The best fly boots are an excellent way to provide your horse with an extra defence against irritating insects, especially if you’ve noticed your horse stomping in an effort to deter them. They are also great additional protection for horses who are prone to sunburn as many offer high levels of UV protection.

If you combine fly boots with one of the best fly rugs and best fly masks, plus a great fly spray that works, your horse will have the ultimate protection this summer.

We’ve rounded up a selection of fly boots with different styles, material and features to help you find the best fit for your horse.

Best fly boots for horses

How to choose the best fly boots for your horse

When selecting a pair of the best fly boots, consider the following:

Materials: Opt for breathable and durable options, such as mesh or lightweight synthetics. These materials will act as a barrier against flies while still allowing air circulation to keep your horse comfortable.

Fit: Ensure the boots fit comfortably around your horse’s lower leg, allowing for unrestricted movement. Look for features like soft linings to prevent chafing and an anatomical design for an improved fit. Adjustable closures are important for a secure fit without being too tight.

What are fly boots?

Horse fly boots are designed to protect horses from the persistence of flies and other biting insects. These boots generally cover the lower legs, including the pasterns and fetlock, resulting in less irritation in these sensitive areas.

Benefits of fly boots

Fly boots for horses offer essential protection against flies and other biting insects, increasing your horse’s comfort by reducing irritation from flies. Some designs also offer enhanced UV protection, which is particularly great if your horse has sensitive or pink skin.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

13 seriously stylish summer sheets

If you're in the market for a new summer sheet, don't miss this selection which are perfect for competitions, cooler

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The best fly masks for horses are an essential tool in the fight against irritating flying insects, especially if your horse is sensitive around his head. When combined with the best fly rugs, best fly sprays or fly deterrent gels, fly masks can really reduce the chance of your horse being irritated or bitten.

Finding the right fly mask for your horse can be challenging due to the variety of styles and features available. To simplify your search, we’ve put together a selection of fly masks for horses to help you find the perfect option.

Best fly masks for horses: H&H’s quick guide

Best overall fly mask: WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Deluxe Fine Mesh

Most durable fly mask: Woof Wear UV

Best Lycra-style fly mask: Premier Equine Comfort Tech Lycra

Best fly mask for big ears: Equilibrium Field Relief Max

Best fly mask for UV protection: Absorbine UltraShield

Best no-ear fly mask: Shires Flyguard Pro Fine Mesh Earless with Nose Fringe

Best fly masks for horses

How to choose the best fly masks for horses

Fly masks come in a range of designs with various different coverage combinations to suit different horses and cater for different needs. Some fly masks will have ear and nose covers as standard, while others will have either nose or ears, and some have neither and just cover the eye area. Some masks have detachable noses, and others sell nose attachments separately.

Whatever design works best for your horse, it’s important the mask fits well – to keep the insects out and ensure a comfortable fit – and is secure, especially if your horse is known to be an escape artist. Materials and designs that prevent rubbing and keep the mesh away from the eyes are best as your horse’s head is sensitive.

Do I need a fly mask with UV protection?

A fly mask can protect your horse’s sensitive eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and pesky insects. For the best defence against UV rays, choose a fly mask that also covers the ears and muzzle, and be sure to check the UV rating of the fabric. For complete protection, use a sun cream for horses, fly rug and fly boots with the fly mask to help protect your horse from UV rays and sunburn.

How do I keep flies off my horse’s face?

When turning your horse out, a fly mask is a great way to keep flies off their face. Some styles can even be used when riding, too. Remember to take the mask off at least once a day to check your horse’s face and eyes for any issues.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The best waterproof fly rugs are the perfect hybrid between the best no-fill rain sheets and the best fly rugs. As well as providing protection from summer showers, these lightweight and breathable rugs protect your horse from flies and the sun, making them ideal if you can’t get to the yard to keep taking your horse’s fly rug off when the rain sets in.

Best waterproof fly rugs: H&H’s quick guide

Best overall waterproof fly rug: Swish Equestrian Waterproof Fly Combination

Best for coverage: Premier Equine Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite Fly

Best design for deterring flies: Equilibrium Waterproof Fly Rug

Best for a rug-wrecker: WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Duo Shield Detach-A-Neck

Best for tiny ponies: Ruggles Combo Fly Rug With Waterproof Panel

Best fit for broad horses: Masta Turnoutmasta Hybrid Fly Rug

Best waterproof fly rugs

Equilibrium ran their own in-house test and found that flies were 51% less likely to land on this monochrome hexagonal print compared to the other prints and colours tested.

How to choose the best waterproof fly rug

A waterproof fly rug is ideal for horses turned out in changeable weather as they offer protection from flies, sun and showers. The waterproof upper section protects against rain while the mesh sides provide protection from biting insects and help to keep your horse cool.

Some waterproof fly rugs also offer UV protection. We’ve listed this wherever we’ve been able to get this information from manufacturers.

Waterproof fly rugs usually have larger tail flaps, should have quality and adjustable fastenings, and some also have linings to prevent rubbing and a belly flap for additional coverage.

Opt for maximum coverage – look for extra-large tail flaps, belly coverage and neck coverage to keep the flies from irritating your horse.

Consider the fastenings – if your horse is a fidget, look for fastenings that are easy and quick to do such as T-bar fastenings, but if your horse is particularly wide or narrow at the chest you may want to consider buckles for more adjustability.

Are fly rugs waterproof?

Not all fly rugs are waterproof, but some are! This selection of the best waterproof fly rugs are designed to be a hybrid of a rain sheet – with a waterproof topline – and a classic fly rug with a mesh bottom section.

How do I measure my horse for a rug?

In the UK rugs are measured in feet and inches. To measure your horse for good rug fit, use a soft tape measure to measure your horse from the centre of their chest to the furthest point of their hindquarters – follow these instructions on how to fit a horse rug.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The best ride-on fly rugs are just what you need if your horse is sensitive to flies or prone to sweet itch. Combining a ride-on fly rug with one of the best fly sprays can help you and your horse enjoy hacking again.

These fly rugs are designed for use while riding, offering protection without overheating your horse. For maximum defence, we suggest pairing it with one of the best fly fringes or best fly masks.

Best ride-on fly rugs: H&H’s quick guide

Best premium pick ride-on fly rug: Bucas Buzz-Off Riding Fly Sheet

Best ride-on fly rug for UV protection: Masta Ride-On Fly Rug

Best ride-on fly rug for coverage: Busse Fringe Exercise Combo Ride-On Fly Rug

Best ride-on fly rug for largest horses: LeMieux Ride-On Fly Rug

Best ride-on fly rugs

How to choose the best ride on fly rug

The best ride-on fly rugs will offer your horse additional protection, without getting in his way or making him hot. Riding is hard work as it is and the warmer weather doesn’t help matters.

As with the best fly rugs for turnout, there are a few different designs – some have detachable necks, while others have some level of belly protection. It’s important to weigh up what’s most important to you when it comes to protecting your horse from flies. Some are hi-vis, too, which makes them great for hacking in.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

Best fly fringes for cheap, simple and effective protection

8 rugs designed to protect sweet-itch prone horses and ponies from midges

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The best fly fringes for horses are a simple yet effective way of preventing bothersome flies from landing on your horse’s face. They act as a longer and more effective forelock that moves with your horse to deter flies from landing and moving them off if they do.

They’re also a great option if your horse doesn’t tolerate the best fly masks well or you’re looking for a solution for when you’re riding. I’ve rounded up some of the latest fly fringes for horses below.

Best fly fringes for horses

Types of fly fringes

Fly fringes are available in two main styles – ones that need to be attached to a headcollar or bridle, and ones that can be worn alone. If you’re looking for a fly fringe to wear while riding, opting for one that attaches to the bridle will mean there’s less unnecessary bulk around your horse’s head.

However, many of the headcollar-free varieties are fastened with Velcro, which makes them a safer option for the field if you don’t already have one of the best field-safe headcollars. Some fly fringes also have ears – similar to an ear bonnet – and so provide your horse with additional protection.

How to keep flies off horses

The most effective fly protection for your horse uses a range of methods. The best defence is preventing flies from landing, which can be achieved using the best fly spray, as well as best fly gels and physical barriers like best fly rugs and best fly boots.

Benefits of fly fringes

Fly fringes for horses offer added protection and increasing your horse’s comfort by reducing irritation from flies on their face against flies and other biting insects. They’re a great alternative to a fly mask if your horse gets too hot and gets his fly mask off.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

7 of the best field-safe headcollars designed to prevent injury

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Arming your horse with one of the best fly rugs for horses is a great first step to protecting him against irritating flies and insects during the summer months. Fly rugs are a simple way to keep horses covered with a protection that won’t wear off.

For the ultimate protection against flies, combine the fly rug with one of the best fly masks, fly fringes, best fly sprays or fly gels.

If you’re worried about your horse getting caught in summer showers, you may want to consider the best waterproof fly rugs. Or if your horse is prone to suffering from sweet itch, check out the best “sweet itch rugs” that offer more coverage and are specifically designed to prevent midges getting to your horse.

Best fly rugs: H&H’s quick guide

Best fly rug for deterring flies: Equilibrium Field Relief

Best for rug rippers: Weatherbeeta ComFiTec Hexi Shield Combo Neck

Best fly rug for UV protection: LeMieux Arika Armour-Tek

Best budget fly rug: Shires Tempest Original Combo

Best fly with no/detachable neck: Swish Equestrian Nylon Fly Cool

Best fly rug for extreme sizes: Ruggles Combo

Best fly rugs for horses this summer

It also features traditional shoulder gussets, a memory foam wither pads for freedom of movement and added comfort, large belly wrap and three piece tail flap for additional coverage. It fastens with quick clip closure at the chest and has elasticated, adjustable and removable leg straps.

The front fastening distributes pressure, preventing rubbing on the shoulder and chest, while the antibacterial, anti-static lining enhances coat shine. The extra-long tail flap has an elasticated PVC-coated fillet strap, and for optional additional coverage, you can use the lined detachable neck.

How to choose the best fly rug

When choosing between the best fly rugs for horses, in many ways you should be looking for similar qualities of any good turnout rug – including a good fit, quality material and secure fastenings. The more of your horse’s body that is covered by the rug, the more protection he will have, but to avoid overheating the fabric should be very lightweight, breathable and have some reflective and/or cooling properties.

Other useful features of the best fly rugs for horses include detachable leg straps, large tail flaps and anti-rub linings or seamless necks. You’ll notice that the fastenings under the belly of a fly rug are less likely to be designed to cross – like a traditional turnout rug – as passing straight across provides greater coverage and protection. If you’re shopping on a budget, we’ve also rounded up a selection of the best cheap fly rugs.

Do zebra fly rugs work?

Over the last 10 years there has been a bit of research into this question. The findings suggest that the stripes confuse the flies, which prevents them from landing. Recently rug companies have been researching the effect of other colour combinations for the best fly rugs for horses, too, which is where the inspiration for Equilibrium’s hexagonal pattern came from.

Can I leave a fly rug on overnight?

Providing your horse’s fly rug is well fitting, leaving it on overnight shouldn’t be a problem.

Can I ride in a fly rug?

Not a traditional fly rug, no. However, the best ride-on fly rugs are designed to be used when riding and can make summer hacking much more pleasurable.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

8 rugs designed to protect sweet-itch prone horses and ponies from midges

6 ride-on fly rugs that will make hacking more pleasant for your horse

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The best fly sprays for horses are an absolute lifesaver – they are highly effective and long-lasting, which negates the need for constant reapplication. As a horse owner, I know how exciting the warmer weather can be, especially after a long wet winter – but this also means flies. You might have already noticed a few flies and midges flitting around, making a nuisance of themselves.

Flies aren’t just a general nuisance either, as for some horses their bites can lead to reactions, persistent itching and discomfort. With a wide range of flying insects across the country, from midges to horse flies, protecting your horse from flies can present a challenge – so we’ve been searching for the best fly sprays to keep the pests away.

Best fly sprays: H&H’s quick guide

Best overall fly spray: Leovet Power Phaser

Longest lasting and best for midges: Farnam Tri Tec 14

Best natural fly spray: Barrier Super Plus

Best for quiet spray: Equine America Forget Flies

Best fly sprays for horses and their premises

Read the full Absorbine Ultrashield review – we awarded it H&H Approved status.

Read our full NAF Off DEET Power Performance spray review – we awarded it H&H Approved status.

It repels flies, stable flies, and all biting insects. Jamie and Georgi Broom tested the standard formula fly spray, and they found it effective against midges – read the full Nettex fly spray review

This spray would be ideal for use when your horse is on box rest or handy to have in the lorry when you go out to events or training where they have to stand around for long periods of time making them a target for flying and biting insects.

Fly repellent ingredients

In the UK there are a lot of restrictions about what can be called a fly repellent, what can be applied to your horse and how companies can talk about different products. This guide includes a full range of fly deterrents and summer sprays – those you can apply to your horse, as well as those that should be applied to his living area or your feed room.

Some products in this guide have been approved for use on animals in the US, while in the UK they are only approved for premise use around horses. Anyone choosing to use the spray in a manner that is not in line with the guidance on the bottle’s label, does so at their own risk.

How to keep flies off horses

Using a range of methods to protect your horse from flies is most effective. Preventing flies from landing in the first instance is the best solution for protecting your horse – in addition to the best fly spray for horses, you can use the best fly gels, lotions or washes as well as one of the best fly masks, best fly rugs and best fly boots to arm your horse with the best possible defence.

Fly gels are particularly handy if your horse is not keen on being sprayed. It can be a case of trial and error to find out what works best for your horse, but once you’ve found a solution you can buy in bulk and save money in the long run.

How to choose the best fly spray

We’ve put many fly sprays to the test to help you find the best option for your horse – and much of this depends on what flies are most troublesome in your area – however, there are a few other considerations, too.

Some of the best fly deterrents contain synthetic active ingredients such as DEET or permethrin, some of which are insecticides, while other sprays contain natural ingredients known to deter a range of flying insects. Some formulas will need to be reapplied more often than others, so while some appear to be more expensive, they may last you a lot longer.

It’s also wise to consider both the bottle and spray type – finding a gentle and quiet spray with good coverage can be the difference between a calm and stressful turnout routine if you have a nervous horse.

Homemade fly repellent recipes

If you’re looking for an alternative to chemical fly sprays to keep the flies at bay. Many horse owners are now choosing to create their own fly repellents using simple, natural ingredients. We’ve compiled a selection of our readers’ most effective and trusted home recipes for fly spray.

• For unlimited access to the latest deals, product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

8 rugs designed to protect sweet-itch prone horses and ponies from midges

10 pairs of fly boots that offer protection from pests and UV rays

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The best sweet itch rugs can help prevent midges from biting your horse when out in the field. Think of them as a level up from the best fly rugs – they offer an even greater level of protection.

Sweet itch can be a summer nightmare for horse owners. Caused by an allergic reaction to the bite of the midge, sweet itch is an unpleasant itching sensation that leads the horse to bite, scratch or rub at their skin. It most commonly affects the base of the mane and tail, but some horses are affected over the body, too.

Keeping horses prone to sweet itch covered and protected is the best method of defence, and can be used along with one of the best fly sprays that targets midges. This selection of sweet itch rugs have been designed to provide maximum coverage and help your horse battle those summer irritations.

Best sweet itch rugs: H&H’s quick guide

Best sweet itch rug for a rug-wrecker: Horseware Rambo Hoody

Best sweet itch rug for UV protection: Premier Equine Sweet Itch Buster

Best value sweet itch rug: Masta Combo

Best protective fly rugs to keep out midges that cause sweet itch

What is a sweet itch rug?

It’s important to be aware that these “sweet itch rugs” will not treat your horse or cure him from the condition and are not a replacement for veterinary treatment. They can, however, be used as a preventative measure to reduce the chance of a horse who is prone to the condition from being bitten in the first place.

Most cases of sweet itch are seen between March and October, so purchasing a rug and putting it on your horse before the season starts is best – once your horse is suffering he will already be itching and likely damage even the most robust of rugs.

How to choose a sweet itch rug

The best sweet itch rugs tend to offer more coverage than even the best fly rugs so as to provide maximum protection, but as they are worn throughout the summer months, it’s especially important that they are lightweight and breathable.

Choose one with excellent coverage – look for extra-large tail flaps, belly coverage and extended necks. Consider fastenings – the more there are the more covered your horse is likely to be, but if he’s not a fan of you fussing around him they need to be quick and easy to do up and undo.

Chest fastenings usually have the most variation – while surcingle type hooks are quick and easy, they don’t offer anything in the way of adjustability, whereas adjustable buckles can be fiddly to use. The gold standard is usually buckle for adjustment with quick clips for fastening, but this is likely to result in a more expensive rug.

What is the difference between a sweet itch and fly rug?

A fly rug is designed to protect against larger flies, while a sweet itch rug is made of a fine mesh fabric that is specifically designed to block smaller insects like midges, offering more extensive coverage and a tighter weave mesh material.

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Best equine skin and coat supplements: what are your options?

