Best Fly Protection for Horses: Keep Your Horse Comfortable All Summer

When the warmer months arrive, so do horse flies, midges, mosquitoes and other biting insects. Not only are they irritating, but they can also cause itching, rubbing, stress and even skin damage in sensitive horses. A good fly protection routine can make a huge difference to your horse's comfort and wellbeing throughout spring and summer. Fly protection works best when you combine physical barriers with effective repellents and good stable management.

Why Fly Protection Matters

Flies can lead to:

• Constant tail swishing and stamping
• Head shaking and distraction while riding
• Skin irritation and rubbing
• Sweet itch flare-ups
• Loss of condition through stress
• Increased risk of minor skin infections from bites

The good news is that using the right products can significantly reduce these problems.

1. Use a Quality Fly Spray

A reliable fly spray should be your first line of defence. Apply before turnout, hacking or competitions, paying particular attention to the neck, shoulders, belly and legs while avoiding the eyes.

At SL Equine & Pets, you'll find trusted brands including:

• Absorbine UltraShield
• Citronella-based fly repellents
• Long-lasting insect protection sprays

For horses living out all day, reapply as directed by the manufacturer, especially after heavy sweating or rain.

2. Protect Sensitive Areas

The face and ears are magnets for flies. A well-fitting fly mask protects:

• Eyes
• Ears
• Nose (on extended masks)

Many horses become noticeably more relaxed once their face is protected, particularly during turnout.

3. Don't Forget the Legs

Horse flies often target the lower legs. Fly boots provide lightweight protection while allowing airflow, making them ideal for horses that spend long periods in the field. Layering leg protection with fly spray can improve overall comfort.

4. Keep Hooves Healthy

Wet summer conditions combined with insects can create ideal conditions for bacteria around the hoof.

One product we recommend is:

Absorbine Hooflex Frog & Sole Care

This easy-to-use treatment:

• Helps eliminate odours caused by bacteria and fungi
• Does not sting
• Won't dry out the hoof
• Is non-staining
• Supports healthy frog and sole condition

Regular hoof care is an important part of your horse's overall summer health.

5. Cool Down After Exercise

Hot weather often means horses sweat more, attracting even more flies.

Absorbine CoolDown Horse Wash is ideal after exercise because it:

• Cools and refreshes
• Contains 12 herbs and essential oils
• Conditions the skin and coat
• Helps replace natural oils lost through sweating
• Is gentle enough for sensitive horses

A clean horse is often less attractive to insects than one covered in dried sweat.

6. Stable Management Makes a Difference

Even the best fly spray won't overcome poor stable hygiene.

Simple steps include:

• Remove droppings regularly.
• Keep muck heaps away from stables.
• Empty standing water.
• Improve ventilation.
• Use fly traps around (not inside) stables.
• Keep feed bins sealed.

Reducing breeding areas helps lower the overall fly population around your horse.

Build a Complete Fly Protection Routine

The best results come from combining several methods:

✔ Daily fly spray
✔ Fly mask during turnout
✔ Fly rug for sensitive horses
✔ Fly boots if needed
✔ Cooling wash after exercise
✔ Regular hoof care
✔ Clean stable management

Using a layered approach provides the greatest protection against biting insects

throughout the summer.