Fly Season is Here! Haven't we all used every product on the market and still searching for that magic bullet? Here are my top choices in the barn or out trail riding.
1. I use Spalding Fly Predators. I moved to my current place three years ago, and never saw so many flys! Also, I had never had cows as close to my pasture as I do now. You are supposed to see improvement in subsequent years of using them, I agree. I am in my second year, and have had a marked improvement. I also have them ship every three weeks, check out their specials.
2. Next is Spot On, or any of those "spot" products. You snap open the plastic vial, dribble it from the poll to the tail, then the lower half of the legs. Most horses tolerate it fine, Beauty doesn't like it much, but is OK with it. It takes effect in about five minutes, and lasts for two weeks. I keep this applied at home.
3. Next is Repel-Xp. You need to dilute this, follow the directions or go weaker. I use a plastic drinking bottle, the kind you carry in your fanny pack. I mark it up with "danger" signs. Shake it up, put it on your fake sheepskin wiper. I use it lightly on everything except where I'm saddling up. I keep this for the trailer. You can douse a rag and put it in a ziplock bag for the saddle bags.
4. Next is tea tree oil. This is a natural repellent. It has a nice odor, I've only had one horse that didn't like it. It is non-toxic. I can apply this to my horse's ears, face and muzzle while in the saddle, and give myself some also. This has saved me more than once when I found myself in a swarm of peskies! This comes in a small bottle for about $10, a little goes a long way. It also has antiseptic properties. For the saddle bags.
5. For starting out on trail rides, I use Swat ointment. This also fits in the saddle bags. I use this on the face and ears.
I use fly masks in the pasture as needed. I pack a fly sheet when horse camping, sometimes there are some BIG flies in the mountains, especially back in camp.
Hope this helps!
Happy Trails and Good Riding
Terri
Terri Hughes lives, works, and plays in Ellensburg, Washington. She enjoys life with her daughter, two horses, Beauty for dressage, and Delilah for trail, dog Cramer, and barn cat Snickers. See her website at http://www.happytrailswithterri.com.
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