Fly control for horses is one of the defining tasks of the summer, as the warm months bring swarms of flies that torment horses at grass and in the stable alike. Beyond the obvious irritation, flies carry real risks to a horse’s health, and a well planned approach makes the difference between a miserable summer and a comfortable one. Heavenly Pastures, a specialist provider of horse cremations across the north west, works with an equine community that knows how relentless the summer flies can be, and this guide sets out how to keep horses protected. Because no single measure defeats the flies on its own, the most effective control comes from combining several approaches into a steady daily routine.
Why Flies Are More Than a Nuisance
Flies are far more than an irritation to horses, though the constant stamping, tail swishing and head tossing of a fly plagued horse show plainly how much distress they cause. Different flies bring different dangers, from the biting flies that draw blood and spread disease to the nuisance flies that cluster around the eyes and any wound. Flies can transmit infection between horses, worsen skin conditions, and cause the painful eye problems that follow when they gather at a horse’s eyes. In the worst cases, flies laying eggs in a wound can lead to the serious condition of fly strike. A horse driven to distraction by flies may also injure itself in its efforts to escape them.
All of this means that fly control is a matter of genuine welfare and health, not merely comfort, and it deserves the same thought and consistency as any other part of summer care.
Physical Barriers Against Flies
Some of the most effective fly control puts a physical barrier between the horse and the flies. A well fitting fly rug protects much of the body, while a fly mask guards the sensitive eyes and face, and fly fringes and ear covers add further protection. These barriers are especially valuable for horses that suffer badly, and for those prone to sweet itch or eye problems. Choosing well made, correctly fitting protection that a horse can wear comfortably all day, and checking regularly that it has not slipped or rubbed, keeps a horse defended without causing new problems. Owners around Ainsdale horse cremations and Halsall horse cremations rely on good fly rugs and masks through the summer.
Using Repellents Wisely
Fly repellents are a useful part of the armoury, deterring flies from settling and biting when applied to a horse. A wide range of products exists, and finding one that suits a particular horse, and applying it regularly and thoroughly as the day and the sweating wear it off, gets the best from it. Care should be taken around the eyes and any broken skin, and any product should be introduced cautiously in case a horse reacts to it. Repellents work best alongside other measures rather than as a sole defence. Owners across Scarisbrick horse cremations and Mawdesley horse cremations use repellents as one part of their fly control.
Managing the Environment
Much of the battle against flies is won by denying them the conditions in which they breed and thrive. Flies breed in muck and rotting organic matter, so managing the muck heap well, keeping it away from stabling and grazing, and removing droppings from fields regularly all reduce fly numbers at their source. Dealing with standing water, where some flies breed, and keeping feed areas clean, help too. A yard kept clean and well managed has far fewer flies than a neglected one. Owners around Tarleton horse cremations keep their yards clean to keep the fly numbers down.
Timing Turnout and Stabling
Because different flies are active at different times, adjusting when a horse is turned out or stabled can spare it the worst. Some biting flies are most active in the heat of the day, so bringing susceptible horses in during those hours and turning them out in the cooler morning and evening reduces their exposure. Where flies are worst around dawn and dusk, the reverse may suit better. Knowing which flies trouble a particular horse, and timing its routine accordingly, is a simple and effective tactic. A stable with fly screens offers a welcome refuge from the worst of them.
Suiting the Approach to the Horse
Every horse is affected differently by flies, and a plan that works for one may not suit another. A horse with sweet itch, one prone to eye problems, or one that reacts badly to bites needs the fullest protection, while a more tolerant horse may need less. Watching how an individual horse copes, and adjusting the combination of barriers, repellents, environment and timing to its needs, gives the best result. The aim is a horse that can graze and rest in peace rather than spending the summer tormented. Attentive owners tailor their fly control to each horse in their care.
Comfort and Care Through Every Season
Keeping horses comfortable and protected through the fly season is one of the many ways attentive owners look after their horses, and that devotion runs through the whole of a horse’s life. Heavenly Pastures is open about how it works and the standards it upholds, and owners are welcome to read about our standards at any time. For guidance on any aspect of caring for horses across the north west, the team is glad to help, and owners are welcome to call 01704 776976.