Dealing With the Summer Flies - Hints and Tips and Rug Advice
After surviving one of the worse winter's on record Summer is finally here! The weather is warm the days are long and the flies are out! We all love to tack up our horses and head out for a nice relaxing hack enjoying the beautiful (if tempestuous) English summer..
...
unfortunately the flies and midges are also out enjoying it! Flying insects can be a nuisance and for a horse biting flies can be utter misery, and even dangerous.
Don't despair though they don't have to ruin your summer, there are lots of ways you can repel these pests and make your horse more comfortable throughout the summer months.
Even if your horse suffers from sweet itch a good specialist fly rug can ease the irritation enough so that your horse can enjoy these long summer days are much as you.
There are many different choices and styles with fly sheets so you need to think through which would best suit your horses specific needs.
The majority of fly sheets are full neck (the same design as an average full neck turnout rug, with cross surcingles and a tail flap).
These are fine for basic protection but if your horse is particularly sensitive or suffers from sweet itch you may need extra protection.
The Masta Mesh Fly Sheet which has a full belly panel that protects the horse's underside too, comes with a mesh mask for complete protection.
Fly masks and veils are equally important to protect the horses eyes and nose from those pesky flies.
Fly veils are great for protecting the horse whilst not obscuring their vision at all.
But if your horse is particularly bothered by the flies then full fly masks are the way, they cover the eye area so there is no way the fly can get near the eye to irritate! However much we're looking forward to sunny days we know the British weather is not exactly predictable so lightweight turnout rugs that offer breathable, comfortable material are also worth thinking about some rugs that I like the look of are the: The Caldene rugs are extremely strong in 1,680 denier nylon outer mater and are waterproof and breathable.
These rugs are perfect for the changeable summer weather, offering great protection for your horse from those summer showers and those warm days.
Masta's Aztex range are a great design.
These rugs have no filling, breathable and waterproof qualities and a higher neckline which helps avoid rubbing.
This is the perfect rug for the tail end of the summer when the weather begins to cool.
A combination of a good fly sheet and mask should keep your horse happy and as irritation free as possible, especially if you think carefully about what he needs and tailor your rug shopping to him.
Another good tip is to try and keep muck heaps to a minimum and make sure to situate well away from any areas where you horses spend much time.
A clean yard and horse will mean there are less flies in the immediate area so remember to regularly bath your horse and keep your stables clean.
...
unfortunately the flies and midges are also out enjoying it! Flying insects can be a nuisance and for a horse biting flies can be utter misery, and even dangerous.
Don't despair though they don't have to ruin your summer, there are lots of ways you can repel these pests and make your horse more comfortable throughout the summer months.
Even if your horse suffers from sweet itch a good specialist fly rug can ease the irritation enough so that your horse can enjoy these long summer days are much as you.
There are many different choices and styles with fly sheets so you need to think through which would best suit your horses specific needs.
The majority of fly sheets are full neck (the same design as an average full neck turnout rug, with cross surcingles and a tail flap).
These are fine for basic protection but if your horse is particularly sensitive or suffers from sweet itch you may need extra protection.
The Masta Mesh Fly Sheet which has a full belly panel that protects the horse's underside too, comes with a mesh mask for complete protection.
Fly masks and veils are equally important to protect the horses eyes and nose from those pesky flies.
Fly veils are great for protecting the horse whilst not obscuring their vision at all.
But if your horse is particularly bothered by the flies then full fly masks are the way, they cover the eye area so there is no way the fly can get near the eye to irritate! However much we're looking forward to sunny days we know the British weather is not exactly predictable so lightweight turnout rugs that offer breathable, comfortable material are also worth thinking about some rugs that I like the look of are the: The Caldene rugs are extremely strong in 1,680 denier nylon outer mater and are waterproof and breathable.
These rugs are perfect for the changeable summer weather, offering great protection for your horse from those summer showers and those warm days.
Masta's Aztex range are a great design.
These rugs have no filling, breathable and waterproof qualities and a higher neckline which helps avoid rubbing.
This is the perfect rug for the tail end of the summer when the weather begins to cool.
A combination of a good fly sheet and mask should keep your horse happy and as irritation free as possible, especially if you think carefully about what he needs and tailor your rug shopping to him.
Another good tip is to try and keep muck heaps to a minimum and make sure to situate well away from any areas where you horses spend much time.
A clean yard and horse will mean there are less flies in the immediate area so remember to regularly bath your horse and keep your stables clean.