Massive Fly Bites?

[Parkranger]

Does anyone elses horse suffer? I hope I don't have to put him in a fly blanket but Oscar is getting biten to pieces - adding garlic to feed and also covering in flyspray - wondering if it's because he's sweating so much due to being brown/black?

they seem to go down in a few days but they look horrific! He's now got one on his girth, so no riding for a few days ....

 

[scotsmare]

Our grey broodmare gets horrific bites and always needs a fly rug....

 

[Parkranger]

yeah think I'm going to have to invest in one - problem is I'd need one with a complete belly as he doesn't get bitten anywhere else!

wonder whether a fly rug would keep him a bit cooler too as surely the white would be reflective against the sun?

 

[chunklovescooks]

Hmm... a fly-type rug that goes over all the horse (exept legs ofc) is called a "Boett" rug, here is a provided link.

http://www.sweet-itch.co.uk/boett.html

2 of the horses on the yard have theese, and an old pony on the yard did also, seem to work wonder's for the liveries! hope this helps.

Stephen

 

[Parkranger]

ooo thanks hun - that looks just the trick!

 

[scotsmare]

the shires rugs also have a belly pad and are a bit cheaper.

 

[chunklovescooks]

Yeah- wasnt too sure about shires, havnt personally used them!

PS. ParkRanger: they can be tricky to put on for the first time, dont forget to put your "thinking cap" on! after that its ok!

Stephen

 

[fanamelody]

get her an anti-istimine injection u wnt look back

 

[poiuytrewq]

My horse has the same problem-they come up like tennis balls underneath him. I have a Rambo protector which is doing the job well, it covers most of his belly and is much cheaper than a boett- although i'm sure a boett is the best really when it comes to fly protection. I'm really pleased with the Rambo one.

 

[poiuytrewq]

how much are the injections- out of interest?

 

[fanamelody]

mine was £45

 

[S_N]

1. Stop feeding the garlic - all it does is boost the immune system and does little else for warding off flies and feeding too much can be a bad thing.

2. Feed Brewer's Yeast or Marmite instead - the Vit B in both is really effective at warding off flies.

3. you may need to get a fly rug.