Equimins launches new fly repellent for horses
A new gel fly repellent for horses has been launched by Equimins, designed to be long-lasting and easy to apply
Protecting your horse from flies
The latest advice on protecting your horse from flies, including information about new products and supplements, and Horse & Hound’s expert reviews
Every horse owner looks forward to summer, but when it rolls round, it brings with it that irritating problem— flies.
Horse flies feed on blood and can inflict a nasty bite. Your horse may become agitated trying to kick a fly on his legs or belly or swat it with his tail.
Flies also congregate in the corner of horse’s eyes to drink the fluid, and as they carry bacteria, this can cause infection. They may also lay eggs on open wounds that hatch out into maggots — a condition known as myiasis, or fly strike. You should contact your vet immediately if you see signs of this.
Some horses suffer badly with sweet itch, an allergic response to Culicoide midge bites. This results in skin lesions that are aggravated by the horse rubbing them, and many owners find a sweet itch rug is essential for managing the condition.
In summer, it’s wise to invest in a fly rug to protect your horse in the field. These are lightweight and reflective, to keep the sun off and the horse cool, but essentially work by covering his body. Waterproof fly rugs are available, too. You can also get fly masks to protect their eyes, although many horses show a particular talent for removing these!
For ridden work, you may like to try an ear bonnet, fly fringe, or a ride-on fly rugs if your horse is particularly sensitive.
There are also many different fly sprays on the market designed for use with horses, although opinions vary as to how much they actually work. Deet is the most common active ingredient in ‘non natural’ insect repellants.
Some people choose to make their own fly repellents — citronella, cider vinegar and tea tree oil are just some of the commonly used ingredients — but if you compete in affiliated or international competition you need to take care you are not using any prohibited substances on your horse.
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Grazing muzzle with detachable fly mask designed for horses
A university student has developed a grazing muzzle for horses, featuring a detachable fly mask, designed to worn for long periods of time without causing sores
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Swish launches new fly turnout rug
Swish has created the Fly-Turnout Rug to combat the challenge of keeping your horse dry and the flies at bay
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‘Revolutionary’ fly rug comes to UK
A "revolutionary" fly rug from US brand Kensington Rugs is now available to buy in the UK
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Blue Chip adds new garlic supplement to its range
The feed company has launched a new garlic supplement in a liquid form
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Aloe vera supplement takes the itch out of biting flies

Aloeride is a pure aloe vera supplement, which when used with fly protection, claims to help horses that are allergic to biting insects
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Donate a fly fringe to help horses in Honduras
World Horse Welfare is asking horse lovers to help working cart horses in Honduras by donating a fly fringe.
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New Bucas rug combines Sun Shower turnout and Buzz-Off fly sheet
Bucas claims to have solved the dilemma of what rug your horse should wear when flies are out but there’s a chance of rain
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New fly rug kills irritating flying insects on contact
The Flug, launched in February by Kadence Equiwear is impregnated with insecticide
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New Vespa Fly Mesh Combo Fly Rug
A new fly rug, that offers full neck coverage without the need to use a head collar to anchor it in place, is now on sale at www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk.
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New anti-fly feed supplement
Equine health company Feedmark has produced a new oral anti-fly supplement called Fly Formula
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Grey horses are more fly-repellent, research suggests
Grey horses may look striking but apparently aren’t too tasty to blood-sucking flies, according to a recent study
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British Dressage allows ear covers and fly fringes
British Dressage will allow ear covers and fly fringes in outdoor summer competitions to protect horses from insects
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Managing biting flies
How to protect your horse from flies
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EU bans citronella in fly sprays
A new EU ruling will ban a sale of fly sprays from containing citronella from 1 September, but owners will still be able to make their own home made solutions
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Do fly repellents really work?
As summer brings its annual plague of biting insects, Horse & Hound asks if it is it worth paying out for a professional potion?
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What's new: Flybuster rugs
Continuing our showcase of innovative new products hitting the market, HHO examines Horseware's range of anti-fly rugs, including the new Flybuster Supreme
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Understanding swellings
Deciding whether a lump is a harmless fly bite or nasty abscess is vital when deciding what treatment is required
