Horsefly hell

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lucylocket

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Anyone know anything to stop horseflies annoying my horse, have tried all the usual fly repellants, nothing works. We suffer really badly at the moment. Is there a best time to ride to avoid them, Ive tried riding on a really windy day in the hope they couldnt fly in it, but to no avail, evenings also dont work. When does the horsefly season end !!!!
 
We seem to be plagued at the moment too. was riding out with the youngster and the oldie and they were covered! I'm allergic to them so am completely parinoid! he driving horses are so funny in harness as they stick out what ever body part the fly is on so you can swot it! Youcan really smack them quite hard to kill it and they always seem to apprechiate it!

Love to hear what people are doing. Our stables stink of garlic at the moment we're feeding so much but its not workin!
 
I use fly repellent gel and wrap them up in bug rugs & masks, I have even seen leg fly wraps on the market now.
My boy headshakes because of them and has a ride in mask and nose net. xx
 
The answer is to move down here to Dartmoor - we have not seen a horsefly yet this year. Can hack out anytime day or evening no problem. Sorry thats not at all helpful, the only flyspray I can think of that I have ever found remotely effective is the Phaser on. Hugely chemical but totally uninviting to flying pests!!
 
Theres been loads even tho we live on top of a windy hill in N scotland! normally we dont get any. It is driving the horses to distraction despite lotions potions and rugs.

I have changed their turnout and am putting them out at night and in during the day. I did long rides on Thurs and Fri but havent ridden this weekend as I cant bear the flies either!
 
Might have to try that fly spray mine doesnt seem to be making much difference. They are such a bloody pain!!!! Last thing you really want when your backing your youngster and walking him around is a big buzz fly buzzing around him...poor buddy he didnt know what to do about it!!!
 
No quick fixes then, just have to wait for the winter !!!! The British climate and conditions arent horse friendly at all !
 
Don't forget horsefly's are attracted to black and dark brown, so if your horses are these colours you could always paint them white!
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I bought some of the Phaser stuff and whilst it seems to work on other flying insect (midges etc) it doesn't seem to work at all on Horseflies. I end up slapping them off K even though I have covered him in it!
 
[ QUOTE ]
Don't forget horsefly's are attracted to black and dark brown, so if your horses are these colours you could always paint them white!
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[/ QUOTE ]

Alas I have finally found a good reason to keep a grey!!
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My (bay) TB gets covered in the blasted things but the daughter's (grey) Highland seems to escape them all!

We're using 'Barrier' flyspray atm, v.strong smeling but works for a while before it wears off.
 
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