the big test
Absorbine – Ultrashield
The company says: The ultimate insecticide for use around horses to protect against irritating and biting insects. It contains active ingredients Permethrin and Pyrethrin, providing instant “knock-down” when insects come into contact with it, as well as a long lasting protective “shield”. The product offers all- round protection in equestrian premises, stables and barns, and also in dog sleeping quarters. 946ml spray. RRP: £24.85
www.absorbine.co.uk
Our tester, Pippa Hahn, says: With the unseasonably cold weather we have been having even by County Durham standards, I have not yet been able to test this as thoroughly as I would have liked. However, I can say that it definitely works and that midges died on contact with the door frames of the stables, where I had sprayed. We have not had many flies yet this year so I am unable to confirm its use with them, however I have regularly sprayed it all around the dog’s kennel which appears to be insect free, much to the dog’s delight.
Mark Todd – Fly Repellent
The company says: The advanced, ready-to-use formula is surprisingly economical and contains a total of nine essential oils and herbal concentrates which combine to produce a highly effective repellent. It also contains Vitamin E; a fantastic natural conditioner to keep the hair and skin in peak condition. 1 litre spray. RRP: £15.99
www.wefi.co.uk
Our tester, Gillian McMurray, says: This was new for me and looked very useful, as we have a high incidence of flies and midges on the farm because we have an abundance of trees and hedges combined with wet ground. This came with very clear instructions for use and was produced in a pump action spray container. It was easy to apply and appeared to be non-greasy so didn’t attract too much dirt. Although the fly population has yet to peak, midges have been out in force and this product does seem to work against them. It also seems to deter small ticks on the noses of the ponies I’ve used it on. I liked this and look forward to assessing its performance over the summer, once the flies are at their worst!
Horseware – Amigo 3in1 Vamoose Fly Rug
The company says: Turnout and fly sheet in one with UV protection. Seamless design, waterproof top section with breathability, shine enhancing polyester, integrated neck cover, extra-long tail flap, double front closures, leg arches, three straight surcingles and a fillet string. The top is made from a 600 denier polyester with a pattern designed to deter flies while the mesh sides are treated with Vamoose, a man-made version of a natural insecticide to keep flies at bay. Silver/Black. Sizes: 5’0” – 7’3”. RRP: £116.00
www.horseware.com
Fly Away – Citro Free Midge Away Cream
The company says: Suitable for horses that are sensitive to citronella. Does not stain and can be applied to all areas of coat, manes, tails, rump, and belly where midges may bite. Effective even against the “infamous Scottish midge”! Early use is vital to stop midges from biting. From April to October, biting midges can plague horses making their summer lives a misery. Some horses are very sensitive to the saliva left by the midge bite and this can result in intense rubbing, causing hair loss and skin soreness. Improves coat condition and shine. 400ml. RRP: £13.99
Our tester, Josella Scott, says: An unusual product in as much as it is one of the few I have found that doesn’t contain Citronella. So I was interested to see whether it was efficient at repelling biting bugs. I applied this liberally to the ‘guinea pigs’, two ponies and two of my newly tagged zwartbles sheeps’ ears. It had very little odour and was not sticky or ‘claggy’. It certainly seemed to do the job and kept midges at bay. However it did need to be re-applied in the evening. This is something I will be happy to keep in my ‘ bug box’.
Equine Page 26
www.theequinesite.co.uk
Our tester, Caroline Powell, says: Just what we all expect from this
company....properly thought out, good quality and a very clever fit! Having been caught out with the good old British weather, we got some cracking chances to test the features that are built into this rug, and only towards the end of the trial did the big test of the Vamoose fly defence arrive. The whole top line of the rug is seamless - from tail to ears, cleverly incorporated with the waterproof section of the rug, covering the main muscle groups. The seams are along the side of the rug and the material then changes into the new Vamoose treated net sides, the three adjustable straps around the stomach stopped the flies and also made it a safe rug to be out in all day and night. The rather large tail flap not only kept the weather and flies away but also helped in keeping my horse clean! It has good secure buckles and the normal straps on the neck which are thoroughly tried and tested! As I said it wasn’t until towards the end of the trial that the flies did come out and I must say it was very noticeable as to which of the horses had flies hanging around them!! Does what it says on the box!
N.A.F: NAF Off DEET Power Performance Spray and Gel
The company says: Powerful, long lasting defence against flies, horse flies and insect menace for all day protection. A high specification equine solution based on DEET, probably the best known and most widely tested insect repellent in the world. RRP: 750ml Spray £16.99 & 750g Gel £15.99
www.naf-uk.com
Our tester, Caroline Mosley, says: I was expecting these products to have a strong smell that would make me sneeze but I’m pleased to say they didn’t! The spray comes out as a white liquid but disappears very quickly leaving very little residue. I found the bottle easy to use, but the gel for me was even better as my horse hates sprays around his face. I used it for his ears and even put it onto the browband of my bridle. It too left no residue and seems to work! I did wash my hands after use as advised on the gel, and it washed off very easily. I would definitely use this again.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED
HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED
HIGHLY
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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