the big test
Horse & Pony Direct – Sweet Itch/Midge Stopper
The company says: Easy to use and is applied directly to the horse or pony’s skin to protect against biting midges. Ideal for use in spring/ summer when there is increased potential for irritation, it provides long-lasting cover and a physical barrier against biting midges to sweet itch prone horses and ponies. 1000ml. RRP: £8.99.
www.horseandponydirect.com
Our tester, Denise Richardson, says: This is really easy to use, either spray direct on the horses skin or, like I did, on to a clean cloth then rub the horse all over. I used it on one of my young horses recently, because with the warm weather the flies and midges are everywhere. It is very effective particularly on midges; they stayed off him for quite a while, because it seems to be long lasting. It’s very competitively priced too. I used it first thing in the morning when I was feeding up and late afternoon for evening feeds. It was excellent at keeping the little biting beggers off me too !!! Quite a pleasant smell to me, but not to the midges. Lasts a long time and a good sized bottle. A must have product for the stable, field or out competing. I will be buying another soon!
Masta – Rip Stop Fly Rug
The company says: Superb fly rug made from 100 denier mesh. Additional features include: twin surcingle front fastening, cross surcingles, shoulder gusset, anti-rub at chest and neck, generous gusseted tail flap with loop for secure fit, stretch panel insert gives ergonomic neck design that allows the horse to graze whilst neck stays in place, secure hook and loop fastening on the neck, leg straps. Reflective Badge. Machine Washable. Coral. Sizes: 5’9” – 7’6”. RRP: £70.00
www.masta.co.uk
Our tester, Rachel Thomas, says: I LOVE IT!! Best fly rug I’ve ever had without a doubt. When I first opened it I was a little bemused, never really seen material like it; we are so used to the ‘net’ style ones. I still don’t know what the material is now! I like it so much because it reflects heat, keeping the horse cool and comfortable, it stays put and unlike other fly rugs it stays up to the ears without having to ‘mummify’ the horses - and when they roll it doesn’t budge. It’s easy to put on and take off, and one of the big benefits is that it doesn’t give you a static shock when you remove it, which is great!! Have I said I love it….? If I could give it an even bigger recommendation I would!
Moorland Rider – Fly Whisk
The company says: Help reduce the irritation caused by flies during ridden exercise. The whisk has a rubber grip handle making it easy to hold and a soft synthetic hair swish that can be used to keep flies away from the horse’s neck, rump and head. As an extra bonus, it can also be used as a riding crop. Available in six colours. RRP: £14.95
www.moorlandrider.co.uk
Our tester, Josella Scott, says: What can I say about this? You will either love it or hate it. Be warned, you have to remind yourself there is what looks like a ‘blackbird’ stuck on the end of this whip. The first horse I used it on decided it was far too scarey and we were so forward going that no flies were able to keep up with us! The second, thankfully, took no offence to neither sight nor the sound. It then was very effective at whisking flies away and I must admit I can see why this type of whip is used a lot in hotter climes.
Paddock Sports – Fly Veil
The company says: Beautifully crocheted, these super soft fly veils with stretchy ears are designed to be comfortable for your horse whilst helping protect their ears from flies. Available in a range of colours, they are also available in our bespoke collection with a choice of bindings including patent and Swarovski crystals. RRP: from £23.95
www.paddocksportsuk.com
Our tester, Emma Woolley, says: This fly veil is of extremely high quality. The first thing that you notice is the beautiful material, it feels lovely and soft so it fits the horses very nicely and sits neatly under the bridle. The royal blue colour that I received stands out and looks incredibly smart. I especially liked it as it is even in our business colours! It does a fantastic job of keeping pesky summer bugs away from the ears whilst being so light and comfortable for the horse that I’m sure mine didn’t even realise that they were wearing it! A super quality product, that in my opinion, is a must have for all riders across all disciplines this summer!
www.theequinesite.co.uk
Equimins – Itchless Natural Herbal Body Wash
The company says: Contains a strong herbal extract of marigold, dandelion, nettle, garlic and seaweed and should be diluted before application. Just 40ml is added per 500ml of water before being sponged onto the coat to help combat itching and support the maintenance of healthy skin and coat. After the wash has been applied, do not rinse.
1 litre. RRP: £24.47
www.equimins.com
Our tester, Maria Phillips, says: I was lucky to receive this herbal body wash designed to relieve the symptoms of midge bites. At this time of year and through the summer, I do have a problem with midges around the stables, so I was pleased to test this product, as both of my horses have slight reactions. After being bathed and manes and tails thoroughly cleaned and rinsed, I liberally reapplied a further rinse with this product. I diluted the solution at a rate of one part solution to eight parts tepid water. The contents of the bottle went a long way and the dispenser was an easy way of accurately measuring the amount required. No adverse reactions
were recorded as it is based on a totally herbal recipe. Between baths I diluted the product in a spray pump and applied it to their manes and tails frequently. It certainly helped to alleviate the rubbing I have had in the past. Will I continue to use it? Yes I think I will!
Equine Page 27
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED
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RECOMMENDED
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VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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