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

Sweet itch in horses: what all horse owners need to know

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The Solid Bar Company Equine No Fly is a natural, deet-free, concentrated insect repellent bar, which can be used as an alternative or in addition to one of the best fly sprays. It repels flies, gnats, midges, mosquitoes, noseeums, and black fly.

It’s available in a tin (68g), as a refill (68g) or as a roll-on (125g).

First impressions

I tested the 125g roll-on and when it arrived in the post I was greeted with a lovely lemony smell, not chemical like some others. It reminded me of summer. I was a bit worried about the cardboard eco-friendly packaging not standing up to regular use and yard life.

Overview of performance

I tested the Equine No Fly repellent bar on my four horses who live out 24/7, and I was pleasantly surprised to see it working straightaway when applied to their faces. I also applied it to their legs and bellies with similar success, it reduced tail swishing, head shaking and stamping.

We have a heavy fly burden in our area and also suffer with horse flies, and I found the results were effective up to 7 hours after application. On very hot days, however I did reapply at midday in addition to the usual morning and night applications to ensure it continued to be effective.

Where we are we suffer with horseflies and the horses are much more relaxed while hacking out when this product has been applied. I am very surprised that the cardboard packaging has stood up well to regular use and being thrown in my “summer essentials” bucket.

A downside of this fly repellent bar is that the product attracts dust where applied – this was more noticeable on my grey horse. For a multi-horse owner, I found this fly repellent on the pricey side, especially when applying three times a day in very hot weather. However, you do get what you pay for and it was effective and long-lasting, so I just use it on certain problem areas and top up the protection with a spray to make it last longer. I would happily purchase it again.

I really like this fly repellent and the results it gives. It is gentle yet effective and it smells amazing.

Verdict

*H&H Approved* – A great product for targeted application with long-lasting protection. I saw a noticeable reduction in flies when applied.

At this time of year, I go through fly spray like it’s going out of fashion, so I’m always on the hunt for the best fly spray deals. If you’re like me, you’ll want to know you’re investing your money wisely.

Thankfully, our team regularly and comprehensively tests fly sprays. We are real horse owners and put all products we test well and truly through their paces. Therefore, you can rest assured that we have investigated these market-leading sprays in all conditions. The fly sprays (and other products) that perform the best are awarded H&H Approved status, putting them among the best money can buy.

We have a full guide to the best fly sprays for horses that we have tested, and have rounded up the best available discounts on these supreme sprays for you. If you’re in the market for a new spray, look no further than our H&H Approved list.

Fly spray deals: H&H Approved products

Other high-performing fly sprays

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

It’s your last chance to score Amazon Prime Day deals for equestrians – here are ones worth buying

Spillers’ entire new supplement range is on sale for Amazon Prime Day with the biggest saving yet!

Pivo just discounted its entire equestrian range for Prime Day – if you’ve ever wanted to record your rides hands-free, now’s your chance!

Are you a rider who needs power on the go? These deals on portable power stations for horseboxes might be your ultimate solution

I have no electric or Wi-Fi at my stables, but that’s no problem for these cameras – and they’re all on sale right now

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse flies (Tabinidae) are ever-present pests during the summer, with horse fly bites being a particular problem for horses, and riders, alike. Flies can carry disease and an allergic reaction can result from any fly bite, while all flies cause annoyance and irritation to horses and humans alike – an important consideration when working or competing horses. Methods of protection include horse fly traps, repellents in the forms of sprays and gels, and fly rugs.

What do horse flies look like?

Horse flies are a fairly large, dark, winged insect, that is cylindrical in shape and can measure up to 1in (2.54cm) in length, making them significantly larger than most flies. They have a large head with very large eyes.

Do horse flies bite?

Female horse flies bite to pierce the skin and feed on a horse – or human’s – blood. They need to drink blood to support their egg production. The insect’s jaw is shaped like scissors and can cut into the skin to access the blood capillaries close to the skin’s surface. Their jaw also has small hooks to help them hold on while sucking the blood, which can make them difficult to dislodge once they have locked on to the skin. The males do not bite – they feed on nectar.

Favourite feeding sites for horse flies include the horse’s underside, legs, neck and withers. They will also bite any exposed areas of human skin. The bites appear as painful papules (pimples) and wheals (small lumps) with a characteristic, central ulcer.

What attracts horse flies?

Horse flies are most active on warm, sultry days and are attracted by dark, rapidly moving objects, sweat and carbon dioxide. As a result dark horses being exercised on warm summer days tend to attract horse flies more so than their lighter counterparts. When protecting horses from flies during turnout, light coloured fly rugs are often used, along with fly repellents and fly traps, such as these on Amazon. These flies will rarely venture into dark areas, so stabling can offer some protection, too.

Where do horse flies live?

The adult horsefly is attracted to areas with moist soil, such as near streams and damp woodland. The females will lay their eggs on wet soil or vegetation that overhangs damp/wet areas so the larvae can burrow into the soft soil and feed on the organic debris and small insects before they transition into the adult fly.

When do horse flies die off?

The flies typically emerge in June and July in the UK and horse fly season lasts throughout the summer months. An individual fly has an adult lifespan of 30–60 days, although the life cycle of the pest is one year.

How to treat horse fly bites

For a one-off bite, apply an ice pack (like this one on Amazon) or bathe with cool, salt water (use a teaspoon of salt to two mugs of water). However, with multiple bites, a mild horse shampoo can help to remove irritating scurf or bacteria and cool the inflamed skin. A topical anti-itch preparation, such as colloidal oatmeal, witch hazel, calamine lotion or zinc oxide cream can also help. In addition, try to prevent the horse making the affected area worse by rubbing. It is rare for a bite to turn septic; if the area is open and weeping, bathe with a mild antiseptic solution, such as Hibiscrub (sold on Amazon), and if this does not help, consult your vet.

How to protect your horse against horse flies

Using barriers, such as anti-midge sweet itch rugs/fly rugs and neck covers, fly masks, fly fringes or other protective gear is a good place to start. If the weather is changeable, a fly rug with water-resistant top panel may be useful, too.

Horse fly repellents

In general, home-made fly repellents are of little benefit against horseflies, as they are robust creatures. Insecticides known as synthetic pyrethroids – especially permethrin or cypermethrin – offer the best solution and can be bought online. Follow the directions on the product, as many are not suitable for daily use and always do a spot test on a small area first to test for sensitivity. Insecticides can be applied to stables and field shelters to help eliminate the insects.

Horse fly traps

There are a range of horse fly traps available that are designed to attract the flies, before trapping the insects to prevent breeding.

Other types of flies that trouble horses

Black flies (Simuliidae) are small in size (approximately 2–5mm) and breed in rapidly moving water. High-risk times are dawn and dusk during spring and early summer, when stabling may be helpful. These flies commonly feed around the face – particularly inside the ears, where they trigger allergic skin reactions to their saliva, and distract the horse – but also on the horse’s neck and underside. Bites form as painful lumps, often with pin-prick areas of bleeding and crusting.

Synthetic pyrethroid fly sprays can act as a deterrent, although physical barriers such as ear nets and oil-based products – oil of citronella, for example – will discourage these flies from landing on the horse. Petroleum jelly applied inside the ears may prevent the insects biting.

Midges (Culicoides) are 1mm-3mm long and hover in swarms at dawn and dusk. Eggs are laid in standing water, so avoid stagnant areas. Different species of midges feed at different sites on the horse. Classically, mane and tail hairs are broken or rubbed away, exacerbating sweet itch in animals that are allergic to the bites.

Insect repellents can be very effective against these pests. Permethrin-based products are best and should be applied in late afternoon. Oil-based products can be applied several times daily to prevent flies landing. Bringing horses in before dusk and using a fan to create a brisk breeze helps keep midges away, while rugs may also be useful.

Stable flies lay eggs in moist, rotting vegetation – typically, hay or silage that is contaminated with urine, water or manure – so are associated with poor hygiene. They feed on horses’ legs and abdomens, and bites typically appear as itchy or painful wheals or papules with a central crust. The best prevention is to maintain high hygiene standards, but repellents can also be used. Permethrin-based products are most effective directed at the legs.

Other problematic insects include mosquitoes, bees and wasps – these produce uncomfortable bites, as well as causing alarm to horses. While wasps and bees are present throughout the day, mosquitoes are at their worst in the two hours after sunset.

As they are alkaline, wasp stings should be bathed with a dilute acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Bee stings, however, are acidic and should be bathed with bicarbonate of soda. The bee leaves its sting behind, so try to remove this with tweezers, as venom will continue to enter the skin. If the stinger is below the surface, it will be shed with normal skin healing.

Other methods to prevent flies

• Eliminate puddles and ponds of still water, where midges might breed
• Practise good hygiene around the yard
• Worm horses against bot flies in winter
• Keep horses in when the flies are bad
• Use a fan in the stable to blow away flies

You may find these useful…

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Summer days at the yard are perfect for enjoying our horses, but the warm weather also brings pesky flies and midges. To prevent flies bothering your horse this summer we’ve tested these fly gels, which many horses prefer to a spray. With so many options on the market it can be tricky to pick a product that actually works.

Keeping your horse fly free this summer can be a tough task, fly gels and creams make it easier to reach those areas that are tricky to target even with the best fly sprays but when paired with one of the best fly rugs and best fly masks, you can offer your horse a high level of protection against flies this season.

Best fly gels: H&H’s quick guide

Best fly repellent gel overall: NAF Off DEET Power Performance Gel

Best fly gel for long-lasting results: Leovet Power Phaser Durativ

Best natural formula fly gel: Barrier Super Plus Fly Gel

Best fly gels and creams for horses

How to choose a fly repellent gel

The best fly gels for horses as they are perfect for those hard to reach areas that are tricky to target with even the best fly sprays, such as around your horse’s head, to ensure he is still protected from flies and insect bites.

When choosing a fly gel for your horse, you should consider how long they adhere to the coat for and remain effective, whether they are made from natural or synthetic ingredients, and how robust and easy-to-use the pot is. It can be a tricky decision without being able to try them first, so we’ve got our hands on as many as we can to let you know what they’re like.

Fly gels and creams are also particularly handy if your horse doesn’t take kindly to a spray and can be applied by hand, with a cloth or sponge.

How we tested these best fly gels and creams for horses

Carol Philips tested these fly repellent gels and creams from April to June on her Irish Sport Horse, who is quite fly sensitive, which gave them a true test in real life situations. Carol applied the gels according to the manufacturers instructions before she went riding how easy they were to apply, how the horse was affected by flies when out riding and once she had returned from riding.

Carol also observed her horse in the field to see if he was bothered by flies after application to determine how well each product lasted. She also noted how sturdy each pot was.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

8 rugs designed to protect sweet-itch prone horses and ponies from midges

23 ways to beat flies this summer

We might be excited about the prospect of some sun — but with it comes the pesky flies. So we

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Whether you use them to keep the flies at bay while you’re hacking or to muffle sounds at busy competitions, the best acoustic ears for horses should look smart and fit well. Ear bonnets are also known as fly veils or fly hoods, but they’re all the same thing – albeit will offer varying levels of sound muffling.

The fit is really important for your horse’s comfort and for them to function at their best. If your horse has particularly large or small ears, this is something you need to take into consideration before purchasing. A good fit will also help keep the bonnet in place and reduce any risk of it slipping off.

If style is important to you, search for a design and colour that you like — ear bonnets come in the brightest and discreet tones — or, if you are so inclined, you will find some come as part of a matchy-matchy set with matching saddle pads, protective boots or bandages.

Some ear bonnets are specifically designed to block out noise and the ears of these are usually made of dense sound-reducing foam or other fabric and contain additional layers to help muffle the sound. Different materials do this with varying levels of success. If sound reduction is your priority, it would be worth opting for an ear bonnet that incorporates a foam material in the ears.

If flies are your main issue, consider adding one of the best fly sprays to your fly defence kit or considering a ride-on fly mask (like this one from Equilibrium).

Best acoustic ears for horses

LeMieux Acoustic Pro Fly Hood

Colours: Black, brown or navy

Sizes: M or L

This ear bonnet uses dense soundproof micro-foam to absorb sharp or loud noises to help with increased concentration and relaxation. The ears are made of a four-way stretch fabric that contours the ears while the soft bamboo inner lining ensures maximum comfort. The hand-crocheted veil section features an embossed PU leather panel for an elegant touch. The latest design is also wider behind the ears, which makes it more secure under the bridle. It’s machine washable at 30°C.

Woof Wear Noise Cancelling Fly Veil

Colours: Black, black/grey or black/navy

Sizes: S–L

Featuring acoustic foam in the ears to soften the harshest sounds and keep your horse focussed, this ear bonnet is made from a soft, technical mesh fabric that keeps your horse’s head cool while preventing pressure points. It’s cut generously behind the ears to enable a secure fit under bridles, including those with anatomical headpieces. The ear bonnet is finished with satin and a smart rope binding. It’s machine washable at 30°C.

Shires Arma Calm Fly Hood

Colours: Navy, brown, white or black

Sizes: Cob or full

This bonnet is designed to keep distractions to a minimum. The ears have a micro-cellular foam coar that absorbs unexpected noises. They’re also ergonomic and not too bulky. The rest of the bonnet is crocheted to be breathable while protecting against flies.

Rhinegold Noise Muffler Fly Veil

Colours: Black, brown, plum, raspberry, red, tangerine or turquoise

Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full

Made with breathable cotton-rich ears, cotton crochet details and contrast binding. This is the cheapest ear bonnet in our guide, so would make a good starter bonnet if you’re unsure how your horse will feel about wearing one.

WeatherBeeta Prime Ear Bonnet

Colours: 14 options

Sizes: Pony or full

H&H Review: 8/10

This bonnet has high-density cotton drill ears for noise reduction and features strings so that it can be secured to the bridle. It coordinates with the WeatherBeeta Prime range and is machine washable at 30°C. It can also be tumble-dried on a cold setting.

Read H&H’s independent WeatherBeeta Prime Ear Bonnet review.

Coldstream Marygold Fly Veil

Colours: Black, white, mulberry purple, blush pink, fern green or slate blue

Sizes: Pony/cob or full

This stylish ear bonnet is designed using a close-knit crochet to optimise fit, comfort and breathability. The smooth silk ears create a luxurious appearance and it’s elegantly finished with delicate golden braiding and logo pin detailing on a silk background.

Hy Sport Active Fly Veil

Colours: 13 options

Sizes: Pony/cob, cob/full or full

The handmade close-knit crochet design has a smart look and can be coordinated with the Hy Sport Active range. It features high-density ear fabric that softens sound. It’s also machine washable.

Fenwick Liquid Titanium Ear Bonnet

Colours: Black or grey

Sizes: L or XL

This ear bonnet is made from Fenwick’s therapeutic liquid titanium fabric, which generates warmth and boosts circulation with the aim of aiding relaxation. The fabric also has a four-way stretch and can be used on a wet or dry horse. It’s also machine washable.

Also available with acoustic ears.

Read H&H’s independent Fenwick Liquid Titanium Ear Bonnet review.

Can I wear an acoustic ears for dressage?

Yes. The British Dressage rule states that ear bonnets are permitted for all competitions, and may provide noise reduction. But they must not cover the horse’s eyes and should be discreet in colour and design.

Do horse ear bonnets work?

Horse ear bonnets are effective in providing protection and comfort. These bonnets shield horses’ ears from insects, which can cause irritation and distraction, particularly during rides and competitions. They also help to muffle loud noises, reducing stress and helping horses stay focused in noisy environments.

Ear bonnets are designed to fit snugly without causing discomfort. Made from breathable, lightweight materials, they ensure the horse remains cool while wearing them. Properly fitted ear bonnets can enhance a horse’s performance by keeping them calm and free from distractions.

What is the best ear bonnet for spooky horses?

The best ear bonnets for spooky horses are those that provide both comfort and noise reduction. Look for bonnets with soundproofing features, such as padded or double-layered ears, to help muffle loud noises that can startle horses.

A snug, secure fit is also crucial to prevent shifting during movement. Additionally, choose a bonnet with a design that covers the ears completely without causing irritation. These features collectively help reduce stress and improve focus, making them ideal for spooky horses.

Do ear covers help spooky horses?

Acoustic ears can help spooky horses by reducing stress and distractions. These bonnets often have soundproofing features that muffle loud noises, which can startle sensitive horses. By diminishing these auditory stimuli, the best acoustic ears for horses help keep them calm and focused, especially in noisy environments.

Additionally, ear bonnets protect against insects that can irritate horses and cause them to become jumpy. A comfortable fit will also ensure the horse remains at ease without irritation. Overall, ear bonnets can be a valuable tools in various settings.

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Best fly fringes for cheap, simple and effective protection

12 great GP saddle pads for everyday riding

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If you’ve spent any time in the great outdoors this spring (and if you’re horsey, you certainly have) you might have asked yourself ‘are midges worse this year?’ They might be tiny, but it’s as hard to ignore these buzzing, biting beasties as it is horseflies. It doesn’t take much exposure to their mischief to have you wondering whether there are more midges about than usual this year.

But is there any truth to the notion that midge activity is on the up in 2024? We spoke to Dr Alison Blackwell (MSc, PhD), who spent four years conducting post-doctorate midge and insect behaviour research. Dr Blackwell continued to study midges and other insects for a decade and went on to form APS Biocontrol, the company that produces Smidge, an insect repellent.

