Fly boots?

[madabouthehorse]

I’d always looked at fly boots and thought what’s the point, however I currently have a horse with ongoing lameness (under vet supervision). He is currently turned out in a small pen, hates the flies and despite flu rugs and copious amount of fly spray he has taken to stamping his feet every time one lands on his legs which especially considering the hard ground cannot be helping constantly stamping the lame legs.

First concern is do they heat the legs (very important they don’t with current injuries!) and do they stay in place?

Shires arma ones look fairly lightweight and reasonable priced?

Any experiences or thoughts on fly boots please and thankyou!

 

[AdorableAlice]

They work really well, but be mindful of the fit.

 

[Meredith]

As @AdorableAlice says be careful of the fit. A mare I owned was rubbed raw by bad finishing in some Shires boots.

 

[LEC]

I have the shires ones on a very thin skinned horse due to UV allergy. I don't leave them on that much but they have been fine when on for a couple of days. Maybe try gel? This stuff is pretty good. https://bitebackproducts.co.uk/products/biteback-superfly™-ultimate-insect-repellent-gel

 

[Squeak]

I find them really useful for when the horses are getting really irritated and constantly stamping on hard ground because of the flies. As others say, be careful to get the right fit. The shires arms and horseware ones are good. I do leave mine on all day with a check at mid day but I wouldn’t leave them on 24/7.

 

[madabouthehorse]

I have the shires ones on a very thin skinned horse due to UV allergy. I don't leave them on that much but they have been fine when on for a couple of days. Maybe try gel? This stuff is pretty good. https://bitebackproducts.co.uk/products/biteback-superfly™-ultimate-insect-repellent-gel

I’ve heard good things about biteback but not tried it so might have to order some! He’s currently plastered in powerphaser but it makes his skin peal which is obviously not ideal!

 

[madabouthehorse]

Thankyou all, really handy to know that fit is key, he is very sensitive and rubs easily (which then of course encourages flies!) so I’ll make sure to try for short periods first! I don’t know why the flies love him so much, they seem to draw blood from his legs (?!) yet my other horse can be stood next to him with barely a fly on him!

 

[poiuytrewq]

I really liked the older original Shires fly boots. they had no stiffened strip bit, supposed to keep them up but I found with most brands that it actually kinks and rubs worse.

 

[Hallo2012]

i got the horsewear ones on mon and so far no rubbing (sensitive TB who is hysterical about flies)

 

[HappyHollyDays]

I really liked the older original Shires fly boots. they had no stiffened strip bit, supposed to keep them up but I found with most brands that it actually kinks and rubs worse.

I remember you warning me about the plastic strips last year so I sewed a thick piece of fleece to the bottom of the boots at the back so the plastic didn’t rub and it worked.