Fly problems

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ebonyrider

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I have a young thoroughbred who is extremely sensitive to flys. In the field he is in fly rug and sprayed very liberally with fly spray and he seems to have really settled in the field now. My problem is out riding he just starts bucking kicking out with his back legs almost like he is a kid having a tantrum trying to kick the flys away - no matter how much fly spray you cover you and the horse in you cant seem to get rid of them altogether. I also had the same problem the other week caught out in a really heavy rain shower he was kicking out at the rain. I think he just has very sensitive skin but I need advice on how I can overcome this with him and get him to listen to me its like he totally forgets Im there. There is no nastiness in him he doesnt try to dump me or run off or anything it is literally like he is chucking his dummy out. He is 5 years old raced as a 2 year old and I bought him when he was 3 it is only the last 6 months that we have really progressed with our riding though as he had first year out to mature and then he had sarcoids and a then foot problem but now back in full health. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated
 
Giving him a tap...so he associates something unpleasant and more pressure with what's bothering him anyway.

I think I'd be working on desensitization on the ground, with a lightspray from a hose or waterpistol, horse on a long line with a rope halter, keep it on till he stands still then instantly stop when he does. Repeat till he doesn't move any more. You could also do it with something really light, like the end of a schooling whip to tickle his quarters, and do the same release when he stands still. I think it's always better to work through these things rather than ignore them and resort to force.
 
Landcruiser said:
Giving him a tap...so he associates something unpleasant and more pressure with what's bothering him anyway.
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No; giving him a tap so that he stops arsing around and listens to his rider. Honestly, the things that people let horses get away with is astounding, especially since one thing often escalates to another and pretty soon you have a "problem" horse.
 
Hmm, doesn't like flies, doesn't like rain? Is he taking the p*** by any chance? I agree a tap might get him listening.
 
Flies probably biting his willy wipe neem oil or citronella cream on his sheath and around his belly buttun, poor boy
 
STRIKER said:
Flies probably biting his willy wipe neem oil or citronella cream on his sheath and around his belly buttun, poor boy
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Totally agree. The TB I had to have PTS a few months ago, had a real issue with flies, usually following the start of getting bitten by other nasties.....he got worse as he got older, giving him a tap would definately NOT have worked?! TB's can be highly sensitive skin wise and the best you can do is buy a ride on fly rug and dowse him in potions!!! Mine never changed and in fact I gave up competing in the really bad months when the horseflies are out as it got dangerous. Really can't believe people are suggesting reprimanding a tb that is sensitive and thin skinned for trying to rid itself of the nasty critters!

Mine used to kick out, buck etc only during fly season, was a gem the rest of the year.
 
Thanks glad to know other people do understand. I am not letting him take the pxxx weve achieved lots over the last 6 months. Gladly hack out alone and in company not phased by cars cyclists etc. He does have really sensitive skin I will try one of the ride on fly rugs as suggested and keep dowsing him with repellant - thanks for advice x
 
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