When asked what inspired her career in insect behaviour research, Dr Blackwell told H&H: “I don’t really know! By chance I ended up working on midges in Scotland and they’re an interesting insect in that they are so successful in a relatively inhospitable habitat. They have lots of great survival mechanisms. They don’t transmit any human diseases in the UK, but this year there is Bluetongue virus (BTV) in some areas. This affects sheep and cattle and is midge-transmitted, so they are important to consider.”

Midge activity: are midges worse this year?

A part-indicator in midge activity according to Dr Blackwell is a boost in customer purchases.

“It’s got really busy for us in the last week or so sales-wise. I think it’s because of that warm spell we had, which was preceded by wet weather. These are perfect conditions for midges emerging.

“Last year, we had peak populations for the first half of the summer in Scotland and then there was a really dry spell. The second generation of midges was much lower than you’d expect because of that. This was on a localised scale, though.” Dr Blackwell continued to explain that midge numbers can vary significantly depending on your local weather conditions. “In contrast, in parts of the north west of Scotland where it’s more damp, the midges keep going in large numbers.”

All in all, Dr Blackwell believes there is some truth to it – ideal midge conditions have increased midge activity, so people are justified to speculate ‘are midges worse this year?’. The good news is, not all of them are out for blood.

“Also, you’ve got lots of chironomids, non-biting midges,” continues Dr Blackwell. “These the kinds of insects you see swarming over streams. They literally emerge for 24 hours, mate and die off. There’s truth to it, but not all the midges are biting, I don’t think. There are other species around too.”

Why are midges important?

It might be tough to swallow (especially if you’ve ever experienced having one fly directly into your mouth), but midges are an essential part of life, confirms Dr Blackwell.

“They’re part of the ecosystem, part of the diet of bats and small birds,” she says. “The juvenile larva stages are about four to five centimetres below the soil surface and are part of decomposition in the food chain. They digest decaying organic matter, so they are important.”

Which months are the worst for midges?

According to Dr Blackwell, midges spend the winter in their larval stages, hibernating under the soil. But when the days get longer and warmer, they spring into action. “That’s when they can turn into adults and emerge,” she tells H&H.

It’s at this stage that wet spring weather can be an advantage to the midge. “If it’s damp, it’s easier for them to get out of the soil.

“Most years, you have your first big midge emergence in the first week of June and then the adult females lay their eggs. Those eggs develop into a second batch of midges about six weeks later. So, about mid-July, you get a second peak.

“The second peak females mate and their eggs will normally develop all the way through to the final larval stage. Often by that time, it’s September, and they go into their hibernation state. However, if you get a warm autumn, you sometimes get a third peak of midges.”

That’s not to say that midges are a permanent summer fixture. When we ask: ‘are midges worse this year’, we perhaps should be wondering if they’ve simply got off to a good start. As we move into warmer months a heatwave could send them packing. “They don’t like very hot, dry weather,” continues Dr Blackwell, “and they don’t like windy weather. They’re tiny; they only have a 2mm wingspan, so they dehydrate really quickly and they can’t cope with much of a breeze.”

Horse owners in Scotland can make use of Dr Blackwell’s sophisticated midge prediction tool.

“We run the online Scottish midge forecast, we’re seeing fours and fives on there with people reporting more midges.

“It’s a bit like the pollen forecast, you click on any town in Scotland and get your five-day forecast.”

How to keep midges away from horses

The obvious answer is using the one of the best fly sprays or best fly gels on your horse. Dr Blackwell tells us the active ingredient in Smidge is picaridin, and though Smidge isn’t licensed for animal use, riders can apply this to themselves. Unlike DEET, a common ingredient in equine fly sprays, picaridin doesn’t have a destructive effect on materials such as plastic and nylon, so it’s safe to use around your equipment, such as your best fly rugs and fly masks.

“Other things to use are CO2-producing traps,” she continues. “These traps pretend they’re something the midge wants to bite. They put out an attractive scent and the midges get caught.

“Good hygiene on yards and farms will help, so managing your dung heap well and keeping your stable as clean as you can.

“If you horse is in, create some kind of air current if you can. Midges don’t fly in a high breeze, and I know people who have put fans up to turn the midges away from getting into stabled areas.”

In the past, Dr Blackwell has been involved in a research project into a sweet itch vaccine development. While no vaccine was produced, some vets in the UK recommend vaccinating sweet itch-prone equines with a medication that was originally developed to combat ringworm, but appears to reduce the signs of sweet itch.

What does the future hold for midges?

While midge numbers are affected by yearly fluctuations in weather, they’re definitely here to stay – and our climate may become more midge-friendly.

“Midge numbers largely depend on the conditions each year,” Dr Blackwell tells us. “That said, generally with climate change conditions, warmer, wetter weather is probably going to extend the season of the midges a little bit more. We might see this third generation of midges more frequently in September/October time.

“It probably won’t extend their habitat, because they’re limited to where they can breed and where the soil is preferable to them. But the general thinking is midges could be around for a bit longer [each year].”

You may also be interested in…

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

Fly protection on a budget: 6 fly rugs under £50

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If you’re looking for an effective way to protect your horse from flies on a budget, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best cheap fly rugs – all with an RRP of under £50, and there are plenty with discounts on top of that. They might not offer as many technical features as one of the best fly rugs but, if your horse is sensitive and money is tight, a cheap fly rug is ten times better than no fly rug at all. You can always top up the protection with one of the best fly masks or best fly sprays if you need to.

Some of the best budget fly rugs do offer some of the more technical features. The rug might have great UV protection, an anti-rub lining, a belly flap or a detachable neck, but it’s unlikely to have them all, so you just need to work out which features are most important to you.

Best fly rugs with an RRP under £50

Saxon Mesh Combo Neck

Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in

UV protection: 96%

This value fly rug, which is from a WeatherBeeta brand, is made of a fine weave mesh outer that keeps the insects out while keeping your horse cool. It has a standard tail flap and fastens with a twin surcingle chest closure, twin low cross surcingles and double touch-tape closures on the neck. It also blocks an impressive amount of UV.

Gallop Classic Combo Fly Rug

Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft

UV protection: Yes

This fly rug has a fixed neck with a headcollar loop and stretchy Lycra insert at the wither. It has elasticated detachable leg straps and buckle adjustments at the chest. The nylon lining at the chest also helps to prevent rubs. All in all, quite a few handy features for a low price.

Shires Tempest Original Combo Fly Rug

Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in

UV protection: 80%

RRP: £47.99

This breathable, lightweight and airy rug provides a barrier to biting insects without preventing airflow. The rug features buckle chest fastenings, cross surcingles and an adjustable fillet strap.

Rhinegold Fly Rug With Detachable Neck

Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft

UV protection: Yes

This zebra print fly rug has a detachable neck, which not many styles do – so it’s perfect if you need the extra versatility. It’s made of a super-fine lightweight mesh has a satin chest lining to help prevent rubbing. It also features a cotton towelling spine section that helps wick away sweat, a generous tail guard, adjustable legstraps, and is fastened with buckles at the chest.

Fouganza Fly Sheet

Sizes: 115–155cm

This airy mesh rug has three chest straps as well as three or four neck fastenings, depending on the size of the rug. It features belly and tail flaps in addition to a long neck cover for maximum coverage. The extended detachable neck ensures coverage while your horse is grazing.

Masta Vento Fly Rug

Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft6in

Made from a soft mesh fabric to enable airflow, this fly rug has touch-tape fastenings to the neck, twin surcingle chest fastenings and cross surcingles at the belly. The design now has an added neck insert, which allows for freedom of movement while grazing, by moving with your horse and helping to relieve wither pressure. It also has an anti-rub lining along the neck and shoulders.

You might also like:

Turnout and stable rug options if you’re shopping on a budget

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

8 rugs designed to protect sweet-itch prone horses and ponies from midges

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

NAF Off Deet Power Performance fly spray

I tested the NAF Off Deet Power Performance fly spray for a one month period, from the end of August until the end of September on a Welsh cob mare in Cumbria.

At the time, her mainstay of exercise was hacking. The UK had been treated to an Indian summer, so even during September pesky flies and insects were still present throughout the day, so a decent fly stray was still an essential part of my grooming kit. I also needed a product that could be applied to her coat while she was out at grass, as while she usually wore a fly rug while she was grazing, I needed something which would go someway in protecting her legs, belly and face area which wasn’t covered by the mesh rug. Alongside this, I wanted a product that I could throw into the lorry ahead of a competition.

Manufacturers NAF claim that NAF Off Deet Power Performance fly spray offers “all day protection against flies and insect menace” which sounded like the perfect product for me as I needed a solution that would protect in many situations.

The main ingredient marketed is DEET (19%). DEET is an extensively researched active ingredient that is used in many fly sprays for horses, however horse owners should be cautious not to choose anything which has a super-high DEET content before doing a patch test. 19% is a safe level of DEET content and I knew that my horse did not have any allergies to the ingredient as I have previously used sprays containing DEET.

The product comes in three sizes, with three different price points; 750ml for £19.99, 2.5L for £38.99 and 5L for £73.50. I was provided with a 750ml bottle for testing. The bottle was also suitable to be recycled, which was hugely positive.

The bottle was very easy to hold and it was extremely user friendly, being both easy to hold and spray, but also being durable and robust, ideal for busy, working yards where a bottle could easily be knocked over. It would survive being thrown into the lorry without worry that it would leak or spill.

The bottle was also ideal for refilling, with a handy screw cap and a large bottle meaning funnelling new solution into the bottle would be easy. Therefore, it would make sense to try the 750ml bottle initially, before purchasing extra liquid if needed. After a one month period, I still had half the bottle left, meaning the NAF Off Deet Power Performance fly spray provided good value for money.

Out hacking, this spray was effective for a couple of hours while out and about on the roads. The flies stayed away for the majority of the ride and my horse was comfortable while hacking out when we moved onto a bridlepath.

The smell of DEET was prominent. My mare, who is sensitive to scents, wasn’t overly keen on it when it was being sprayed onto her, so I opted to use a sponge to apply the liquid to her neck and face area.

The only issue I would have with this fly spray is that it wasn’t as conditioning on the coat as some of the best fly sprays that I’ve tested, which is something I do like in a spray, especially if used everyday. I wonder if this fly spray could dry the coat out and make it tacky, however this is just personal preference as I show my horses so coat health and condition is priority for me.

Verdict

*H&H Approved* – A good all-round fly spray that is effective in many situations, from protecting from pests out hacking, to using just before a competition on a summer day, to applying on exposed areas prior to turnout.

Who tested this fly spray?

Alex Robinson joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor and features assistant. She graduated from University of Leeds in 2016 and has freelanced for specialist equestrian magazines, including The Native Pony Magazine and has contributed to the National Pony Society annual journal for the past few years.

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the show scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Olympia and has extensive knowledge of current issues in the showing world and the horses, ponies and riders who compete. She has a rare insight into the sector that comes with riding amongst the best at top level. She has produced a variety of rides to the highest level and has a passion for bringing on youngsters through the ranks. She has several ponies, mainly natives of all types, on the yard and rides most days each week before work.

At H&H Alex is responsible for the all aspects of showing coverage and is continuing to cement its place as the leading publication for both reports and current showing news. When not writing, she will be found competing her own ponies on the county show circuit.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Leovet Power Phaser Fly Spray *H&H Approved*

£18.29

Barrier Super Plus Fly Repellent *H&H Approved*

£14.16

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Some horses are more sensitive than others, and the best nose nets for horses can help those who are sensitive to flies, pollen, the sun and wind. Nose nets are also a useful bit of kit if your horse is prone to headshaking, as they can help to reduce the behaviour in some cases.

Nose nets are mostly worn while riding, although they can also be attached to a headcollar for use in the field. Most nose nets are designed to fit on bridles with traditional cavesson nosebands, but there are some that are designed to fit on anatomical bridles and bridles with grackle nosebands, too.

Can nose nets be worn in competition?

Nose nets are allowed under British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping rules, but not if you’re competing under FEI rules. Some governing bodies require them to be a discreet colour – matching your horse – and only cover the nose, so it’s best to double check your rulebook beforehand.

Best nose nets for horses

LeMieux Comfort Shield Nose Filter

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: S–L | RRP: £19.95 |

This nose net is made of a fine mesh that effectively filters dust, pollen and other air born particles. It has undergone some design improvements and now has a more secure touch-tape closure on the inside. The length can be easily adjusted by fastening the touch-tape tighter and the cut-away front section means it can accommodate flash and grackle nosebands, making it the most versatile nose net in this guide.

Legal for use in BD, BE and BS competition. It is machine washable, but LeMieux recommend hand-washing where possible.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Equilibrium Net Relief Muzzle Net

Colours: Black, brown or white | Sizes: S, M/L or XL | RRP: £29.99 for a pack of three |

Unlike some nets that cover the whole muzzle, this contoured design covers only the top half of the muzzle meaning it’s unobtrusive and allows saliva to escape from the mouth freely.

This net is designed to have a rough, but comfortable, thin mesh, which theoretically provides relief by gently “scratching” the horse’s nose. It needs to sit close to your horse’s muzzle and, therefore, the mesh is designed to be able to cut to length if necessary.

If you’re looking for a white nose net for a grey horse, Equilibrium is your best option.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equilibriumproducts.com, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Equilibrium Net Relief Muzzle Net for Micklem bridles

Colours: Black | Sizes: Cob/horse | RRP: £34.99 for a pack of three |

This nose net has all the same features as the standard Equilibrium net, but is designed specifically for the Micklem and other anatomical bridles.

Unlike some nets that cover the whole muzzle, this contoured design covers only the top half of the muzzle meaning it’s unobtrusive and allows saliva to escape from the mouth freely.

This net is designed to have a rough, but comfortable, thin mesh, which theoretically provides relief by gently “scratching” the horse’s nose. It needs to sit close to your horse’s muzzle and, therefore, the mesh is designed to be able to cut to length if necessary.

In the UK? View now at equilibriumproducts.com, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Equilibrium Net Relief Muzzle Net for grackle bridles

Colours: Black | Sizes: Cob/horse | RRP: £34.99 for a pack of three |

This nose net has all the same features as the standard Equilibrium net, but is designed specifically for bridles with grackle nosebands.

Unlike some nets that cover the whole muzzle, this contoured design covers only the top half of the muzzle meaning it’s unobtrusive and allows saliva to escape from the mouth freely.

This net is designed to have a rough, but comfortable, thin mesh, which theoretically provides relief by gently “scratching” the horse’s nose. It needs to sit close to your horse’s muzzle and, therefore, the mesh is designed to be able to cut to length if necessary.

In the UK? View now at equilibriumproducts.com, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Hy Nose Shield

Colours: Black | Sizes: Pony, cob/full or extra-full | RRP: £10.99 |

This nose net is shaped to cover the muzzle, and fastens with ties at each end.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Busse Fly Protector Nose Net

Colours: Black | Sizes: Pony or cob/full | RRP: £12 |

This nose net fastens to the bridle or headcollar with Velcro, protecting your horse from annoying insects and UV rays. It is machine washable.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

HKM Nose Nets

Colours: Black | Sizes: One size | RRP: £14.95 for a pack of three |

These nets are available in one size only, but are easy to fit to your horse by simply folding them up until they fit the muzzle. The set includes three black nets and one reusable velcro strap. Machine washable.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

You might also like:

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Headshaking in horses: what you need to know about this distressing condition

Summer allergies in horses and how to combat them

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Barrier Super Plus Fly Repellent

I used the Super Plus Fly Repellent from Barrier during July and August on my yard in Cumbria. Handily, we were hit with some intensely warm weather so I was able to give it a really rigorous test. Horseflies and midges were the most common insect, but I also needed the spray to protect from other flying insects which come out when hacking in more vegetated areas.

The manufacturers give the repellent a top billing, claiming it is the “number one selling product of its kind.”

The description also claims: “to deter all those nasty flying insects, and most importantly, where Super Plus has been sprayed, it protects against and calms the effects of midge bites. It is designed to keep the largest of flying insects at bay, including midge, bots, horseflies and most importantly calms and soothes the effects of midge bites.”

What I was intrigued about most was the claim that this particular spray was also suitable for horses with sensitive skin; my pony, Yogi, can sometimes come in from the field with the odd scratch or scrape, so something which can be sprayed on without having to worry about it irritating bare skin was ideal.

The ingredients that compliment sensitive skin and condition the coat include avocado oil, vitamins A, D and E.

In addition, the product soothes the skin, so the horses don’t have an urge to rub if bitten by pests.

The smell of this spray did pack a punch — while I did not dislike the smell, it was powerful and I did get the impression from the outset that it would deter insects.

I tested the 500ml spray bottle, which is priced at £14.16 for 500ml at the time of testing. Handily, you can purchase a 1l refill bottle, too.

When used on a hack, the spray was effective, though when we returned on particularly warm days, some smaller flies had gathered around the horses’ heads. However, when used prior to schooling, there were no flies at all.

