the big test
Shires Equestrian – Sweet Itch Combo
The company says: Creating a barrier to biting insects is one of the first defences against sweet-itch. This lightweight, breathable rug features a grazing-friendly hood and super large tail flap to help keep the body, neck and poll covered at all times from biting insects. The fabric also helps protect the horse from sun bleaching, dust and dirt making it an excellent all round summer rug. Ripstop polyester 600 denier fabric will resist field wear and tear whilst still being soft. Additional features include a stretch ear panel, anti-rub lining to the neck, chest and shoulders for comfort, deep shoulder gussets, belly flap with three surcingle straps adjustable on both sides, adjustable fillet strap and integrated leg strap loops. Colour: White bound Green/Navy. Sizes: 4’9” - 7’3” RRP: £69.99
www.shiresequestrian.com
Our tester, Val Williams, says: We are so very pleased with this rug. We have one particular mare who, in past years, has had a problem with midges. She was a lucky girl to have tested this rug as it has made such a difference to her. The quality is great and so lightweight and is a super fit in every way. It has a full neck and ear hood so protects those places just behind the ears where the midges seem to always cause a problem. Other rugs which stop behind the ears cause a gap between the top of the rug and the fly hood where the midges can still bite. The combo prevents that happening perfectly. The hook/loop fastening is good quality and stays in place. All in all we love this and will be buying more.
Sentemol – MT Trap
The company says: The portable solution to control horseflies. It can be used with the larger H-Trap to extend the fly protection area, but can also be used on its own at home, around the yard and at competitions to help keep horseflies away. The black ball in the centre absorbs and then emits the sun’s heat making the horsefly think that it is a warm blooded animal. The horsefly lands on the ball but, when she’s unable to feed from it, she flies up and away, only to be guided into a collection chamber via the funnel shaped cover over the ball. Chemical free and can be used year on year to help keep horseflies away by catching them, and reducing populations as the female is caught. Available with, or without, a stand. RRP: from £60.00
www.horseflytrap.co.uk
Our tester, Terri Graham, says: Throughout the test period this has been hanging in a relatively sheltered sunny yard. It is a robust item and consists of a small rugby shaped ball (which comes with a small hand pump to inflate), a conical shaped green plastic cover (that fits over the ball) which attaches with hook/loop collar to a metal ring inside which sits a round container. A metal hook slips through a loop on the ball and provides the means to hang the trap wherever it thought to be most effective. The plus side to this is that you can try different areas of the yard for most efficient use, This is a very simple, but effective and pretty environment friendly, item which, due to the odd weather conditions we have had, has had limited success thus far. However, I can see that it does work and I am certain that once the bug season hits its stride it will prove very useful in keeping the horses comfortable.
www.theequinesite.co.uk Equine Page 25
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED
HIGHLY
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