Fly-proofing?

[x Jilguera]

I was hoping for some general advice on fly-proofing Jilguera, my Andy mare, since she's recently been turned out with the other mares in a relatively large field with very long grass (she needed to put on some weight anyway )

I soon realised the need to buy her a fly mask, so have done so - it's one with ears, a gap for her forelock and extra netting over the top of her nose, and seems to keep the flies out. However, this doesn't stop her from getting bites! Randomly dotted over her face are small, yellowy scabs, which then leave very little (but annoying) bald patches - a little smaller than the wrong end of a pencil. What can I do about this?

Jiggy's body seems ok generally, except a few small lumps/scabs, etc, which seem to go down fine. I don't think a fly rug will be necessary unless these get worse... In which case, are there any rugs you'd recommend which work, and don't rub (particularly withers and mane)?

Finally, similar scabs to on her face, Jilguera gets clusters of what I think must be bites around her heels - the back of her pasterns. This is usually on the front feet (coincidence or for a reason, I just don't know). If anyone knows anything about this/how to stop it/has had the same thing, I'd love to know!

This really is the last thing - my fly spray is rubbish. Not only is it very bad at repelling flies, but it makes Jilguera's coat look very messy by making the parts I've sprayed stick up on end. I've tried spaying it onto wipes, then using it, but this hasn't made a difference!
Are there any really good fly sprays out there? Or should I check out home made recipes instead?

Thank you very much. Any help in this general area will make this Summer much easier! xx

 

[Dubsie]

We found Power Phaser - the gel, was most effective for around the sheath and between the legs/on the chest, but have stopped using it due to discovering Global herbs Fly Free actually works on our Arab x show pony. Smalls disgusting though. He used to go out in fly mask and fly rug, I've dispensed with both and rarely fly spray anything bar round the sheath and the girth area (when the flies are out in force) since using the Fly Free

However it doesn't work as well on our hairer New Forest, who has been plagued by small flies recently, so I've gone back to sponging him with a little Power Phaser

 

[x Jilguera]

Sounds like I should give it a try
Thank you!

J. x

 

[Izzwizz]

If you do use a fly rug, try a product called Skitostop, made by Nikwax. You spray it on the fly rug and its supposed to kill the bugs when they land on it. Supposed to be good stuff. I use the Amigo Bug Rug which is good, but if I was to get another one I would go for the Rambo Sweetitch Hoodie. Although my horse doesnt have sweetitch, it goes over the ears and wraps right up under their tummies well, covering a large area. Not cheap but last forever, friend has 2 and they have washed and washed and still look like new. Dont go for the cheapies as their just tear as soon as your horse rolls.