This fly spray did condition the coat a lot more than other fly sprays I’ve tested. While some repellents can be effective, they can dry the coat out and make it tacky on the touch. I would suggest this spray as ideal for using when going out and about to competitions, as it boosted shine on the hair and conditioned the coat, all while repelling flies.

This spray was ideal for Yogi who needed something a little more sensitive. He is also not overly bothered by flies, so when insects would gather around him towards the end of the hack he was not impacted.

I agreed with the claim that this product prevents rubbing to some degree. When used a couple of times a day, it seemed to prevent Yogi from itching himself in the stable, which he can do when he is un-rugged and the weather is particularly hot.

The bottle wasn’t as robust as other brands, and the sprayer didn’t provide a super-fine spray, so you had to apply quite a lot to cover the coat. Nonetheless, the bottle lasted a month or so, so it provides decent value for money.

Verdict

An effective repellent that does two jobs in one, not only keeping the majority of insects at bay but simultaneously keeping the skin and coat healthy and conditioned.

Who tested this fly spray?

Alex Robinson joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor and features assistant. She graduated from University of Leeds in 2016 and has freelanced for specialist equestrian magazines, including The Native Pony Magazine and has contributed to the National Pony Society annual journal for the past few years.

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the show scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Olympia and has extensive knowledge of current issues in the showing world and the horses, ponies and riders who compete. She has a rare insight into the sector that comes with riding amongst the best at top level. She has produced a variety of rides to the highest level and has a passion for bringing on youngsters through the ranks. She has several ponies, mainly natives of all types, on the yard and rides most days each week before work.

At H&H Alex is responsible for the all aspects of showing coverage and is continuing to cement its place as the leading publication for both reports and current showing news. When not writing, she will be found competing her own ponies on the county show circuit.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Farnam Tri-Tec 14 Insecticide *H&H Approved*

£39.95

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Leovet Power Phaser Fly Spray

The Leovet Power Phaser fly spray has definitely garnered a positive reputation within the equestrian community for being one of the most effective fly sprays on the market, so I was looking forward to putting it to the test during the height of the summer. I was able to give this spray a full, rigorous test as we were treated to very hot weather during July and August in Cumbria, and consequently there were many flies and flying insects in the air, especially while out hacking on the roads. A quality fly spray is an essential part of my kit during this time; as well as being effective, I need something that’s not going to cost the earth as I’m likely to need lots of reapplications when my horses get sweaty in the field, when being worked and when being shown in an open field during competition season.

Leovet claims that Power Phaser gives “seven hours of protection, even if your horse sweats” and that it “works against horseflies, ticks and all biting and non-biting flies.”

The cost of a 550ml bottle was £18.29, which is at the higher end of the market, but it did last a long time and you didn’t need loads for it to have a lasting effect. I would predict that these bottles would each last around one month so you would probably need to purchase three/four during summer time, which is pretty cost effective.

The bottle was substantial, durable and held nicely in the hand, and the sprayer was very effective, coating the horse with an even spray of liquid. The liquid was fine enough to spray onto the forelock/ear area, too, though I put some on my hand and applied to the face area so I didn’t get the product in the horse’s eyes.

The smell of the spray was very strong and notable. I didn’t mind the smell — to me it just smelled like it was working, though some people might find it a bit intense. I will add that the horses did not seem to mind the smell of the spray and they didn’t bat an eyelid when it was applied to their coats.

In terms of effectiveness, the Leovet Power Phaser Fly Spray was probably one of the best I’ve used. It was really reliable, both when out hacking on a warm evening, or when schooling on a cooler morning. Due to the weather, the horses would start sweating within 10 minutes of tacking up but the spray did the job and prevented flies and insects from gathering.

I cannot comment on if the spray lasts up to seven hours, as I applied more, albeit sparingly, if I was turning out or riding later than the initial application, as the spray did come off the coat a little when the horses sweated a lot.

Verdict

H&H Approved – One of the most effective fly sprays on the market which lives up to its good reputation. Ideal for the hotter summer weather when flies are at their worst.

Who tested this flyspray?

Alex Robinson joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor and features assistant. She graduated from University of Leeds in 2016 and has freelanced for specialist equestrian magazines, including The Native Pony Magazine and has contributed to the National Pony Society annual journal for the past few years.

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the show scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Olympia and has extensive knowledge of current issues in the showing world and the horses, ponies and riders who compete. She has a rare insight into the sector that comes with riding amongst the best at top level. She has produced a variety of rides to the highest level and has a passion for bringing on youngsters through the ranks. She has several ponies, mainly natives of all types, on the yard and rides most days each week before work.

At H&H Alex is responsible for the all aspects of showing coverage and is continuing to cement its place as the leading publication for both reports and current showing news. When not writing, she will be found competing her own ponies on the county show circuit.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Farnam Tri-Tec 14 Insecticide *H&H Approved*

£39.95

Absorbine UltraShield Insecticide *H&H Approved*

£29.33

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

The Absorbine Black UltraShield Fly Repellent is described as a “tried and trusted formula which protects the horse’s environment from irritating and biting insects”. This was certainly true when I put it to the test over a three month period during spring/summer in Cumbria. We used the spray in wooden stables and on a range of native ponies while out hacking and when they were turned out in the field in fly rugs.

Editor’s note: this product has been approved for use on animals in the USA, but not in the UK where it is only approved for premise use around horses. Anyone choosing to use the spray in a manner that is not in line with the guidance on the bottle’s label, does so at their own risk.

The Absorbine Black UltraShield Fly Repellent contains the insecticide Permethrin and and the natural pesticide Pyrethrin, which both provide a “knock-down” and a long lasting protective “shield” from bugs and insects.

While in the UK it is marketed for use on equestrian premises, such as stables, barns and dogs’ living quarters, it is licensed for use on horses in the US and there were some reviews that said they had found it effective while out hacking, suggesting it was a versatile product that would do multiple jobs. The reviews are excellent, so I was looking forward to putting it to the test.

A spray specifically for premises is not something I’ve ever thought to use before but it makes sense; when the weather gets particularly hot, flies and wasps can gather in and around the stables and on the yard near the horses, irritating them while they are inside resting or being groomed. There is a long list of pests that this spray deters, and it definitely did go a long way in keeping flying insects, mainly pesky horse flies, at bay.

The 946ml bottle looked extremely robust; and after use on the yard I can confidently say that it is durable and will stand the test of time without leaks or spillages. The bottle was also dropped a couple of times and it did not break.

There was plenty of spray and the bottle lasted just under three months, so even though the price of £29.33 was more expensive than other brands, the product lasted a long time and offered good value for money.

I also used this spray on hacks, after completing a patch test on the horses, and it worked extremely well in deterring pests such as horses flies throughout the rides, which lasted around an hour in length. Even when the horses got sweaty in the warm weather, the flies stayed away.

The spray came out in an even, thick mist — thanks to the fan-style sprayer — that coated surfaces well. I would recommend this fly spray to those looking for something to put on top of fly rugs in the field, as it really stuck to surfaces and stayed put.

It smelled pleasant and didn’t get caught in your nose/mouth or smell overly chemically.

Verdict

A robust, durable bottle which with stands life on the yard holding a powerful, effective and versatile fly spray to use at times when flies are at their worst.

Who tested this flyspray?

Alex Robinson joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor and features assistant. She graduated from University of Leeds in 2016 and has freelanced for specialist equestrian magazines, including The Native Pony Magazine and has contributed to the National Pony Society annual journal for the past few years.

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the show scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Olympia and has extensive knowledge of current issues in the showing world and the horses, ponies and riders who compete. She has a rare insight into the sector that comes with riding amongst the best at top level. She has produced a variety of rides to the highest level and has a passion for bringing on youngsters through the ranks. She has several ponies, mainly natives of all types, on the yard and rides most days each week before work.

At H&H Alex is responsible for the all aspects of showing coverage and is continuing to cement its place as the leading publication for both reports and current showing news. When not writing, she will be found competing her own ponies on the county show circuit.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Premier Equine Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite

My first impression of the Premier Equine Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite waterproof fly rug was it looked like a very well made rug of high quality. It comes in a very sturdy reusable bag which will definitely come in handy for storage, when it’s not in use.

This “technically advanced” waterproof fly rug boasts lots of features; it can be used day and night, and the upper waterproof section offers protection against rain showers – as well as claiming to prevent heat build-up when the sun comes out. It also provides UVA protection. This feels like a super rug for those warm summer downpours, especially if you have a lesson or show the next day and want to keep your horse dry overnight. It’s reassuring that the rug prevents heat build up, and I will be keeping an eye on how my horse feels during the higher temperatures.

The rug offers “maximum protection” against flies, midges and insects – and has an antibacterial polyester lining for “optimum protection”. I often find fly rugs tend to give off static shocks when you remove them but this rug has been anti-static treated, which will very much please both my horse and I. My mare is pictured wearing the navy trim, but the rug also comes in green and wine colours.

I particularly like the quick-release chest clips on the rug. These come with two fastening options, however the straps themselves are not adjustable – which could provide limitations on what chest sizes the rug fits.

Other features include cross surcingles, an “extra high” elasticated shoulder gusset, a long integrated neck cover with four double-locking Velcro fastenings – which appear really good quality – and a “supersize” PVC-coated tail flap. Sometimes I find large tail flaps tend to flap in the wind but my first thoughts are from the weight of the material and the length of this tail flap, I don’t expect it to flap like some of the shorter ones.

In terms of the features, the rug is comparable to the Swish Waterproof Fly Combo Turnout – which is cheaper at £89.99 – however the Premier Equine Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite does appear to be a better fit for larger built horses, whereas the Swish waterproof fly rug I tested I found more suited to narrower.

In line with the Premier Equine size guide, my 16hh Connemara x Irish sports horse mare who usually wears a 6ft3in in most brands, had to size down to a 6ft in the Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite. She had good movement in the rug and I don’t foresee any sections that are likely to rub. The neck cover comes up to her ears, though this does slip down slightly when she grazes.

Verdict

H&H Approved – This rug sits on the higher price bracket for a waterproof fly rug at £124, but it is excellent quality and is a super product to have for those summer showers. I really like the fastenings and how secure the rug feels, though it would be handy if the front straps were adjustable. While it is more expensive than other brands, I think this is very good value rug that I would recommend. It kept the flies at bay, without making my mare too warm.

View now at ebay.co.uk

Who tested this fly rug?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

You might also be interested in:

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Equilibrium Field Relief fly rug

On a first look at the Equilibrium rug it seemed to be a good fly rug – well made and with good features. It has stood up well to wear and does the overall job well. It’s lightweight and has also proven to be hard wearing with secure fastenings.

The rug seems to help my horse keep cool – I’ve never gone out to find him feeling hot or sweaty. It’s hard to say how much of a deterrent the colour is – you do see a few flies around, but he’s definitely not being plagued by them as he would be without a rug.

I am testing the 6ft3in fly rug on my 15.3hh horse – I’ve found it to be true to size, fit well and not restrictive. The only thing I’d like to be able to do is tighten the belly straps a little more as they’re currently on the shortest length. The material is good and there is a lining on the chest and neck, which helps to prevent rubs. It can be quite static when you take the rug off but expect that as it’s that type of material.

At the top of the neck there is a softer fabric, which helps prevent rubbing, that the horse’s ears and forelock go through. This is designed to make sure the neck stays in place and doesn’t slip down – I found this worked really well and the neck stayed securely in place throughout the day.

The chest fastens with buckles, with Velcro to secure it underneath – this combination isn’t as easy as clips, but it does give adjustability and it’s not like you’re rushing to beat the cold in the summer.

The neck has six Velcro straps to ensure it stays in place, but I found this quite a lot and rather fiddly – but, saying that, they did the job. The Velcro itself is lasting well and still looks pretty much as new after a month.

The belly guard offers really good protection, plus it means the surcingles are not lying on their belly. It has fastenings and adjustments on each side.

At the tail end of the rug, there is a long tail flap and a filet strap that is made out of strong plastic, which is strong, hardwearing and really easy to clean – a real bonus.

My horse is fairly careful and not known for trashing rugs. The rug does have a small hole through wear, but it hasn’t got any larger over time.

Verdict

This Equilibrium Field Relief fly rug is not the cheapest on the market, but I think it is definitely worth the money as it is a strong, hard-wearing and appears to be comfortable.

Who tested this fly rug?

Emily Secrett-Hill is Horse & Hound’s art editor. She’s a lifelong horse owner, having taken part in Pony Club and hunting with the Axe Vale in her early days. Emily currently shares “Hickie” with a friend and is a proud “happy hacker”.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also be interested in:

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Carr & Day & Martin FlyGard Extra Strength

I tested the Carr & Day & Martin FlyGard Extra Strength Insect Repellent during the month of June on a Fell pony who was being ridden most days out hacking in Cumbria. There were plenty of flies, mainly smaller flies as horse fly/cleg season hadn’t fully begun, so the repellent needed to deter all types of pests and insects.

Manufacturers Carr & Day & Martin are well-known in the equestrian industry for their range of horse care products. They claim that their FlyGard Extra Strength Insect Repellent is a “proven, effective alternative to a natural-based repellent.”

The formula is described as powerful, giving “maximum protection from midges and biting insects.” And while there are arguably stronger fly sprays on the market, it definitely did the job well and I could use it without worrying that it would irritate my pony. You need to strike the balance between protecting from flies, and protecting the skin, hair and coat.

The solution contains the proven, researched active ingredient DEET, at an optimum level of 20%. DEET is an insect repellent that is used in products to prevent bites from insects such as mosquitoes, biting flies, fleas and small flying insects.

The bottle was the first thing I noticed. It was very striking, giving a sleek, high-quality look, and it was smooth to hold.

You can purchase the product in either 500ml or 1l sizes, so you can choose which suits your needs best. If you have multiple horses to spray then the 1l size would probably be best and more cost effective.

This fly spray comes with instructions:

Shake well and spray liberally onto the horse or apply with a cloth, taking care to avoid eyes and mucous membranes. If using for the first time, test on a small area of skin to establish suitability. Provides instant protection, apply twice daily for maximum protection.

With this in mind, we applied the spray before a hack and again if the pony was turned out in the field later in the day.

Out hacking, this spray was effective for about one hour while on the roads. The smaller flies stayed away for the majority of the ride, but the pony didn’t get particularly sweaty during June due to the weather. It is also worth noting that it was more effective than a friend’s spray. After about an hour of riding, flies did start to gather around the pony’s head, so perhaps this spray would be suitable for shorter hacks or for schooling sessions.

I did wonder if this spray would be as effective against horse flies in the warmer weather as the smell of DEET wasn’t very prominent when it was applied, especially for a product labelled as extra-strength.

The sprayer on the bottle was brilliant; it was hard-wearing, robust and provided an even coating of liquid when sprayed onto the coat. It would survive being passed around on a working yard and would be fine to throw into the lorry without worry that it would leak or spill.

It was good to use on the ponies, too, especially those who are not keen on sprayers. It was easy to apply and the mist was delicate enough so they did not fuss or bother when being sprayed up. This is important when you are working with young horses, as you don’t want to upset the apple cart before you’ve even mounted! 

The price of £16.95 for a 500ml bottle meant this product would be on the more affordable end of the price scale. I would definitely purchase as a fly spray to use out hacking during spring and early summer.

Verdict

Does the job; an effective and very affordable fly spray containing DEET, suitable for hacks up to an hour in length, or for schooling sessions during warmer weather.

Who tested this flyspray?

Alex Robinson joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor and features assistant. She graduated from University of Leeds in 2016 and has freelanced for specialist equestrian magazines, including The Native Pony Magazine and has contributed to the National Pony Society annual journal for the past few years.

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the show scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Olympia and has extensive knowledge of current issues in the showing world and the horses, ponies and riders who compete. She has a rare insight into the sector that comes with riding amongst the best at top level. She has produced a variety of rides to the highest level and has a passion for bringing on youngsters through the ranks. She has several ponies, mainly natives of all types, on the yard and rides most days each week before work.

At H&H Alex is responsible for the all aspects of showing coverage and is continuing to cement its place as the leading publication for both reports and current showing news. When not writing, she will be found competing her own ponies on the county show circuit.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Farnam Tri-Tec 14 Insecticide *H&H Approved*

£39.95

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Carr & Day & Martin FlyGard Extra Strength

I tested the Carr & Day & Martin FlyGard Extra Strength Insect Repellent during the month of June on a Fell pony who was being ridden most days out hacking in Cumbria. There were plenty of flies, mainly smaller flies as horse fly/cleg season hadn’t fully begun, so the repellent needed to deter all types of pests and insects.

Manufacturers Carr & Day & Martin are well-known in the equestrian industry for their range of horse care products. They claim that their FlyGard Extra Strength Insect Repellent is a “proven, effective alternative to a natural-based repellent.”

The formula is described as powerful, giving “maximum protection from midges and biting insects.” And while there are arguably stronger fly sprays on the market, it definitely did the job well and I could use it without worrying that it would irritate my pony. You need to strike the balance between protecting from flies, and protecting the skin, hair and coat.

The solution contains the proven, researched active ingredient DEET, at an optimum level of 20%. DEET is an insect repellent that is used in products to prevent bites from insects such as mosquitoes, biting flies, fleas and small flying insects.

