How to protect horses from flies?
Riders are often looking forward to the mild season to finally mount their horse and enjoy the good weather. But the returning heat heralds the return of the flies! Commonly called « horse fly » or « horse fly », the most harmful insect to horses is this large fly of the Tabanidae family which bites to feed on the blood of its victim.
To fully enjoy horse riding, there are several solutions to protect both your horse, as well as yourself, from the nasty bites of the horse fly. Here are our best horse fly products and tips.
Horse fly blanket
Horse fly rugs are a great way to protect your horse from the onslaught of insects. In summer, be sure to choose one that is light and comfortable, in a fabric that breathes. Also consider covers that provide UV protection.
This type of blanket can be a good idea if your horse also suffers from eczema for example. 10 Tips offers you this model of fly rug available in several lengths (from the back) ranging from 115 cm to 165 cm.
Horse fly masks
To protect horses from flies in the head, face and ears, opt for a fly mask. In order to offer unparalleled comfort to your horse, choose a model with a hoop above the brow bone, which will free up his field of vision.
Horse fly collar
Less bulky than the blanket and mask, the collar keeps flies away from your horse. Opt for a slow diffusion collar, which you will install on your horse’s neck from April and leave it in place until the end of the season.
This type of collar must be worn at all times to ensure good distribution of the product on the horse’s coat.
Homemade fly repellent recipe for horses
Commercial repellents are often very expensive, especially when you have more than one horse. Here is a homemade recipe for horse fly repellent, effective and using no toxic product:
- 20 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 20 drops of lavender essential oil
- 20 drops of white thyme essential oil
- 200 milliliters of water
Mix everything together and pour into a spray bottle. This trick is effective against horse flies but also against horseflies or deer flies if you prefer.
Horse fly spray
Here is a natural horse fly repellent recipe:
- 2 liters of water
- 10 lemon green tea bags
- 1 clove garlic peeled
- 1 peeled onion
- 10 whole cloves
- 1 lemon, sliced with skin
Put everything in a pot and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and leave to infuse for 1 hour. Then strain and put the repellent in a spray bottle.
Homemade fly repellent for horses
This recipe combines essential oils that are naturally repellent to insects, including flies:
- 4 liters of water
- 20 ml of anise essential oil
- 30ml eucalyptus essential oil
- 20 ml mint essential oil
- 30 ml clove essential oil
- 30 ml cedar essential oil
- 10 ml lemongrass essential oil
- 1 vial of vitamin E (to ensure better preservation of the product)
Mix well and pour into a spray bottle. Do not keep more than 3 months.
Grandmother’s remedy for flies
This horse fly trick is very simple to make:
- 1 pint of red wine vinegar
- 1 liter of water
- 3 drops of lavender essential oil
Mix the two ingredients, and apply the solution to your horse’s coat.
Whether it is to protect your horses or yourself from flies, come and also read these other natural remedies: Fly repellent.