the big test
Pesky little things aren’t they – flies? Buzzing around causing distress to most horses and if you’re unlucky enough to be plagued by midges and horse flies (clegs) then you’re really going to be looking for products to help you alleviate the misery on your yard. Our panel members have been testing new items and some market favourites in readiness for the invasion…..
Fly, fly, fly away…..
Horse & Pony Direct – Insect Away
The company says: Contains DEET and keeps flies, horseflies, gnats and other biting insects away for up to 12 hours. Its powerful formula contains tea tree oil, making it kind to skin and it comes in a convenient trigger spray which is a perfect size for everyday use. 500ml. RRP: £6.99
www.horseandponydirect.com
Our tester, Peter Bulman, says: On a dry and sunny day with little wind, (Yes, really) the horses were put out without fly hoods etc. Checking a couple of hours later, when it had well warmed up, yes they were being pestered by flies. The spray was applied direct to the fly favoured areas and by hand around face area. On checking over the rest of the day, there were no flies evident. The spray itself has a good positive action with very good spray pattern and particle size and does not have an intense smell. Overall a very good bit of kit.
Noble Outfitters – Guardsman Fly Mask
Nettex – Summer Fly Cream
The company says: Perfect for equines that don’t like sprays, this D.E.E.T based sun cream is soft and gentle on the skin and is easily applied with a sponge or cloth. Contains skin moisturisers that help to keep skin soft and supple and prevent it from drying out, plus lanolin and glycerine which provide a barrier against adverse weather conditions and also help to maintain skin suppleness. Rapidly absorbed by the coat to offer instant fly protection and can be used around more sensitive areas, such as the eyes, nose, ears, muzzle, dock, sheath and teats – all areas that flies love to attack. Safe to use if you’re out competing as this clever fly cream doesn’t contravene F.E.I or Jockey Club rules. 600ml. RRP: £9.15.
Our tester, Sally Burns, says: I used this on horses out in the field or riding at home. It comes in a tub with screw on lid feels really creamy, but not greasy and when it dries in does not leave a stain on the coat. It has no smell to it and my hands were not left feeling greasy either, which was a bonus. It definitely worked as none of them seemed bothered with the flies once I’d put it on. Very easy to apply, just a small amount on my fingers and wiped it on their neck and body, plus it still worked even when the horse was sweating.
Bug-Go – Salt Lick
The company says: A hard pressed 5kg block that can be offered in a free access manner as it is molasses free – the horse just takes what he wants, when he wants it. It’s made using pure Cheshire salt and 10% garlic, an ingredient that naturally helps to repel flies. Salt is an important element in the horse’s diet and can be used to help support electrolyte levels, to prevent deficiency. Due to the way that Rockies’ licks are made, they won’t melt or crumble like inferior products. 5kg. RRP: £9.81.
www.rockies.co.uk
Our tester, Susan Chappelhow, says: Great to have in any stable to enable your horses to replenish their salt levels when they need to. This lick also has added garlic which will give your horse an everyday defence against flies, and as you don’t need to apply fly repellent, will also save you time. I tried it on two ponies and a horse. The Highland pony would have eaten the whole lick within minutes if allowed as he liked it that much, while the other, more sensible one, used it when needed i.e. when very sweaty. My horse, who is very, very fussy with food, took a while but now does use it, so it must be palatable if he has accepted it. I also noticed that the flies were avoiding the ones using the lick, which was a good result. Easy to hang in any stable or pop it in the field. I will be using it again.
Equine Page 22
The company says: This revolutionary new mask is made from heavy duty UV coated mesh to fight wear and tear and features a contoured nose to prevent insect penetration. Its removable nose attachment is also UPF 25+ protected. Practicality is matched with luxury as it also benefits from a fleece lining on the crown and nose to ensure maximum comfort for your horse. Additional features include: Flex Spline Technology creates canopy away from horse’s eyes; Contoured nose limits insect penetration; Easy hang bridle loop for storage or wear with headcollar/ bridle; Strong double-sided hook & loop for secure attachment and Heavy-duty UV coated mesh is built to last with Anti-rub guard rip stop protection. Black or Noble Gold. Sizes: S-XXL. RRP: £19.95 without ears and £21.95 with ears.
www.nobleoutfitters.co.uk
Our tester, Pam Harrison, says: I was actually sent two of these – how lucky can you get? – which were tested on a16.3hh sport horse stallion (he had a black one without ears) and a 15.3hh thoroughbred mare (she had a gold one with ears) and the first thing you notice is the quality! The one on the mare stayed firmly put, however often she rolled and she clearly found it very comfortable. The one on the stallion proved how durable they are when, as stallions do, his stallion pal in the neighbouring paddock pulled it off whilst ‘chatting’ over the electric fence! The rigid splines easily keep the mask away from the horses’ eyes and although I didn’t routinely use the detachable nose attachment, it is easy to pop in place and would be ideal for horses who suffer from sunburn on the muzzle! The price is fabulous, so what are you waiting for?
Wildwash – Medicated Shampoo for Irritated Skin
The company says: Uses a combination of Juniper, Manuka and Lemongrass to help reduce pain and swelling of bites, heal and protect the skin against infection, relieve muscle pain and maintain the balance of moisture to the skin to help prevent dry patches or flaking plus Yarrow a superior remedy for cuts and wounds and has an antiseptic action against bacteria; Calendula for its anti-inflammatory and weak antimicrobial activity. It is most often used topically for lacerations, abrasions, and skin infections; Angelica Root for its help in the regeneration of damaged hair cells and Nettle Leaves which have anti-inflammatory properties and historically have been used for treating skin burns and reducing burn scars, as they are very healing. This shampoo is super concentrated and can be diluted at a 32 to 1 ratio. The 300ml is equivalent to 10 litres when diluted and will give at least 10 washes. Our mixing bottle gives all our dilution rates and makes your shampoo last a long time! 300ml. RRP: £14.95.
www.wildwash.co.uk
Our tester, Clare Chappelhow, says: I must admit this wasn’t something I would have specifically selected to test, partly due to my lack of time to wash horses, unless really required! But I’m always up the challenge of testing/reviewing something new. As it was, there was a horse on the yard that had urticaria (the lumps/swellings were from the shoulder to flank area), some had even developed into scurfy scabs, so after reading up on this medicated shampoo I thought this was an ideal candidate to test it on. Using as directed with its own mixing bottle, it was easy to apply and rinse off, leaving a pleasant aroma, but the real test for me was the fact that the horse didn’t react to the shampoo, if anything her condition took a turn for the better. It also left the horse with a shiny clean coat and is a shampoo I would use again and recommend others to do so.
www.theequinesite.co.uk
RECOMMENDED
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