The bottle was the first thing I noticed. It was very striking, giving a sleek, high-quality look, and it was smooth to hold.

You can purchase the product in either 500ml or 1l sizes, so you can choose which suits your needs best. If you have multiple horses to spray then the 1l size would probably be best and more cost effective.

This fly spray comes with instructions:

Shake well and spray liberally onto the horse or apply with a cloth, taking care to avoid eyes and mucous membranes. If using for the first time, test on a small area of skin to establish suitability. Provides instant protection, apply twice daily for maximum protection.

With this in mind, we applied the spray before a hack and again if the pony was turned out in the field later in the day.

Out hacking, this spray was effective for about one hour while on the roads. The smaller flies stayed away for the majority of the ride, but the pony didn’t get particularly sweaty during June due to the weather. It is also worth noting that it was more effective than a friend’s spray. After about an hour of riding, flies did start to gather around the pony’s head, so perhaps this spray would be suitable for shorter hacks or for schooling sessions.

I did wonder if this spray would be as effective against horse flies in the warmer weather as the smell of DEET wasn’t very prominent when it was applied, especially for a product labelled as extra-strength.

The sprayer on the bottle was brilliant; it was hard-wearing, robust and provided an even coating of liquid when sprayed onto the coat. It would survive being passed around on a working yard and would be fine to throw into the lorry without worry that it would leak or spill.

It was good to use on the ponies, too, especially those who are not keen on sprayers. It was easy to apply and the mist was delicate enough so they did not fuss or bother when being sprayed up. This is important when you are working with young horses, as you don’t want to upset the apple cart before you’ve even mounted! 

The price of £16.95 for a 500ml bottle meant this product would be on the more affordable end of the price scale. I would definitely purchase as a fly spray to use out hacking during spring and early summer.

Verdict

Does the job; an effective and very affordable fly spray containing DEET, suitable for hacks up to an hour in length, or for schooling sessions during warmer weather.

Who tested this flyspray?

Alex Robinson joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor and features assistant. She graduated from University of Leeds in 2016 and has freelanced for specialist equestrian magazines, including The Native Pony Magazine and has contributed to the National Pony Society annual journal for the past few years.

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the show scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Olympia and has extensive knowledge of current issues in the showing world and the horses, ponies and riders who compete. She has a rare insight into the sector that comes with riding amongst the best at top level. She has produced a variety of rides to the highest level and has a passion for bringing on youngsters through the ranks. She has several ponies, mainly natives of all types, on the yard and rides most days each week before work.

At H&H Alex is responsible for the all aspects of showing coverage and is continuing to cement its place as the leading publication for both reports and current showing news. When not writing, she will be found competing her own ponies on the county show circuit.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Farnam Tri-Tec 14 Insecticide *H&H Approved*

£39.95

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Cavalor FlyLess

I tested the Cavalor FlyLess fly spray at the height of summer, when flies, particularly horse flies, were at their worst. Cumbrian summers can be wet while being warm and muggy, the perfect environment for flies; even if you choose to hack out early in the morning, you can bet that a swarm of flies will have gathered around your horse by the time you return to the yard. This spray claims to give horses and riders protection against flies, horse-flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects, which would cover all the nasties which lurk in Cumbria during summer time.

The first thing I noticed about the Cavalor Flyless was the amount you get in a bottle. Priced at £24 for a 500ml bottle, you could guess that you’ll have enough to see you through a good amount of hacks. In addition to the 500ml measure, the high quality nozzle produces a very fine, evenly distributed spray which covers the coat perfectly, so you’re not wasting any product during application. The bottle was high-quality, robust and durable, so leaks and spillages would not be a worry. It was also easy to spray; the sprayer was sturdy, easy to use and felt unlikely to break. Some spray bottles have cheap sprayers that aren’t up to life on a working yard and can break halfway through using a bottle, which can be a nightmare. This bottle, however, would be a great one to keep and refill as it has a great spray, is durable and holds nicely in the hand.

Cavalor FlyLess contains icaridin (20.6%), which “acts as a blanket of fragrance on the skin, disrupting the mechanism that attracts insects to humans and animals.” The manufacturers reveal that studies have shown that formulas with 20% icaridin can protect people for up to 10 hours and horses for even up to 24 hours. Icaridin does not kill insects, so there is also no risk of resistance.

Cavalor emphasises that the spray is “pleasantly scented” which was certainly true. It had a light, refreshing, almost aloe vera-type scent (though other noses might detect a different plant smell!) The smell of some fly sprays can be seriously off putting, with the strong scent getting stuck in your nose and even causing you to cough. I’m not particularly sensitive to smells, but an overly strong solution can be an indicator of harsh chemicals.

The back of the bottle provides clear directions on how to use it correctly. It is recommended to spray the solution on the skin or coat — as it’s a gentle formula. I did this, and the spray coated my pony’s skin evenly with plenty of liquid covering each area of his body. I then used a cloth to apply some to his face, as instructed.

The spray didn’t leave a residue on his coat and was non-sticky and non-greasy.

Performance wise, while the Cavalor Flyless initially repelled flies, about 30 minutes into the hack — and as soon as my pony got mildly warm — flies started to gather around his head and neck, suggesting it needed to be reapplied to get the desired result. I therefore did not find it effective for as long as it was claimed. As it would need consistent reapplication, the 500ml bottle might not last as long as initially thought. Consequently, £24 for a 500ml bottle seems quite expensive.

As it was effective for a short period of time, and did smell nice without leaving a greasy residue, I would perhaps recommend this fly spray as one to keep in the lorry or in the grooming box to take to a competition. It would be handy to spritz on before a class, and it would stand the test of time being thrown around in a grooming bag.

Verdict

A refreshingly scented spray which isn’t overly harsh on the skin, but does need consistent reapplication for the desired effect, meaning it isn’t the most effective product on the market. 

Who tested this flyspray?

Alex Robinson joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor and features assistant. She graduated from University of Leeds in 2016 and has freelanced for specialist equestrian magazines, including The Native Pony Magazine and has contributed to the National Pony Society annual journal for the past few years.

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the show scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Olympia and has extensive knowledge of current issues in the showing world and the horses, ponies and riders who compete. She has a rare insight into the sector that comes with riding amongst the best at top level. She has produced a variety of rides to the highest level and has a passion for bringing on youngsters through the ranks. She has several ponies, mainly natives of all types, on the yard and rides most days each week before work.

At H&H Alex is responsible for the all aspects of showing coverage and is continuing to cement its place as the leading publication for both reports and current showing news. When not writing, she will be found competing her own ponies on the county show circuit.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Tri-Tec 14 fly spray

While the Tri-Tec 14 Insecticide from Farnam came in a small bottle, it certainly packs a punch when it comes to repelling flies and insects.

The water-based product is described as offering “up to 14 days protection from bothersome flies, horse flies, crab flies, midges, mosquitoes and any other flying pest in your horse’s environment.”

It was developed in the US and some sources describe it as the most “powerful and effective equine insecticide spray in the world”. It has been granted a British HSE (license 9215) confirming that it kills the flies that carry diseases such as West Nile Virus, Lyme Tick disease, mites and swamp fever.

Editor’s note: this product has been approved for use on animals in the US, but not in the UK where it is only approved for premise use around horses. Anyone choosing to use the spray in a manner that is not in line with the guidance on the bottle’s label, does so at their own risk.

The Tri-Tec 14 formula contains the synthetic pyrethroid cypermethrin, pyrethins — a type of pesticide — and strong polymers, which means it has a long-lasting effect and doesn’t need such regular reapplication, making it is a cost effective fly repellent, despite coming in a smaller bottle.

As I knew horse owners in the US have been using this product on their horses, I used it over five weeks on a Fell mare, Frankie, as well as her stable area to keep away flies and midges. Frankie is stabled at night, turned out in the field during the day and hacked regularly.

The spray produced from the bottle was strong, powerful and even, so application was easy and it provided good coverage across the sponge; some fly sprays lack an effective sprayer meaning application isn’t even and patches can be left untreated, ultimately putting the horse at risk to bites.

Due to the strength of this spray, I made extra care to ensure it didn’t go anywhere near her head or on any scrapes she had on her body.

The spray smelt nice and had a pleasant aroma when it was applied to the horse.

When out hacking the spray did a good job of repelling flies and, likewise, when Frankie was returned from the field she didn’t have flies on her and was not irritated by them when out at grass.

The cost of a 946ml bottle is £39.95 (I had a 300ml bottle) meaning it is one of the most expensive sprays, but a little goes a long way, and the intensity of the powerful solution means a full bottle (300ml) would last me two to three months as it doesn’t need to be applied daily. I will note that I used this repellent in spring applying every three days or so. You need to reapply when your horse sweats heavily or you wash him off, so I perhaps more applications will be needed during summer when fly season is at its peak. I would think a larger bottle could last you for the whole summer.

I don’t believe this spray offers 14 days of protection if you were to apply this statement to use on a horse, but this is more likely to be possible on surfaces in the stable. However, I believe it is an effective spray that does last longer than most other repellents on the market. So while the product is more expensive, it does offer good value for money.

As well as advising not to apply directly onto animals, Farnam provided some handy instructions so you can use the product safely and effectively, including:

• Do not empty into drains.
• Do not touch treated surfaces until dry.
• Do not contaminate foodstuffs, eating utensils or food contact surfaces.

The size of the bottle was handy for fitting inside a tack box and it could be neatly stored out of reach if you wanted to keep your bottle to yourself.

Verdict

A strong, effective fly and insect repellent that really packs a punch. It’s a more expensive option, but the strength means a little goes a very long way.

Who tested this flyspray?

Alex Robinson joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor and features assistant. She graduated from University of Leeds in 2016 and has freelanced for specialist equestrian magazines, including The Native Pony Magazine and has contributed to the National Pony Society annual journal for the past few years.

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the show scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Olympia and has extensive knowledge of current issues in the showing world and the horses, ponies and riders who compete. She has a rare insight into the sector that comes with riding amongst the best at top level. She has produced a variety of rides to the highest level and has a passion for bringing on youngsters through the ranks. She has several ponies, mainly natives of all types, on the yard and rides most days each week before work.

At H&H Alex is responsible for the all aspects of showing coverage and is continuing to cement its place as the leading publication for both reports and current showing news. When not writing, she will be found competing her own ponies on the county show circuit.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Absorbine UltraShield Insecticide *H&H Approved*

£29.33

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Woof Wear UV Fly Mask With Ears review

The first thing I noticed when I unboxed the Woof Wear UV fly mask was that it felt more cushioned and spongy than the other fly masks I was testing of a similar style. On looking at the product description, I found this was “soft and stretchy 3D Spacer Fabric” that eliminates rubbing. I can really see how it will work – and it appears to be very breathable, too.

The nose is available to purchase separately from the mask, which means you don’t have to opt for one, but if you do it’s detachable so you can always change your mind. The nose attaches with Velcro quite simply and there’s a cushioned flap that folds over the join to prevent rubbing. I would say you need to be careful that this is folded down as I only realised mine wasn’t when I came to look at my first batch of pictures for the review.

There is an accommodating forelock hole that will sit closed if you decide not to use it.

The nose, like the rest of the mask, offers 60% UV protection. This is a nice addition, especially if your horse has a pink-skinned nose. I found this to be the perfect length for Utah – it covered as much as possible without be too long that it dragged on the ground.

When I came to get him in, the nose had bent up because Utah had been eating from his hay box. It occurred to me that because of the way the fabric holds its shape, it wouldn’t be able to right itself. This wouldn’t cause a problem, but you would lose the protection until you returned to fix it. I did think, however, that if you were to feed your horse in the field, to avoid removing the mask you could bend the nose up to prevent it getting dirty and then fold it back down once he’s finished.

The mesh that covers the eyes is really fine and offers UV protection. Being so fine, it appears to be easy to see through and it will keep out even the smallest of midges. Although fine, it feels robust and your horse would have quite a job to cause damage to it.

The two Velcro fastenings are strong and easy to use.

I had a size medium – I usually select cob-sized items – and it fits well. Utah did manage to remove it, however, as did his fellow livery (Patrick, the Highland pony). I suspect if a horse who was more gentle wore it, they’d easily keep it on.

It is at the more expensive end of the market as fly masks go, but it lasted really well, has a nice fit and appears to be really comfortable, which makes it worth the extra money. It would think it would definitely last the average horse more than one summer at least.

Verdict

H&H Approved – This fly mask is really well designed – the materials are high quality and feel like they’ll be really comfortable. I’d definitely recommend this mask.

Who tested this fly mask?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who usually lives out 24/7. He is well known for putting a lot of effort into removing fly masks as well as putting his head in places he shouldn’t, which makes him a perfect candidate for testing.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also be interested in:

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Hy Equestrian Mesh Half Mask With Ears And Fringe

I liked the overall look of this Hy Mesh Half Mask – it’s quite similar in style and colour to the WeatherBeeta Fine Mesh Mask and the Woof Wear UV mask. The Hy mask is also available without ears, with just ears (no nose/fringe), or with ears and a nose – so there is plenty of choice to find the right combination for your horse.

I tried the Hy Mesh Half Mask in a cob size. My pony, Utah, is 13.3hh but has quite a chunky head. I tested all the fly masks in cob or medium sizes and found this one ran the smallest. It didn’t quite meet under the chin and it fitted quite close to his face. It is slightly elasticated at the poll to help aid fit, which was good to see.

Of all the fly masks I tested, I think this one had the closest fit to the face – although the mesh was darted, I found that Utah’s eyelashes kept poking through the mesh when he blinked. I tried the same mask on my friend’s Morgan horse and this wasn’t the case due to a different head shape – I’d say this mask is more suited to the finer head, rather than a cob with a broad or chunky head. The ears are soft and unlikely to cause any rubbing, but may be damaged if caught in a hedge.

I really like the detachable nose fringe. While it doesn’t offer full coverage, there’s no danger of it becoming bent up and it’s less likely to be damaged than a nose that’s too long.

This fly mask doesn’t have a forelock hole – and with such a big forelock Utah could really do with one – so this is something to note if you prefer the forelock to be out.

I put this mask through the washing machine and it came up clean aside from hair stuck in the Velcro and brow padding, which prevents rubbing.

Utah did manage to get this mask off quite quickly, but so far the Morgan hasn’t managed this.

Verdict

This was a good fly mask although it’s suited to a horse with a finer head. Having a nose fringe is a great option for horses with a shorter nose, too, as it’s less likely to become damaged.

Who tested this fly mask?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who usually lives out 24/7. He is well known for putting a lot of effort into removing fly masks as well as putting his head in places he shouldn’t, which makes him a perfect candidate for testing.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also be interested in:

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

WeatherBeeta Deluxe Stretch Bug Eye Saver With Ears

This WeatherBeeta Lycra fly mask fared much better than I first expected. Before trying this mask, I never would have considered this style of mask, but I am totally converted (as is my friend I’ve since lent it to). As with the Premier Equine Lycra fly mask, I just didn’t think this style would live up to my horse’s field antics – for example, Utah uses his head to roll his large hay box across the field every day without fail. However, I’ve been proved wrong so far.

This mask is quite smart to look at. I really like the navy and it comes in seven other colours (grey, red, royal blue, turquoise, green, black or purple) as well as a cute bee print, which is rather fun. It offers 98+% UV protection in the Lycra areas, which is the highest of all the fly masks we’ve tested.

This fly mask is different to the Premier Equine Lycra fly mask in that it has a zip. Utah isn’t fussy around his head so I found it easy to put on, but if you feel the method of fastening will be considerably easier or more difficult for your horse it could be a game changer. There is also a Velcro tab that covers the top of the zip, preventing it from getting caught or coming undone, and there is a slightly padded guard on the inside to prevent any rubbing.

The eye areas offered good clearance, which I find is a real benefit of these Lycra style masks. The mesh holes are quite big, but if you don’t have a problem with tiny midges (we don’t here) then this isn’t an issue. It also has a forelock hole, which is certainly advantageous if your horse has a forelock even half the size of this one.

I had a cob size, which fitted well. I would say it was very slightly larger than the similar Premier Equine mask. Despite only being 13.2hh, Utah has a comparably large head. The ears were a rather large, but I expect most horses who wear cob size will have larger ears than him and fill them much better.

This mask was the only one with a handy tab to hang it up. It’s not an essential fly mask feature, but definitely handy if you wanted to leave it outside your stable for someone else to put on in the morning, for example, so I thought it was worth a mention. It also washed well and dried very quickly. Because of the material, hair doesn’t get stuck to it, which was a real bonus for me.

Utah did have a go at getting this fly mask off and eventually succeeded. The only reason I can think of that he got this one off but not the other, which is a similar design is that this one is slightly larger.

When you compare this WeatherBeeta fly mask to the Premier Equine fly mask, the WeatherBeeta offers more UV protection but has a higher price point. If the UV rating is important to you or you think the zip will be advantageous then it’s worth the extra money. They also have different hems – the WeatherBeeta has an overlock hem, while the Premier Equine one has a double-rolled hem.

