Tips: to protect your horse from insects
Tips: to protect your horse from insects
Spring has started again and I can already see you thinking
There you go again with all those pesky insects biting your horse?
Learn how to control insects
Manure management
While we cannot eliminate insects all together (and frankly, we wouldn't want to) The first step, which is not glamorous, involves a pitchfork. Insects are attracted to manure, which means stalls and small turnouts should be kept as clean as possible. This helps prevent areas where insects congregate.
Protective equipment for your horse
You've cleaned up your horse's environment, now it's time to focus on the horses themselves. If your horses are sensitive to insects (as mine often are), then providing protective gear may be just the solution you are looking for. Fly screens can provide protection from the sun's rays, which can damage a sensitive coat, but also offer a bit of relief from the heat and protect against biting insects.
In addition to a fly blanket, some horses may benefit from wearing a fly mask to protect their face, eyes and ears. It is extremely important to remove blankets and fly masks daily to check for any cuts or abrasions and to make sure nothing is stuck between the horse's face and the mask. While you have the sheet off, it is a good time to assess your horse's body condition score to make sure he or she stays at the right weight.
Repellents
In addition to the above steps, it may also be useful to use fly repellents on your animals such as the
ANTI INSECTEN SPRAY from Paardenkriebels.co.uk Before you saddle up to ride or show, apply fly spray to your horse's skin and coat. This often results in a much more pleasant ride, as your horse will not be bothered by flying insects. Repellent ointments such as can also be very useful. When my horse is outside during the day, I use products such as NEEMZALF from Paardenkriebels.co.uk. Apply the ointment to your horse's sensitive areas, such as the underside of the barrel, chest and under the jaw.
Is it imperative that you take extra care to protect the areas where you cut their hair short, such as their ears. The hair on the inner ear provides excellent protection against insects, so if it is removed, a repellent ointment should be applied.