I know everyone has horseflies but...

[Pinkvboots]

I get the same bad reaction when they bite me too, area gets very swollen and hot I had one behind my knee a few years back and it even made it difficult to walk, the chemist told me to put antihistimine cream on them and at night I used to get a cold flannel and keep putting it over the area it helps the swelling and feels lovely, just keep an eye on them as they can turn nasty very quickly, I totally sympathise with her its painfull enough for me as an adult must be horrible for a child.

 

[AngieandBen]

I'm allergic to them to, always wear white/cream clothing if possible. Best thing is to keep the pony in from 7am until 7/8pm and muck out in the evening, much better

 

[Beausmate]

I would appear (after a bit of googling!) that it is vitamin B1 which is supposed to help repel flies. It does say that it can take a couple of weeks to start working though.

 

[weebarney]

I've been bitten several times this last month but only 2 have reacted badly, had big hot hard swellings about 6 inch diameter on my thigh and ankle, the one on my thigh was through light coloured track suit bottoms ! I just kept putting sudo creme on and after a couple if days the gradually started to go down, I also put some calamine lotion on too.