I leant this fly mask to my friend with a Highland to make sure it was given a thorough test over the summer – and it’s lasted fairly well, staying on longer than the WoofWear fly mask that they also tried, which was a very different style. It did get ripped around the eye thanks to a playful field-mate, but was easily sewn up and hasn’t caused a problem since. It also seems to have kept its shape and stretch.

Verdict

This WeatherBeeta Lycra fly mask is a great option. It kept the flies off my horse’s eyes and he appeared to be really comfortable in it. I’d definitely recommend it.

Who tested this fly mask?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who usually lives out 24/7. He is well known for putting a lot of effort into removing fly masks as well as putting his head in places he shouldn’t, which makes him a perfect candidate for testing.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also be interested in:

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Biteback Superfly spray and gel

While fly season in Cumbria has begun slightly later this year, it’s always beneficial to arm your horse with an appropriate defence in the form of a fly spray as soon as the spring weather hits and the temperature starts to rise.

I used the Superfly Ultimate Insect Repellent Gel and Ultimate Insect Repellent Spray from Biteback Products for a three week period on my Connemara pony, Yogi, when he was turned out in the field and while he was ridden and hacked on warmer days.

According to Biteback, SuperFly, which is also available in a more sensitive form for horses who need a more gentle solution, represents a “new generation of repellents”. The description that it creates a barrier for biting bugs and cares for the skin was enticing, as Yogi does have quite a fine coat and is sometimes prone to rubbing his face on his stable in the hot weather.

The main ingredient was the Icaridin, a human-grade repellent that repels most insects, including horse flies and midges, which are most commonly found in Cumbria, but it also deters ticks, mites and mosquitoes. The concentration level in SuperFly is 20% and it should provide 8+ hours protection from midges, 12+ hours from mosquitoes, 9+ hours from black flies, and a minimum of 5 hours from stable flies and horse flies. SuperFly also contains the essential oil Lavandin, which claims to calm the skin and support the skin’s healing process through its naturally antiseptic properties.

The first thing I noticed about SuperFly was the pleasant, slightly floral smell. It was strong, but wasn’t overpowering and did not smell overly chemical like many other fly repellents. Also, I did get some of the spray in my eye at some point and it did not hurt in the slightest, which was another testament to the lack of harmful chemicals used to make the solution.

I was provided with a separate spray top to connect to the larger bottle. I used the fly spray on the body and the gel on small rubs/marks which may be more susceptible to flies and midges.

When I returned Yogi from the field he didn’t have a single fly on him, and his marks had also been untouched by insects. Similarly, while out hacking the spray worked as a strong defence against insects and flies, which are commonplace when hacking out near densely vegetated areas. Fly season is not yet in full swing, but I would have faith that this product would work in warmer conditions when the flies start to come out even more.

The gel did exactly what it said on the tin; it soothed the skins while protecting the problem areas susceptible to bites. The manufacturer suggested putting the gel on a cloth but the solution felt safe enough to apply directly from my hand onto the animal.

The only gripe I had with the product was that the spray top wasn’t very effective and I struggled to make the liquid come out of the hole in a wide spray motion; it would shoot out in a harsh, single shot which Yogi did not appreciate and would make the product hard to get onto all the areas of his body. I therefore opted to spray the solution onto my hand and wipe it on his body. This still offered good coverage and results but it would have been preferable to have a fine spray effect for ease of use.

The cost of a 500ml bottle of spray was £19.99, and the cost of the gel was also £19.99. Biteback do offer bundles at times, which would be a cost effective way of sourcing both products. I thought this was a well-priced product as it does seem like it will last a considerable amount of time.

Verdict

A high quality, affordable fly spray which is an ideal product if you are looking for a natural solution without harsh chemicals. The spray top was not very efficient so this could be something for the manufactures to look at.

Who tested this flyspray?

Alex Robinson joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor and features assistant. She graduated from University of Leeds in 2016 and has freelanced for specialist equestrian magazines, including The Native Pony Magazine and has contributed to the National Pony Society annual journal for the past few years.

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the show scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Olympia and has extensive knowledge of current issues in the showing world and the horses, ponies and riders who compete. She has a rare insight into the sector that comes with riding amongst the best at top level. She has produced a variety of rides to the highest level and has a passion for bringing on youngsters through the ranks. She has several ponies, mainly natives of all types, on the yard and rides most days each week before work.

At H&H Alex is responsible for the all aspects of showing coverage and is continuing to cement its place as the leading publication for both reports and current showing news. When not writing, she will be found competing her own ponies on the county show circuit.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Premier Equine Combo Mesh Air Fly Rug

I was excited to try this Premier Equine fly rug, as while being very familiar with many Premier Equine products, I hadn’t tried their rugs previously. It came in a very sturdy reusable bag which will definitely come in handy for storage when it’s not in use.

This fly rug is described as ideal for warm summer months, and is made from durable and lightweight sports mesh fabric. It definitely feels nice and lightweight and I suspect my horses won’t get too hot in it. It also offers UVA protection and is approximately 70% UV reflective which is an added bonus, plus the lining is antibacterial and anti-static. The rug is also machine washable at 30°C and comes in three colours, wine, green or blue.

I liked the quick-release chest clip – these are my favoured fastenings for rugs. They come with two fastening options, however the straps themselves are not adjustable – similar to the DefenceX rugs I’ve tested.

The rug also features a high shoulder guest, longer integrated neck cover with double-locking straps, cross surcingles, and a “supersize” tail flap.

I have heard Premier Equine rugs tend to be on the larger side, and I did find this to be the case. The 6ft3in rug that I tried was too big for my 15.2hh mare and she would definitely need to take a size down, but it did fit my 16hh mare – who fits 6ft3in nicely in brands such as Shires and Horseware – much better, although it was still a little baggy at the hind quarters. With this being the case I’ll be keeping my eye out for it slipping.

Verdict

H&H Approved – This rug sits on the higher price bracket for a fly rug at £93, but it’s good quality and I believe will serve a number of summers. It has sturdy buckles and surcingles, and offers plenty of features. I particularly liked the light and airy material, and how soft this is compared to some other fly rugs. My mare did not get too warm during the hot spells, but I did note it slipped slightly when she enjoyed a roll.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

Who tested this fly rug?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

You might also be interested in:

Weatherbeeta ComFiTec 600D/Mesh II Combo Neck fly rug *H&H Approved*

£129.99

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Mesh II Combo review

£69.99

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Swish Waterproof Fly Rug

My first impressions of the Swish Fly Turnout Combination rug were very good – it certainly stands out with its vibrant orange waterproof panel along the back and when taking it out of the reusable bag, I noted it felt sturdy and well made.

I haven’t previously used any Swish products so I was very interested to try this. One of the first positives to report is the waterproof panel is 1200D ripstop fabric, which will be very beneficial in during summer rain spells – and it is worth noting this is double the 600D that the DefenceX System Airflow detachable fly rug offers.

I like that this waterproof fly rug comes with a detachable neck cover, which is included in the £89.99 price. The neck cover features double-locking Velcro fastenings that I felt really provided extra security – it doesn’t feel like it would easily come open.

Both my horses, a 15.2hh Connemara x ISH and a 16hh Connemara x ISH, take a 6ft3in rug in different brands. Interestingly this 6ft3in Swish waterproof fly rug was slightly on the large side in the body for my 15.2hh mare – who normally takes a 6ft3 in Amigo – but was also a little bit narrow at the chest, so I’ll be checking to make sure this doesn’t rub with continued use. It fit my bigger horse – who fits a 6ft3in Weatherbeeta nicely – very well in the body, but was too tight on the chest. Overall I would say this is suited to narrower types in front.

The rug offers lots of other features including a large tail flap, a fleece-lined wither pad for comfort, a plastic-covered fillet string, detachable leg straps and the bottom half of the rug is made from a breathable nylon aimed at keeping your horse cool. This rug also has safety reflective strips on the front, side and tail flap which is a feature I haven’t seen in many fly rugs previously, so this is a nice added touch.

Verdict

H&H Approved – I really like this rug and how sturdy it is, especially for more boisterous horses who put their rugs through their paces. This rug has been a welcome addition to my mare’s summer wardrobe and the detachable neck I found very useful. The rug has lots of extra features, which you usually find on more expensive brands such as Weatherbeeta or Premier Equine, so for me this rug is reasonably priced for how many benefits it offers. It is worth noting that it is neat at the front, however it did not rub my 15.2hh mare, who is quite narrow chested.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Who tested this fly rug?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

You might also be interested in:

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

Why do some horses wear rugs in summer? H&H explains

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

DefenceX waterproof fly rug

My first impressions of the DefenceX waterproof fly rug were very positive. The rug, which is silver with a navy and red trim, feels and looks like good quality, and it is nice and light to put on. It costs £79.99, which sits in the mid-range price tag of this rug category.

The 6ft3in size fit my 15.2hh Connemara x Irish sports horse mare well, which I was pleased to see as I found the 6ft3in StormX fly rug was a bit on the small side in length. It’s worth noting my horse is quite petite in the chest and I think chunkier breeds would find this DefenceX fly rug a little neat and could have to go up a size.

This waterproof rug claims to be ideal for the warmer weather offering protection from flies and light rain. It features a 600D top section and mesh lower section that promotes airflow. The rug feels well made and I’m confident will serve my horse well during summer showers.

Other features include a detachable neck cover which make this rug very versatile and I would be happy using it as a lightweight summer sheet. The neck cover is a generous size and appears to stay put while my horse grazes. I like that it comes with clip-fastenings instead of velcro for joining it to the rug, which makes it very speedy to put on and remove – while the front of the neck cover features two velcro fastenings.

The rug comes with deep shoulder guests, adjustable cross surcingles and a fillet string, as well as lovely padding at the withers for added comfort.

The biggest downside I found with this waterproof fly rug is the chest fastenings. These clip fastenings offer three D-ring options, however the straps themselves cannot be altered so on my horse they sit very loose, which leaves room for them to catch on something. This is a point I noted in the DefenceX System 200 turnout review, too. I would love to see this brand alter this design in the future but otherwise I think this range has a lot to offer. With that said, for a horse with a wider chest these straps may fit better.

Verdict

H&H Approved – I was very impressed with this rug and especially how well it fit my 15.2hh mare, who can be tricky to find good-fitting fly rugs for. I really liked that it had padding at the withers, which I haven’t found in many fly rugs previously, and the removable neck and clip fastenings are a real bonus for me. I think this rug is good price, but I still feel the non-adjustable straps on the front let it down slightly.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk 

Who tested this fly rug?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

You might also be interested in:

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

DefenceX System 200 turnout with detachable neck review

£104.99

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Weatherbeeta ComFiTec 600D/Mesh II Combo Neck fly rug

My first impressions of the Weatherbeeta waterproof fly rug were very positive and having now used the rug for a full summer season, I’m still a fan. It is quite lightweight, but has proven to be hard wearing with good quality fastenings that are to the task. The material is very soft and pliable from first wear and the rug contours well around the horse’s body. It also has some clever design features, including a memory foam pad that sits either side of the withers to reduce pressure on this sensitive area, which is a new design addition that was not included in the previous version of this rug (Weatherbeeta ComFiTec 600D/Mesh Combo).

This is a full-neck fly rug with waterproof panel across the back and top of the neck to protect against the light rain showers during spring, summer and autumn, which makes it a useful addition to any horse owner’s equine wardrobe in Britain. However, it is also suitable for use as a standard fly rug on dry days. My horse has not shown any signs of sweating while wearing this rug on warmer dry spring days, and it has kept his back and neck dry when it has rained.

The front of the rug has a combination of clip and Velcro fastenings. The clips are easy to use and feel robust. The neck has two wide webbing straps that pass through metal fasteners before attaching back on themselves with Velcro. Each strap is shaped at the end, which makes them easier to pass through the metal fastener.

The rug has a “traditional side gusset” on the shoulder to allow the horse to move around without restriction in the field and the shoulders are lined to “help prevent rubbing or stretching”. The rug has retained its shape over time and has not rubbed my horse’s shoulders. The sides of the rug are sufficiently deep to wrap around the horse’s belly area, while the surcingles run under the belly parallel to each other, instead of following the more common cross pattern. There are webbing loops attached to the rug that the adjustable surcingles pass through to encourage the material to shape itself around the horse’s ribcage and offer fly protection to the belly area. This is a change in design compared to the previous version of this rug, which had a separate elasticated and adjustable belly wrap, and I believe it is a significant improvement.

The rear of the rug has a generously sized tail flap and detachable rear leg straps that are elasticated at one end to help keep the rug in place. Personally I prefer a single fillet string to secure the back of the rug, unless the weather is very windy. I have tested this rug both with the rear leg straps as supplied, and a single fillet string, and it has not slipped during use. The rear leg straps are adjustable and the clips are robust and easy to use.

I tested the 6ft6in rug on my 16.2 Irish Sport Horse and I feel the sizing of the rug is pretty true. He appears very happy to move around in the field wearing the rug, which was good to see. The rug showed no signs of wear after use throughout spring, summer and autumn. I’ve also not had any issues with static when removing the rug, which can occur with some fly rugs.

Verdict

H&H Approved: While not the cheapest on the market, this is a good quality fly rug that offers protection from both flies and damp weather. I would recommend it.

Who tested this waterproof fly rug?

Carol Phillips is Horse & Hound’s website editor, who has ridden since childhood. She has an Irish Sport Horse who has put this rug to the test.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Bucas Freedom Fly Rug

My first impression of this Bucas Freedom fly rug was that it appeared to be a good quality soft material, which draped nicely around my horse’s body. I tend to think of Bucas rugs as being top of the range, so while this rug had some of the quality elements I would expect from this brand, including Bucas’s clever double Velcro fastening and T-bar clip at the front, there were other aspects that surprised me.

The rug fitted my Irish sport horse well in the body, but the neck is on the short side for him, leaving a significant gap between the rug and his fly mask when grazing. The neck cover only has two fastenings, but this is sufficient.

The cross surcingles are robust and work well to keep the rug in position, but the rug doesn’t offer any belly protection.

The Bucas Freedom fly rug came with removable rear leg straps, but the clip fastenings were plastic, rather than metal, which surprised me. That said they are solid and do feel up to the task. The leg straps themselves are made of robust webbing and not as flexible as others that I’ve tested, such as the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec waterproof fly rug, although they have not rubbed my horse.

The fit of the rug around my horse’s hind quarters is good, and the tail flap is of a good size. I have noticed that the rug does have a tendency to suffer from static when being removed at times.

After around a month of frequent use, the rug has not rubbed and has remained in place when used both with rear leg straps and with just a single fillet string, providing a good level of protection from flies. However, the rug has suffered a tear on top of the hindquarters. It’s unclear whether this was caused by my horse catching the material on something while rolling or if it was caused by his turnout buddy playing in the field, but either way the material has appears to have less tear resistance than the Swish Nylon Fly Cool Rug that we are also testing.

The rug is available in a good range of sizes – from a dinky 3ft6in to 7ft – and three colours (silver, blue or pink).

Verdict

A quality fly rug that is ideally suited to horses with a shorter neck that do not need belly protection and are not hard on their rugs.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or rideawaystore.com

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Who tested this fly rug?

Carol Phillips is Horse & Hound’s website editor, who has ridden since childhood. She has a seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse who has put this rug to the test.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec fly mask

This fly mask from WeatherBeeta is available with a variety of ear and nose combinations, which allows you to find the perfect option for your horse.

The mesh is very fine and much smaller-holed than the WeatherBeeta Lycra fly mask. While the ears are made of a soft material to prevent rubbing, the remainder of the mask (aside from the ears and eye mesh) is made of a tougher material that I think will be more resistant to damage if it’s caught on a branch, for example.

The poll is elasticated – more so than the Hy Half Mesh Mask, which is of similar design – and this aids the fit. There is soft padding around the brow, too, which prevents rubbing. It also has a forelock hole, which I think is a real bonus. It doesn’t quite sit closed on top of the forelock, however, if you don’t use it.

The Velcro fastenings are strong without being difficult to detach, and they have small tabs on the end to make removal easier. These are a small detail, but I really like them – especially if the mask fits so that the whole of the Velcro is attached.

As soon as I put the mask on, Utah unsuccessfully attempted to remove it. This is the only mask in this style that he hasn’t yet removed at least once.

My friend’s mare continued to test this mask to see how it lasted over the summer. You can see here that the nose is a great length – it covers just enough without dragging on the ground. The ears are too large for both horses but this is preferable to them being too small.

The mask is priced in the mid-high end of the market, but it’s well designed and if it lasts – and it looks like it will – I think it’s good value.

Verdict

H&H Approved – This WeatherBeeta ComFiTec fly mask fits well and has a few handy details that put it a step ahead of many of the other fly masks we’ve tested. And it hasn’t come off once. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants their horse’s forelock to be out.

Who tested this fly mask?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who usually lives out 24/7. He is well known for putting a lot of effort into removing fly masks as well as putting his head in places he shouldn’t, which makes him a perfect candidate for testing.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also be interested in:

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Equilibrium fly mask

The Equilibrium fly mask came in a handy clear packet with a zip that can be used for storage. I tested the version with ears, but it’s also available without ears if you prefer.

