the shape of the ears without limiting their movements and additionally look very stylish. Your horse will certainly appreciate this kind of protection on hot summer days.
Is there anything else you can do? Of course! Equip your beloved horse with a fly hat, thanks to which the insects will not fly into its ears. Nothing prevents you from using an anti-insect mask or fringes, which are placed on the halter. When combined with a repellent, such accessories will make riding more pleasant for both you and your horse.
Busse Flystring Browband Visby
There are also plenty of ideas for natural insect repellents available on the Internet. Their effectiveness differs, but it is worth a try - perhaps they will turn out to be a nice addition to the methods mentioned in the article.
To maximize the effectiveness of the insect protection, combine several methods and remember about regularity. If you use insecticides or insect repellents - make sure to check their expiration date and instructions on how to use them.
More about protecting your horse from insects on summer days can be found in the following article - 7 ways to effectively protect your horse from insects.
Looking for insect repellent products for your horse and the stable? Check our offer of products dedicated to anti-insect protection: fly rugs, anti-fly masks, fly hats.
In case you have any questions, remember that the Equishop Team is at your disposal.
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