the big test FlyAway – Defleqt Repellent Spray
The company says: Powerful natural herbal formula which outperforms chemical alternatives. Improves coat condition and shine. HSE approved for safety and effectiveness. Contains no substances on FEI banned list. RRP: 500ml spray £10.50. 1ltr £14.00
www.flyaway.ltd.uk
Our tester, Pete Bulman, says: Well, it took some time to get to test this fly spray, there being lot more wind than flies! -They are now back!, with a vengeance, and I can meet them head on with this fly deterrent. It has been very effective, giving the ‘neds’ a much more peaceful time - as have I, as it is quiet and easy to apply and covers well without copious pumping. It appears to be long lasting when on and thus should prove cost effective as well. Oh - and the ‘smell’ is not a people deterrent.
Equisafety – Reflective Ear Covers
The company says: Popping a set of these onto your horse’s ears before you go out on a hack will not only keep those pesky flies away but will also be the first thing an oncoming driver sees. Easy to fit onto bridles and head collars using the hook/loop attachments either side of the ears. Highly visible with a 1” strip of reflective tape. Yellow, Pink or Orange. One size - Cob / Horse. RRP: £5.49
www.equisafety.com
Our tester, Caroline Mosley, says: Wow these are bright! I received each colour and obviously my preference was the orange! They fitted all my horses easily and have plenty of room for big ears. They fit comfortably under the bridle and the hook/loop strips fitted over my comfort bridles. I found it easier to plait the forelock but you don’t necessarily need to. They were lightweight so didn’t make the head sweat any more than they normally do under their bridle. Honestly you could be seen a mile away! As the horse’s head moves when riding, the movement makes the fluorescent easier to spot for drivers. Really useful for road riding and visibility. And as well as all that, they kept the flies from being annoying!!
Hawkins Organic – Buck Off Spray
The company says: Perfectly PH balanced but highly effective without upsetting the natural balance of your horses skin and is suitable for those who are not able to tolerate DEET or strong chemically based repellents. Contains natural herbs including quassia bark and organic lemongrass extract. Apply as required. Suitable for regular use throughout the day if required when flies are in abundance. Use a cloth/sponge to apply to the face. 1 ltr £14.95; 2.5ltr £27.95; 5ltr £49.95
www.hawkinsorganic.com
Our tester, Josella Scott, says: This beautifully packaged product arrived just at the right time. Those irritating flies, midges and the dreaded ‘clegs’ had just started to appear and do their worst, making life miserable for anything with a heartbeat. As this is a totally organic product I had my doubts that it would indeed be really effective as years of trying citronella and tea tree concoctions had not always proved successful. However, this is fantastic stuff, it smells great and boy does it do the job. No winged insect came near (and I was watching closely as biting ‘clegs’ make my horse buck!). It was as if my animals had invisible armour plating. I didn’t just use it on horses, but cows, calves, dogs and myself - all with the same effect. So it is a big thumbs up from me for ‘Buck Off’. A ‘ must have’ in the fight against those summer flies.
Equine Page 30
Horseware – Fly Buster Rug
The company says: Made from unique patented fabric that is super soft, comfortable whilst offering UV protection, extremely durable and will last for many seasons. Includes super-size tail flap and extra deep sides for optimum belly protection. No-Fly Zone™ Insect Control Technology fabric is treated with the active ingredient Permethrin which is odourless and invisible and remains effective for 70 washings. Proven to repel mosquitoes, ants, ticks, chiggers, flies and midges. Oatmeal/Black or White. Sizes: 5’.0” – 7’.3”.RRP: £149.95
www.horseware.com
Our tester, Chris Grant, says: I was impressed with the quality of this rug as soon as I opened the bag. The mesh had such a strong feel to it yet still felt soft and comfortable to touch and, with the hot summer weather, I was keen to put it straight to the test. I used it on a pony with mild sweet itch and so far it has proved quite effective. The Vamoose infusion certainly appeared to keep the midges at bay and the pony much less agitated whilst turned out. I loved that when the mesh got caught and a hole appeared that rigorously rubbing the rug allowed it to self-repair! For me the fit was a bit snug around the neck and shoulders for a broad chested highland, but the mane and shoulder liner saw that no rub marks appeared. I liked that it featured a removable neck, allowing a more versatile use for the rug. It definitely serves its purpose and I think you’d be pushed to find as good a rug on the market elsewhere.
Cavalor – Flyless
The company says: A highly effective insect repellent spray which protects horse and rider. It contains the active ingredient icaridin, a proven deterrent against horseflies, flies, mosquitoes, ticks and other insects. It is effective for up to 10 hours for humans and up to 24 hours for horses. The non-sticky, non-greasy formula is gentle on the skin and won’t stain clothing. The spray forms a scented blanket that disrupts the attraction between insects and humans or animals while the pleasant fragrance will make sure you can enjoy your summer ride to the fullest! 500ml. RRP: £28.00
www.zebraproducts.co.uk/Stockists.html
Our tester, Pam Harrison, says: Strong smelling but not unpleasant, I’ve tested this on horses turned out and on one horse during ridden work in the arena, including one hot afternoon when he was definitely a bit sweaty at the end of the session. The fairly fine spray gives a good and even coverage, without delivering an excess amount and it’s pretty quiet too, so even Mr ‘I’d rather you didn’t spray me’ wasn’t bothered beyond an initially somewhat distrusting look! In the field, it did the job well, but ours are out for longer than 10 hours and there was the odd fly doing its best to be irritating by the time we brought them in, but they weren’t being plagued by any means. In the arena, it was effective enough for the horse not to be ‘hassled’ by flies, and it just seemed a bit of a shame to have to wash him off, as it meant having to apply more of this product afterwards! Not great for economy, but wonderful to find a repellent that does keep insects off a working horse on a hot day.
www.theequinesite.co.uk
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED
HIGHLY
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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