I liked the fact it included a page of instructions for fitting the mask, including familiarising the horse with it as I can understand that a horse who had not worn a mask before might be frightened by one suddenly being put on.

Our horse, Alfie, has worn a similar mask to this for many years so we were able to pop it on easily without lengthy familiarisation.

The mask is made of black gauze, with orange trim (there is also a grey option with yellow trim available). There is a hole for the horse’s forelock. It fastens at the back of the throat with a hook and loop strap and the part that goes over the poll is also an openable strap, which isn’t a feature of any other fly masks we’ve tried. As Alfie isn’t worried about having a mask put on, opening this is unnecessary and we left it shut after the first time, but it does open up options for a horse who is more nervous.

The mask feels lightweight and fitted well when we tried it on. There are thick strips of padding across the forehead and nose, which should make the mask comfortable and also serve to hold the mask well away from the horse’s eyes. Alfie, a 15.1hh Connemara, tried a medium size.

Alfie seemed comfortable wearing it and carried on as normal in his field, including lying down.

We found two downsides within a week of starting to use it. The first was that Alfie got one of his ears out of it twice.

The second downside was that on the fifth day of use, we noticed a hole had developed on the cheek.

This fly mask does, however, have 70+% UV protection, which is certainly a positive and about average of the brands that declare their rating.

After eight weeks use, there is a larger hole in the mask on the cheek. The other negative is that the velcro over the poll has rubbed Alfie’s mane a bit, which isn’t much of a problem as he has a thick mane and we cut a bridle path, but it might be more of an issue on a horse with a thinner mane. On the upside, the mask has washed well and the ear escaping has proved to be an infrequent problem.

Verdict

This is a lightweight mask which fits and washes well and the horse seems comfortable wearing it. It is not the most hard-wearing as a hole developed on the cheek after only a few days’ use and a larger hole was evident after eight weeks of wear, plus it did rub the horse’s mane slightly over the poll.

In the UK? View now at equilibriumproducts.com, amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Who tested this fly mask?

Pippa Roome is Horse & Hound’s magazine editor and eventing editor. She has worked for the brand since 2003. Pippa shares a Connemara, Alfie, with her mother and takes part in grassroots eventing, while Alfie also does dressage with her mother. Alfie lives out full-time, with access to a stable which he can go in or not as he chooses.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also be interested in:

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

Premier Equine Comfort Tech Lycra fly mask *H&H Approved*

£15

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Mesh II Combo

I was looking forward to trying the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Mesh II Combo fly rug as it’s a brand I associate with good quality. The rug costs £69.99 which feels like a reasonable price for WeatherBeeta as it usually tends to sit on the higher price range scale, but there are certainly more expensive fly rugs from other brands on the market right now.

The mesh material is very soft and claims to be breathable but while the rug is very light to put on, I will be looking out to see if my horse becomes warm wearing it on a hot sunny day. It also has 210T nylon lining at the shoulders, mane and tail, however this does make the rug quite noisy and gave the impression it was rubbing.

The 6ft3in was too big for my 15.2hh Connemara x ISH, but fit my 16hh Connemara x ISH well on the body (they both measure for 6ft3in) and I liked the large tail flap. The biggest down point was the neck cover was huge and seemed quite out of proportion. As it is attached it cannot be removed, and I think it could irritate my mare when she grazes owing to coming over her ears when fully stretched out.

In terms of other features, the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec fly rug has adjustable leg straps, cross surcingles, and twin buckle fastenings at the front. The rug also promises a 65%+ UV block so this rug would be great for horses that need UV protection. A real bonus is the rug is machine washable and feels lightweight enough that I’d be happy to put it in my washing machine at home.

My horse is pictured in the white fly rug with maroon trim, and this also comes with a blue or purple trim. For those who like to have fun with patterns and stand out from the crowd, the rug comes in very fun bee and giraffe prints. The bee print also extends to a Weatherbeeta hay bag, fly mask, travel boots, and cooler for those who are fans of matching products. There is also a similar fly rug but with a waterproof topline – the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential 600D/Mesh II Combo.

Verdict

This is a good quality rug and the price is reasonable, especially given the super extra features – and that you can buy matching items. However, the overly large neck cover let it down for me and I found that it irritated my mare when she was grazing. Downsizing would leave the body too small for my 16.2hh Connemara x ISH, so unfortunately although I really rate Weatherbeeta, this rug was not a great fit for my horse.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, naylors.com, equus.co.uk or sportsdirect.com

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Who tested this fly rug?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

You might also be interested in:

Weatherbeeta ComFiTec 600D/Mesh II Combo Neck fly rug *H&H Approved*

£129.99

Hy StormX Original Zebra Fly Rug review

£44.99

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Plus Dynamic II Standard Neck Lite

£124.99

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Hy StormX Original Zebra Fly Rug

My first thought when I saw the StormX Original Zebra fly rug was I certainly wouldn’t have trouble spotting my horse in the field. The bold print really stands out and I couldn’t help but smile as there’s an element of fun to it. But this fly rug offers a lot more than just a bit of fun, owing to the fact zebra print has been scientifically proven to confuse flies.

One of the most recent studies published in 2019 looked at zebras and horses to understand how stripes manipulate the behaviour of biting flies as they attempt to land. While researchers found flies were just as attracted to the zebras as the horses suggesting the stripes did not deter flies from a distance, when they got close to the zebras it was noted they tended to fly past them – indicating the stripes disrupted the flies’ abilities to land.

I have never tried a zebra-print rug before so based on the science I am really looking forward to finding out how well these rugs work – especially on horse flies and the notorious Scottish midges.

The rug itself is made from a breathable mesh and feels nice and lightweight. The manufacturer claims the fabric prevents overheating, which is a real positive as overheating is a concern of mine when rugging in during the spring and summer months, so I’ll be keeping a close eye on how my horse feels with it on. I am curious how durable the mesh will be as it does feel like some over-rigorous grooming with my other horse could potentially cause tears.

My 15.2hh Connemara x Irish Sports Horse mare measures for a 6ft3in, but I found the length of this rug came up a little on the short side.

The non-detachable neck cover has three Velcro fastenings, which were great for a secure fit, however, unfortunately the minute my horse put her head down to graze the neck cover slipped back and looked quite tight and uncomfortable. I will be keeping an eye out to see if this eventually becomes a problem or causes any rubbing.

Other features on the rug include buckle fastenings, which are a little on the clunky side, at the front. It also comes with a fillet string, cross surcingles and shoulder gusset.

Verdict

Unfortunately I found this rug to rub my horse’s mane with continued use, and as it came up short on length, I didn’t feel she was getting the full benefits of a fly rug so it was tricky to really assess how much the zebra print played. This rug is reasonably priced, so I think with a better fit, it is a good product – but as my mare managed to get a small tear in it quite early on, I don’t think it is a product you would get lots of summers out of.

Who tested this fly rug?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

You might also be interested in:

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

Swish Nylon Fly Cool Rug *H&H Approved*

£79.99

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Premier Equine Comfort Tech Lycra fly mask

The Premier Equine Lycra fly mask was the first of this style I’ve tried on my horse, Utah – he’s known for rolling his hay box around the field and putting his head through fences that he shouldn’t do, so I always thought they wouldn’t be tough enough. However, of the fly masks I’ve been testing recently, this one is my favourite – and I’m sure Utah likes it, too, because he’s not put as much effort into removing this one as he has others.

After I bit of fiddling and adjusting the first time putting it on, I found it to be quick and easy. Utah isn’t fussy at all round his head but as it has no fastenings you should be able to slip it on quite quickly if your horse is. No fastenings means it’s not adjustable, but as the mask is Lycra and naturally close fitting this is no problem. It’s most similar to the WeatherBeeta Deluxe Stretch Bug Eye Saver – the main difference is that the WeatherBeeta mask fastens with a zip under the chin.

When I put it on, I immediately noticed how much room he had around the eye – and I was really quite impressed. While some fly masks tend to sit just away from the head, this one stood away from his face and really gave him space. The mesh holes are larger than the other style of fly mask, which I found had a finer mesh in general. The holes are exactly the same size as the WeatherBeeta Lycra mask. I would say this is plenty large enough to keep out all flies – it might only be a problem for you if you’re in an area with the really tiny midges.

Utah has quite a large head considering he’s only 13.2hh, so I tried a medium size. This seemed to fit well – the Lycra was stretchy and I think I could have squeezed him into a smaller size if I wanted to, but this seemed comfortable. It has a forelock hole, which is great news if your horse’s forelock is anything like Utah’s. The ears were a bit long for him, but I expect most horses wearing a cob-sized mask will have larger ears than him.

The mask is lightweight, but tougher than I expected – similar in thickness to a standard single-layer swimsuit. The seams inside are flatlock and haven’t rubbed him – he’s got quite a thick coat and isn’t very sensitive, but I would feel confident using this on a more sensitive horse. It also offers 70% UV protection (on the Lycra parts), which is about average for brands that declare the UV protection.

Another real benefit of a Lycra-style fly mask is that it fits on nicely under a grazing muzzle or turnout headcollar.

The Premier Equine Lycra fly mask is available in six colours – green, blue, navy, red, grey or wine. I loved the light blue as it really suited him and was easy to find in my box of turnout rugs and bits I keep in his field. It has washed well, especially considering how filthy it was – and it dried quickly.

Considering that Utah rolls his hay box from one side of the field to the other every day, I am pleased to say that this fly mask has remained in tact throughout the test. He also hasn’t managed to get it off once – this is probably a combination of him feeling comfortable and it being tricky to remove as I can tell he’s been rolling around in it.

When you compare this fly mask to the similar WeatherBeeta fly mask, the WeatherBeeta offers more UV protection but has a higher price point. If the UV rating isn’t so important to you or you don’t think the zip will be advantageous then it’s not worth the extra money for you. They also has different hems – the WeatherBeeta has an overlock hem, while the Premier Equine one has a double-rolled hem.

Premier Equine products usually tend to have a higher price point compared to many other brands, but this particular fly mask was one of the cheapest we tested – so I’d say this is great value for money.

Verdict

H&H Approved – This has become my go-to fly mask and Utah will be wearing it for the rest of the summer. I’d recommend this to anyone who struggles to keep a fly mask on.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

Who tested this fly mask?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who usually lives out 24/7. He is well known for putting a lot of effort into removing fly masks as well as putting his head in places he shouldn’t, which makes him a perfect candidate for testing.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also be interested in:

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Swish Nylon Fly Cool Rug

My first impressions of this Swish fly rug was that it was very lightweight and there are a number of useful design features that made it look like it would be a really useful addition to my horse’s wardrobe. The material looked like it would be quite robust and the cut of the 6ft6in version was on the generous side. If you have a lightweight horse, then you might want to downside by 3in on their typical rug size.

The neck cover was longer than on other fly rugs I’ve tried, which meant it provided good cover all the way down the neck even when my horse was grazing. The neck cover has three fastenings, each of which are double Velcro and the outer strap has a useful webbing tab to make it easier to grab. The neck cover is removable, and is attached to the rug by two wide double Velcro fastenings, providing extra versatility.

The front of the rug also has a double Velcro fastening, which I’ve only previously seen on more expensive brands, plus a pair of chunky but easy-to-open spring clips. There is a choice of two D ring positions to attach the clips to, giving some adjustability to the front of the rug, that would otherwise be missing. The rug has a faux fur wither pad and both the top of the neck and the shoulders are lined to reduce any chance of rubbing.

The rug has good depth, with a shoulder gusset on the side to enable free movement, and cross surcingles, which encourage the rug to wrap under the belly to offer some additional protection to this area. The cross surcingle clips are fitted with rubber bands to help stop them from accidentally coming undone. The tail flag is also generously sized, with an elasticated strap to pass the tail through and a webbing fillet string to help keep the rug in place. This rug is not fitted with rear leg straps.

On first wear, the rug was a little stiff. I’m hoping that the material will become more pliable with use so it will start to hang closer to my horse’s coat.

*Update one* We are about 10 days on from my first look review and I can confirm that the rug has become a little more pliable with wear, but it still doesn’t hang as softly around my horse as the Weatherbeeta and Bucas fly rugs do.

However, the rug has now got a few nicks in the material which I’m monitoring to see whether they extend into larger gaps/rips. Currently the ripstop nature of the material appears to be resisting it developing into a larger hole.

*Update two* We are a couple of months on and this rug continues to perform really well. It is ideal to wear on hot days as it is very breathable and the small nicks in the fabric have not got any worse so no repair has been needed.

Verdict

A good quality really lightweight fly rug that is ideally suited to horses with a deep girth and a good length of neck to wear on hot UK days.

Who tested this waterproof fly rug?

Carol Phillips is Horse & Hound’s website editor, who has ridden since childhood. She has a seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse who has put this rug to the test.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

They are born with a perfectly adequate coat, so why do horses wear rugs in summer? There’s no nicer sight than a glossy horse grazing in a green meadow in the sunshine, but the reality is rather different. Sun-bleached coats, fly and midge bites, inclement thunderstorms and even sunburn are all summer irritations that send owners reaching for the rug rack.

Why do horses wear rugs in summer? Flies…

Fly rugs have become a staple in many horses’ wardrobes for the summer months. A fly rug is made of a fine mesh fabric that will help protect the horse from tiresome fly and midge bites, without making him too hot on a summer day. Flies and other insects can turn a beautiful summer day into a nightmare for your horse in the field. Some horses are so distressed by the bites that they kick out and run around rather than settling to graze.

Bites can cause allergic reactions, bumps and rashes. In some countries there are also potentially fatal mosquito-borne diseases which can be passed from horse to horse, although thankfully this is not currently the case in the UK. Flies and other biting insects are more prevalent in certain areas and fields, while some horses seem to attract flies more than others, which may affect your rug choice, or whether you use one at all.

If your horse is particularly bothered by flies, you can buy a rug that fully covers the horse’s body, including protecting the neck and belly – where flies often bite. In addition, a fly mask is a popular option for those horses who are especially irritated by flies on their face, as is fly spray and fly gel repellents.

Sweet-itch rugs are a type of fly rug designed for maximum protection for horses that are prone to this condition, including full body coverage and an extra-fine mesh to help prevent midges from biting. They are a preventative measure and do not treat the horse or cure the condition.

There is a wide variety of options of all types of fly rug on the market nowadays – including waterproof fly rugs to cope with sudden summer rain. Sun protection rugs effectively do the same job as a fly rug, with the added bonus of blocking out harmful UV rays, which can bleach the coat. Pink-skinned horses are more prone to sunburn than dark-skinned ones, so they are an obvious candidate for UV protection. These horses will also benefit from a high-SPF suncream on exposed pink skin, such as muzzles.

Rain on a summer’s day

British summers don’t always play ball and downpours are common whatever the season. Some owners use lightweight turnouts or rain sheets on cooler, damp days during the summer months simply so they can ensure a dry horse to ride after work. Older horses and poor-doers may find the waterproof protection helps them maintain weight. Or owners may want to keep the mud off a grey or coloured horse ahead of a show.

Lightweight turnouts typically have 50-150g of insulation, but you can also buy no-fill (0g) rain sheets, which are more suitable when it’s warm.

Another useful rug in the wardrobe for any season, including summer, is a cooler. Their main purpose is to help the horse to cool gradually after exercise, and can be useful after exercise on a colder summer day or early mornings and late evenings if the horse has sweated up through exertion or travelling.

Cooler rugs should be breathable and with wicking properties to help the sweat disperse. They come in a variety of thicknesses, with the thinner ones being more suitable for the warmer months.

Finally, a summer sheet is handy for the stable, to keep the dust and stable stains off before a show. They also to prevent a fine-skinned horse from getting chilled on colder nights in late spring or early autumn, without leaving him liable to overheat.

It is easy to make a judgement from afar when you look into a summery paddock and wonder why horses are wearing rugs on a summer’s day. However there is no hard and fast rule on whether horses should wear rugs or not, it depends on each individual’s needs.

You may also be interested to read…

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

A pick of the best lightweight turnouts for changeable weather

A challenge to fair-weather riders: relish the rain (and stay dry)

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

When your rhino is suffering with eye allergies and irritation caused by flies, there’s only one way to go.

Or there was for Utah’s Hogle Zoo in the US, where Princess, who is now 42, was struggling with all sorts of eye issues. Zoo staff and vets tried a range of different eye washes and ointments but no to effect, until Princess’s main caretaker and trainer Lisa Ellison, with zookeeper Melissa Farr and rhino and elephant care manager Lauren LeCoque, who has an equestrian background, came up with the idea of a horse fly mask.

“Believe it or not, a lot of elephant and rhino keepers have a ton of horse experience since both those species are managed very similarly,” Lauren told H&H. “They are hind-gut fermenters, can colic, get foot issues like thrush and so on.

“We do footwork on the elephants just like a farrier does with a horse — rasping and hoof knives.

“So the thought of using a fly mask was pretty instinctual and within our repertoire of knowledge. We contacted a local horse company in Salt Lake City, which eventually got us in touch with Horseware.”

A Horseware spokesman told H&H the company’s product designer Louisa Williams rose to the occasion.

