SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100
Check Out Our Coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event!
Horse Health


smartpaksmartpak



Q: Is there a safe way to keep flies away from my horse’s eyes? He always manages to take off his fly mask, but it doesn’t seem safe to use fly spray near his eyes. Are there any other options?



 

A: I agree with you, spraying fly repellent near a horse’s eyes doesn’t seem safe. Fortunately you have a few options to keep your horse comfortable depending on whether he’s turned out or being worked.

We’re lucky nowadays to have a wide variety of fly repellent forms available for use around the horse’s face or other sensitive areas. These include roll-ons, insecticide-impregnated towelettes, lotions or gels, and other forms. And “regular” fly spray can be applied to a special mitt then wiped on the horse’s face more safely than spraying directly or even spraying onto your hand then applying.

When riding, I’m a big fan of the Crusader Fly Mask – Quiet Ride – Long with Ears to help keep my horse focused on me and not the bugs. However, I feel like your question is more directed to turnout time.

The answer you’re looking for may be as simple as experimenting with different sizes and styles of fly masks. Every horse’s head is different, and the brand that fits your friend’s quarter horse great may be too easy for your warmblood to remove (or for the quarter horse to remove for him!)

If you’re unable to find a brand of fly mask that fits well and stays on, don’t panic, there are other choices! Fly strips that cover the eyes and even bands for the nose, poll, and check that are filled with insecticide “inserts” might work well (bonus: these choices can be used for riding too!)

I would be remiss if I didn’t encourage you to target the fly population from the ground up, with environmental management measures such as prompt manure removal, elimination of standing water, application of predatory wasps, the use of fly traps and bait, and feed-through fly control.

Additionally, there are supplements made with garlic, vinegar, brewer’s yeast, diatomaceous earth, and other ingredients designed to make the horse unpalatable to insects. By going with a combination approach, you and your horse may have an enjoyable summer and fall yet!

Lydia Gray, DVM

Dr. Lydia Gray is the Medical Director and Staff Veterinarian for SmartPak Equine in Plymouth, MA, where she directs the research and development of products and provides horse health and nutrition education to a wide variety of audiences. Dr. Gray’s work has appeared in more than a dozen general and trade publications and she speaks frequently around the country. She is the proud owner of a Trakehner gelding named “Newman” that she competes in dressage and combined driving.

Recent Posts

An Overview of Working Equitation

Many equestrian sports trace their origins to horses’ practical uses. The need for fast horses as transportation led to racing.…

15 hours ago

Selling My Heart Horse

We’ve all seen—and laughed at—the equestrians memes that poke fun at our lack of money. Our horse goes to the…

2 days ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Twix

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

3 days ago

How to Start Training a Horse for Liberty

Working a horse at liberty is one of the most fun and rewarding ways to train them. When a horse…

4 days ago

Barn Banter – Episode 33

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 33, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…

1 week ago

Proper Hydration Maximizes Your Horse’s Nutrient Intake

Horses require a precise balance of nutrients to maintain health and performance, but the one that’s often easiest to access—water—is…

1 week ago