Best fly treatment for a pony that doesn't like sprays

Supertrooper

Supertrooper

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Either need something that can be applied infrequently or that doesn't need spraying. I've been using Nettex summer fly cream but it's going to work out expensive in the long run.

So was thinking Coopers or cattle fly tags??
 
I've never used coopers but have heard good things about it.
We had a pony who was terrible with fly spray so we used the phaser cream with a sponge- it worked really well and even kept horse flies off
 
Neem oil. It can be applied manually and is hugely effective - you just have to get used to the...umm, specific aroma.
 
Neem oil mixed with aqueous cream is good for the underbelly and udder/sheath area, inside tops of legs etc if the horse is sensitive

Deosect diluted and dabbed on with a sponge works well elsewhere and is long lasting
 
My youngster is ok with sprays (I say OK, she wiggles about a bit but nothing too dramatic) but I spray onto a sponge to wipe on her face - not sure how effective spray is though as she still seems to be covered in the bleedin things!
 
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So was thinking Coopers or cattle fly tags??
I have used both of these to good effect- Coopers is very good and lasts a few days, but have not been able to buy it recently (out of stock), I have been spraying a sponge to apply spray so far this year, which also works, as does the sponge application of a 'homemade' solution of tea and white vinegar (half and half), few drops of citronella, eucaliptus, lavender and neem oil (dash of fairy liquid so the oil mixes in), but the homemade one needs to be applied daily as it doesn't last so long.
 
I use the neem oil every couple of days in the worst fly season, or apply it right before going on a hack through an insect swarmed area. You can mix it wit coconut or virgin olive oil as well - lasts longer and smells better, too. One added benefit - it rapidly cures any swelling a horse might get from insect bites.
 
I use neem oil and apply every three-four days. Make sure you get the pure stuff, though. I tried the Hyperdrug one recently, thinking it would be easier, but something in it irritated her rotten and now she hates me doing her udders and inside the hind legs - she used to love her little titty massage!
 
It is still a spray, but the new Car, Day & Martin spray dispensers give out more of a mist than a spray and are very quiet (plus work when held upside down - great for doing their tummy and bits!). My spray sensitive horse threw a strop when I first started but then stopped caring. Think they have one that is 24hrs too..
 
Sleipnir said:
Neem oil. It can be applied manually and is hugely effective - you just have to get used to the...umm, specific aroma.
Click to expand...

Agree- started using this in the spring, its fantastic stuff! Smells... vile. Though a friend of mine is convinced it smells like 'peanut butter??!?!?!

Haven't had my boys sweet itch rug on yet this year.

Ax
 
^ Either. I have only used it neat so far but going to try making a more watery version to wipe all over them. Currently I apply a line along their mane, spine and around the top of the tail, undercarriage and inside back thighs, and anywhere specific they seem to be bitten. Lasts several days before needing to be reapplied though, even in the rain.
 
If you buy it pure its best to mix it- it comes cold pressed and solidifies in cooler weather- then its a pain to get out of the bottle!
I mix with pig oil for his mane and tail, and citronella, tea tree and vinegar for a spray.

Ax
 
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