the big test Cavalor – Fly Less Fly Repellent
The company says: This highly effective insect repellent spray protects horse and rider against horseflies, flies, mosquitoes and ticks. 500ml. RRP: £23.00
www.zebraproducts.com
Our tester, Pam Harrison, says: In the simplest terms, this works. Riding in our arena about 8am, even when there’s a bit of a breeze, the midges are still out and this kept them off the horse’ back, so it’s a much-appreciated ‘find’, as too many products don’t seem to put the midges off and the little ******* are incredibly irritating. We haven’t had a lot of opportunity to test it on the larger flies that drive the horses to distraction in a different way, but it did seem to put off the few that were about during the test period. An easy to use spray, that is quite fine, so it seems to go a long way and I could still smell the pleasant aroma after a day out in the field, which is a bonus. The fact that it deters ticks is even better as we do see some of those around here every year!
Lincoln – Stop the Itch
The company says: Attack the midges this summer with this amazing product! A soothing, itch relieving lotion particularly useful before onset, during attack and for maintaining recovery following a sweet itch attack. Patented molecular technology designed to help with fast relief and effective long term reliability. Not only does it help reduce attack by the sweet itch midge, it also controls the symptoms of sensitive skin to help soothe any irritation.
500ml. RRP: £24.99
www.Lincoln-Equestrian.com
Our tester, John Collier, says: I used this on a school pony that had rubbed itself raw on its neck and tail. We try hard to keep him in when it’s fly weather, but we got caught out. We used it each day; it has a soothing effect and he has, ‘touch wood’, stopped rubbing when turned out.
Horze – Bristol Fly Sheet
The company says: A full coverage sheet with waterproof back allowing your horse to remain outdoors during warm summer showers and the fly mesh body keeps the pests away. A perfect marriage of functionality and common sense. Why bring your horse indoors during a shower when he is happier grazing and enjoying the refreshing rain? When the sun returns he will dry off in a breeze and the sheet will remain in place and continue to ward off evil flying insects. Full neck with Velcro closure, detachable leg straps and gusset and much more. Machine Washable. Sizes: 5’9”-7’3”. RRP: £58.99
Our tester, Paul Malone, says: This rug gives a really lovely contoured fit across the horse’s back, a good depth through the body and a generous fitting up the neck. It has been incredibly convenient over the recent months when it has been sunny one moment and raining the next! I’ve also found that the rug dries off very quickly after the showers that we’ve had, and the waterproof panel keeps the horse surprisingly dry! Despite the waterproof panel, the rug is still lovely and cool. Although it comes with leg straps, there’s also a fillet string for extra security.
The area has healed, and we are continuing to use the product when we feel he might revert to rubbing.
As with most ponies that itch, I couldn’t say it has stopped altogether, but it is a useful tool in managing the problem, and I will continue to use the product, so it gets a thumbs up from me and also from Little Cracker! He’s a lot happier.
Sentemol – Flyzone XL Outdoor Fly Trap
The company says: An easy to use and highly effective way of reducing nuisance fly numbers around your property without the need for chemicals. The bag uses a protein lure to attract the fly towards and then in through a funnel shaped opening at the top of the bag, When the fly is inside the bag, it can’t escape. To ‘activate’ just add the bait and water to the bag and hang up outside. Both sunlight and warmth are required for best results. When the solution has been activated, it will continue to attract flies for up to 12 weeks. After this time, it should be disposed of. RRP: £9.00
www.horseflytrap.co.uk
Our tester, Terri Graham, says: Although glorious weather up here on and off through the test period there was still a chilly wind, so the bugs have not really got going yet. I did find the fly zone a bit fiddly and fragile to assemble, but the fly bait once mixed with the warm water was suitably stinky stuff and should have attracted any right-minded bugs that were venturing out looking for a meal! It is not the most robust piece of kit and has been somewhat frayed by the wind swirling it around the yard. It has trapped a few flies but not as many as I had anticipated, and over the test period we have repositioned it in different areas of the yard but with still very limited success. It’s probably a little too early in the bug calendar yet so I hope to see great things from it soon.
Z-itch – Pour-On
The company says: A ready to use liquid that can be applied to the horse’s body once a week to help aid the control of sweet itch in horses that suffer with the condition. The clear liquid contains Permethrin and should be applied in equal amounts over the horse’s mane and rump, avoiding the saddle area, once a week. The liquid is squeezed into the integral measuring chamber on the bottle before being poured onto the horse. Ideally, treatment should start at the beginning of the sweet itch season, but can commence at any time as required. 250ml. RRP: £33.60
www.z-itch.co.uk
Our tester, Chris Grant, says: I found this very easy to apply from the word go. The instructions for application were clear and easy and what I liked best was that no diluting was required. I used it on an itchy pony when his coat was changing and, although he doesn’t have sweet itch, he does have a tendency to rub. Because it is applied using a sponge with no spraying the pony stood with no objections and I also found it didn’t leave the coat greasy like other products can. Only a small amount was required, I did apply it daily but a little went a long way. It did help to diminish the amount of rubbing from the pony and I will certainly continue to use it throughout the summer.
Equine Page 24
www.theequinesite.co.uk
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED
HIGHLY
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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