the big test
Leovet – TamTam Vet Spray & Roll-On
The company says: Made exclusively with natural active substances from geranium oil and eucalyptus citriodora oil. Homogenisation increases the duration of the insect repellent effect, making it last up to four times longer. No alcohol or preservatives. Also available as a roll-on!
RRP: 500ml spray £15.99 : 100ml roll-on £9.99
www.agrihealth.ie
Our tester, Caroline Mosley, says: The spray works well and is easy to use, plus the smell isn’t so strong so it’s not repulsive. Although we don’t get many flies, when it’s warm we do get midges and the horses hate them. I also sprayed it onto a cloth to wipe the face. Once on the hair it doesn’t go greasy and it doesn’t leave a residue, which is fab. It is also long lasting and will survive the rain (you can still smell it afterwards).
The roll-on though is fantastic! One of my mares is fussy about sprays but this was perfect for her. I also used it on my head collars, bridles and my riding hat! It was so easy to use, think deodorant! You just roll it on and away you go. Perfect! It’s a fab compliment to the spray and also on its own to quickly pop on a bridle etc. at a show. With both products, once on the hair doesn’t go greasy and it doesn’t leave a residue which is fab. It too is long lasting and will survive the rain.
Weatherbeeta – Fly Mask
The company says: Improved fit durable mesh mask featuring soft lycra inserts at the poll and ears for comfort. Adjustable touch tape closure with soft fleece binding for additional comfort. Black or White. Sizes: Pony – WB. RRP: £19.99
www.weatherbeeta.co.uk
Equimins’ – Extra Strength Fly Repellent
The company says: Combining three active ingredients, which have demonstrated excellent repellent properties. In addition to being highly effective, it’s also economical to use as a little goes a long way.
100ml, 500ml and 750ml bottles. RRP: from £4.55
www.equimins.com
Our tester, Ben Hobday, says: This has been used a great deal over the test period and we are all in agreement that it definitely works! Over the years we have used many fly sprays and a lot of them just don’t work, but we have been delighted with the effectiveness of this one. It has been used both at home and when we’ve been away at events, and it certainly keeps the flies at bay. We are so impressed with it that we will be purchasing more to use from now on.
Our tester, Barbara Clarkson, says: This is fantastic! It is well made with strong mesh which retained its shape brilliantly despite inclement weather at times and a horse which loves to roll. The mask is very well proportioned and fitted my mare’s head very snugly but comfortably and it stayed in place very well. The fabric making up the ears is soft and generously proportioned so as not to restrict the ears at all. Because this mask fits so well it is incredibly secure and flies cannot get anywhere near the horses face so, on a hot humid day, it gives incredible relief from flies and midges allowing them to graze unimpeded. The way the mask is shaped means that there is a gap between the face and the mesh so there’s no rubbing and it allows for some airflow next to the skin which must be comfortable on a very hot day. Surprisingly my horse has never tried to remove this mask so she must think it’s the bees’ knees! On that basis alone I give it the thumbs up - all we need now is another four to keep the boys happy too!
L ***
ONG TERM TEST ***
H-Trap – Horsefly Trap
The company says: Effective, chemical free way to help reduce horsefly numbers. The black ball absorbs the sun’s heat then emits it, mimicking a warm animal. As heat indicates blood, the food of the female horsefly, she is drawn to the ball, but cannot bite it, so flies upwards and away, only to be guided into a water-filled collection chamber via the funnel over the ball. This sturdy trap can be used year on year to help reduce horsefly numbers, with independent studies showing a reduction of over 90% in numbers in areas continually protected by the H-Trap. One H-Trap should be used for every five horses, placed next to where horses congregate. Priced at £180, incl. VAT and delivery to UK mainland addresses.
www.horseflytrap.co.uk
Nettex – Fly Repellent Shampoo
The company says: This D.E.E.T based formula has a low level of foam, making it easy to wash out. It’s a dual purpose shampoo as it not only helps to repel insects and flies, but also contains a conditioning product that removes dirt and sweat, leaving the horse’s coat, mane and tail feeling and looking great. With a zesty lemon fragrance to deter flies, this shampoo will give your horse’s coat a fresh scented smell. RRP: 205ml £4.05; 500ml £6.10
www.nettexequine.com
Our tester, Pippa Hahn, says: Testing this has been somewhat challenging because of the almost constant wind up on the Pennines! First and foremost for me this works as a shampoo. All horses washed with this product were clean and shiny. What I will say is that when used I have not had noticeable problems with flies. Certainly worth trying.
www.theequinesite.co.uk
Our tester, Pam Harrison, says: Sited between the turnout paddocks, the arena and the stables, the H-Trap is now into its fourth summer and none the worse for wear! It catches an unbelievable number of insects - both horseflies and those nuisance stable flies that buzz relentlessly around the horses (and us!) I put it up myself, which is easy despite its very robust construction and it definitely does remove the horsefly nuisance very effectively. Even riding on a warm summer day there are virtually no biting flies or clegs (aka horseflies) to drive us all nuts. It didn’t eliminate all the clegs from the grazing pastures, but they are drastically reduced and considering we live in a livestock farming area where lots of grass is cut for silage, that’s a real result. Very simple to clean out the container that collects the dead flies and refill with water and a drop of washing up liquid. Take it down in the autumn, store over winter and away you go the next spring! Have you ordered one yet?
Equine Page 33
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED
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