“She worked closely with Hogle Zoo and the Horseware R&D team, using their equine knowledge and research to design something protective and comfortable for Princess,” the spokesman said. “One of the unique obstacles was creating a pattern that was robust while still preventing rubbing against the rhino’s horns.

“Louisa worked directly with former Horseware employee Alyssa O’Neill on the pattern and design to produce the final fly mask and sent it to the zoo for the final test. After some positive reinforcement training with her zookeepers, Princess happily wears the protective fly mask which has drastically helped with her allergies. She’s worn the mask for three seasons, so this year Horseware upgraded her to new masks so she could continue to have a happy and healthy summer life.”

Lauren said after Princess had been gradually accustomed to wearing the masks, four of which were initially donated by Horseware, her severe symptoms to almost nothing, or nothing at all. She only has to wear it from midsummer to autumn, from her breakfast time to sunset.

“We love that the company, unprompted, made the mask with a pink trim; it’s so adorable and very fitting!” she said. “We were unsure how her half-brother George was going to react to the mask but surprisingly he was unfazed by her wearing it.”

Princess, who was born at the San Diego Zoo and moved to Hogle when she was very young with George, is “a little bossy because she normally wants all the food and all the attention”.

“Otherwise, she is extremely food-motivated and easy to train with,” she said. “Now that she is in her geriatric years, she enjoys a cool bath in the mornings and sunbathing during the daytime.”

A zoo spokesman added: “Thank you so much to Horseware for their donation and for helping Princess to be a comfortable, happy girl!”

You might also be interested in:

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

Earning their stripes: zebras’ coats deter horseflies, study finds

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Guard against sore, scratched or sun-damaged eyes this summer, with advice from Ria Chalder MRCVS

Summer can play havoc with a horse’s eyes, with flies, UV light, pollen and dry vegetation all posing potential risks.

Houseflies (the small, black pest termed Musca domestica) are attracted to the tears produced by a horse’s eyes and can often be seen swarming around the face. As they feed and breed on sewage, animal dung and other waste products, they can transfer bacteria on to the eyes and cause an infection called bacterial conjunctivitis.

Often referred to as “fly eye”, bacterial conjunctivitis can make the eyes weepy and red – often with a greeny-yellow discharge. The condition is not particularly painful. A mild bout can usually be managed by bathing the eyes twice daily with cotton wool pads soaked in sterile saline, or salty water that has been boiled and left to cool. The eyes should then be covered with a good-quality fly mask to prevent re-infection.

If this fails to improve symptoms within a day or two, call your vet. Any sign that your horse is squinting, or that one or both eyes seem painful, should be treated as a veterinary emergency.

Never buy over-the-counter eye drops for humans to treat your horse if you suspect that he has bacterial conjunctivitis. Using antibiotic drops without veterinary supervision increases the likelihood of resistant “superbugs” developing, which can make treatment of subsequent, more serious infections difficult. It also complicates matters if the infection fails to resolve and diagnostic tests are required.

A correctly fitting mask that completely covers the eyes, in combination with a strong insect repellent, will go a long way to preventing bacterial conjunctivitis. Homemade fly repellents are rarely effective. Instead, try one containing at least 2% permethrin, or a synthetic pyrethroid such as cypermethrin.

Light relief

In humans, long-term exposure to excessive amounts of UV light from the sun has been linked to damage to the retina, at the back of the eye, and the formation of cataracts. These abnormalities tend to develop after decades; since horses have a shorter lifespan, UV-induced damage inside the eye is less of a concern.

Even so, these invisible rays have a lot to answer for when it comes to equine eye problems.

UV light is partly responsible for a type of cancer called ocular squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Tumours can develop in several locations on or around the eye, including the skin, the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids (the conjunctiva), the third eyelid and the clear cornea at the front.

The tumours are usually pink, raised nodules with a rough appearance and tend to cause a thick, whitish-yellow eye discharge. Fortunately, this type of tumour does not tend to spread internally, but it can invade important structures in the area.

Horses with pink skin around their eyes are at greater risk of developing ocular SCC, as are certain breeds including Belgian Draughts and Haflingers. If your vet suspects that your horse has an ocular SCC, it may be necessary to take a sample of the tissue, known as a biopsy, which can be sent for analysis to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment options depend on the location and/or size of the tumour. Removal of the tumour is recommended, in combination with an additional treatment such as chemotherapy (in the form of creams and injectables), radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy or freezing (cryotherapy).

Tumours can recur, however, after treatment. Researchers in America found that the only factor associated with a decreased risk of ocular SCC recurrence was the use of a fly mask with 90% or more UV light protection.

Although not proven, UV light also appears to trigger flare-ups of equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) – a condition that causes recurrent bouts of painful inflammation inside the eye and is the leading cause of blindness. While ERU is still poorly understood, owners of affected horses will testify that the sun and wind are major contributing factors to an episode of this devastating disease.

Again, it is advisable to use a fly mask that also blocks harmful UV rays. Sun visors are now available for use while the horse is being ridden, offering 100% UV protection.

Itch and scratch

Warmer, drier weather will also see an increase in the occurrence of corneal ulcers, the term for scratches on the surface of the eye. As trees and bushes become dry and spiky, a horse’s prominently positioned eyes are vulnerable to scratches as he grazes.

The problem is usually obvious, as the pain will cause your horse to squint and the eye to water. And the offending piece of twig or thorn may still be seen embedded in the surface of the eye.

A corneal ulcer requires immediate veterinary attention. Your vet will most likely stain the surface of the eye with a green dye called fluorescein to determine the size and depth of the ulcer. Prompt treatment, including pain relief and frequent application of antibiotic eye drops, is then essential to prevent sight-threatening infection.

Itchy eyes, also common during spring and summer, can be a sign of an allergic reaction such as allergic conjunctivitis. The eyes will tend to be puffy, the conjunctiva bright pink and the eyes slightly watery.

Treatment is similar to that of hay fever in humans: avoid the trigger. If your horse’s signs worsen when the pollen count is high, for example, try to keep him stabled during the day.

Although it may seem a relatively trivial disease, it is important to address allergic conjunctivitis with the help of your vet. A horse may try to rub his itchy eyes against sharp edges, potentially injuring himself. If they are so itchy that the horse is self-traumatising the eye area, your vet may administer strong anti-inflammatory medications to provide immediate relief.

While antihistamines are also commonly used to help relieve the clinical signs of allergies, their efficacy in horses is not well understood. They appear to work best as a preventative measure before the beginning of the allergy season, rather than once a horse is itchy. If he is affected this summer, it’s worth planning ahead next year.

Choosing and using protective fly masks

Fly fringes are relatively ineffective and do not provide any UV protection, so are best avoided. Instead, opt for a mesh fly mask that covers the eyes – this will not only keep bugs away, but will shield the eyes from sharp objects and foreign bodies while he grazes.

Invest in a quality mask with high UV protection properties, taking care to:

● Make sure it fits. Too loose and the mask will allow flies to crawl underneath it; too tight and it will chafe the skin. An ill-fitting mask may even rub the eyelashes or push them on to the surface of the eye, causing serious injury. A good design will feature several darts around the eye area, to ensure that

the mesh sits well clear. Additional features may include adjustable fastenings and soft padding at the brow and around the nose for comfort.

● Keep it clean. A dirty mask will shed dust into a horse’s eyes and

can make problems worse, so shake the mask out each time it is fitted and clean it regularly. A machine-washable version will make this easier.

● Check it frequently. Even if you are not riding your horse, take the mask off at least once a day to check his eyes and to ensure that he is not being rubbed.

Ref Horse & Hound; 11 June 2020

You may also be interested in…

Equine recurrent uveitis (moon blindness) in horses

All you need to know about the equine eye *H&H VIP*

Our new occasional series zooms in on the equine eye. Looking into this complex device can offer vital clues about

7 famous one-eyed horses who have excelled in their careers

Most older horses have eye problems — but owners are unaware

‘Owner recognition of disease is important as they are the persons responsible for presenting animals for veterinary care’

Tackling eye tumours: what are the latest treatment options? [H&H VIP]

Eye tumours and cysts are some of the most common equine ophthalmic problems. Philip Ivens MRCVS reveals how pioneering methods

Summer pasture is home to all manner of biting pests and parasites, as Karen Coumbe MRCVS explains...

Being outdoors at this time of year can mean battling an army of bugs and bacteria, seemingly intent on targeting the hacking or grazing horse.

Whether lurking in the long grass or flying above it, these pasture-borne pests can be more than just a nuisance – causing anything from mild discomfort to more serious ill health and even spreading disease. It pays to know the enemy and take preventative measures where possible.

The British summer produces the perfect conditions for flies, which generally benefit from a mild, wet winter, flourish around damp, woodland areas and fly in warm weather. They tend to breed in muddy, wet and unhygienic conditions, such as marshes, ditches and unkempt muck heaps.

Midges will only fly if the wind is less than four miles per hour, so a breezy hack, or a hilltop or coastal paddock would be perfect for the pony with sweet itch – a condition caused by an allergic reaction to midge bites. Other flies, including black, stable and horseflies, are also incriminated in allergic skin reactions.

In hotter, drier conditions, insects such as bees, wasps and hornets can irritate. There are stories every year of horses who have injured themselves in panic after an insect attack. Little can be done to prevent this, beyond good fencing to minimise injury risk and the sensible use of decent fly repellents, bug rugs and fly masks.

Hey, sucker

Reports suggest tick numbers may be increasing, possibly as a side effect of global warming. With climate change affecting the habitat, range and active period of tick species in the UK, along with greater international movement of domestic animals, including horses, there is increasing concern about tick-borne disease.

Ticks live in thick vegetation and attach to mammals, such as livestock, horses and dogs. They prefer areas with dense ground cover and shade, so heathland, bracken, tall grass and woodland all provide a suitable habitat. Since they avoid direct sunlight and low humidity, they thrive in springtime and a mild summer.

There are many species of tick in the UK, but Ixodes are the most numerous. Infection is more common in certain areas such as East Anglia, along the south coast and near the New Forest, so local knowledge is important. The presence of large numbers of potential hosts, particularly deer and sheep, will increase the number of ticks in an area.

Only the adult female tick sucks blood, and after a meal can measure more than 1cm in size – bigger than a coffee bean. Before feeding, ticks are smaller and harder to spot. They typically attach themselves to horses’ lower legs, heads (particularly the ears and nostrils) and areas of soft skin, including the inner thighs and under the elbows.

While infection is not thought to occur until ticks have been attached for 12 to 24 hours, they should be removed as soon as they are found. This can be difficult, however, because of their barbed mouthparts, so consult your vet rather than using a hot match, nail polish or some other home remedy. Although these methods might induce a tick to detach, they can stimulate further nasty secretions into the bite wound.

Avoid handling ticks with your bare hands, too. Any ticks found can be sent to Public Health England’s tick surveillance scheme for identification – again, ask your vet. Ticks can transmit serious disease, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and Louping ill in the UK, and piroplasmosis globally. Severe tick infestations can also cause skin irritations and even anaemia.

There is debate among vets and recent published research as to whether Lyme disease is overdiagnosed in horses. While blood tests reveal that many horses have been infected, very few show genuine signs of illness. So if a horse is tested and is positive with Lyme antibodies, this does not indicate that he actually has the disease – rather that he has been exposed to the infection at some stage.

Lyme disease can mimic many other illnesses and is difficult to confirm categorically, although more specific lab tests are now available. Clinical signs are vague and can include sore eyes, skin lumps, weight loss and occasionally neurological issues. The disease may be a cause of swollen joints, shifting lameness and lethargy, but there are many other explanations for such signs.

Certainly, a history of exposure to ticks increases the likelihood that Lyme disease may be present. An affected horse can be treated relatively easily with certain antibiotics but, unless the diagnosis is definitive, this may be neither beneficial nor appropriate.

Tick control includes use of insecticide repellents containing permethrin or cypermethrin, to discourage attacks and to protect the horse by irritating the tick and causing it to drop off before attachment. Products based on natural ingredients, such as botanical oils, may offer some protection for short periods.

Cutting back undergrowth and clipping or mowing pastures will make areas inhospitable for ticks and less attractive to deer and other mammals that may be carrying them.

Unseen dangers

The bacterial spores that can cause tetanus infection may be present in any soil or manure. Wherever horses graze, they have a high risk of contracting tetanus, especially if turned out in a field with additional hazards such as barbed wire. Every horse, young or old, retired or in full work, should be fully vaccinated against this frequently fatal disease.

Parasitic worms are another risk factor, but one that can be managed. An important step is to reduce the number of horses in any one paddock. Regular removal of droppings, while never a popular job, is nevertheless effective in reducing contamination of pasture by worm eggs and is far more effective than harrowing, which merely spreads the droppings around.

All the recent studies show that regular faecal worm egg counts are important in monitoring an individual horse’s worm burden. This provides a guide as to if or when treatment is needed, with the aim of minimising wormer use and reducing resistance to these important medicines.

Equine grass sickness (EGS) is a devastating condition that only affects horses with access to grass. Vets tend to see more cases at this time of year, especially among young horses and those turned out on new grazing.

The exact cause remains unknown, despite extensive research, although the condition is thought to be linked to a particular type of Clostridium bacteria picked up from the soil as horses graze. Reports suggest that risk increases with earthworks, such as holes dug for fence posts or even fresh molehills.

The disease is prevalent in certain areas, so local knowledge is useful before turning your horse out somewhere new. Supplementary feeding, with haylage on a daily basis and gradual turnout, may help, but there are no guaranteed preventative measures. Ask your vet, who will know about regional variations in EGS and other risks such as sycamore toxicity.

I have seen horses with nasty complications as a result of all sorts of incidents, from adder bites to Chinese lantern trauma. Yet despite the sometimes unusual and unpredictable hazards out there, the benefits of fresh air and exercise are many.

While there is evidence that horses come to more harm turned out in a field than they do out competing, this may be because there are more out grazing to be injured. All we can do is minimise risks – hacking with care, turning out horses in as safe an environment as possible and dealing swiftly and sensibly with any problems that occur.

Ref Horse & Hound; 28 May 2020

You may also be interested in…

Welcome to our group test of fly sprays. All of the sprays in this group test have been put through their paces by dressage rider Jamie Broom and his wife Georgi, who run a busy livery and training yard near Windsor. Find out what they thought below.

Official description: Nettex standard fly repellent

While the warmer weather means longer periods in the saddle and more daylight hours to spend with your equine friends, horses have to cope with the irritating arrival of flies and other pesky biting insects. So help this summer to be a more pleasant one for your horses and ponies, by using Nettex standard fly repellent. This Deet-based spray contains added moisturisers and conditioners to help reduce evaporation, therefore helping to provide longer-lasting repellency.

First impressions

The branding was simple compared to the others and the bottle was also uncomplicated in design.

Overview of performance

This proved really effective against the midges and other annoying flies, but not so much against the horseflies. It lasted about eight hours before I needed to reapply it, but it struggled to keep the flies at bay at dusk when the flies were at their worst.

Georgi’s likes and dislikes

I like that the bottle is simple and easy to use with a good spray, while the screw top means that I can easy top it up. I would have liked it to be more effective against the horseflies.

Verdict

It’s a good-to-go, quick and easy-to-use fly spray.

You might also like:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Welcome to our group test of fly sprays. All of the sprays in this group test have been put through their paces by dressage rider Jamie Broom and his wife Georgi, who run a busy livery and training yard near Windsor. Find out what they thought below.

Official description

Lincoln Fly Stoppa is a highly effective fly spray with Deet. It contains added tea tree oil for its skin conditioning and anti-bacterial properties.

First impressions

The labelling really caught my eye and the bottle fitted really well in my hand.

Overview of performance

Sadly the spray mechanism broke quite quickly. But when it was working I did find it fairly effective against the small flies and it went onto the horses’ coats nicely.

Georgi’s likes and dislikes

I like the simple design of the bottle, but the spray top could be more robust.

You might also like:

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Verdict

I think this will be a good addition to a horse owners’ tack room when they need that quick spritz just before they ride.

Welcome to our group test of fly sprays. All of the sprays in this group test have been put through their paces by dressage rider Jamie Broom and his wife Georgi, who run a busy livery and training yard near Windsor. Find out what they thought below.

Official description: Equine America Stinger fly spray

Equine America Stinger fly and insect repellent is an effective spray for the relief of flying and biting insects including midges. Each application is effective for up to seven hours, depending on the weather conditions. It is invisible on application and is safe for your horse and the environment. It is supplied in an easy to hold spray bottle.

First impressions

The bottle was very thin, so much so that you could smell the fly spray in your hand after picking it up. I did like the branding as it really caught my eye.

Overview of performance

This was not effective as some of the others tested, but it did keep most of the flies at bay for a few hours — I found I had to keep reapplying after a couple of hours. It was quite creamy, but did go onto the horses’ coats well.

Georgi’s likes and dislikes

The spray is easy enough to use, but the bottle is too thin and so not hard-wearing enough. It wasn’t really effective at repelling horse flies.

Verdict

It does work, but it’s quite expensive and I think that there are better fly sprays out there.

View now at equine-america.co.uk or amazon.co.uk

You might also like:

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

LeMieux Acoustic fly hood

Welcome to our independent group test of ear bonnets for horses. All of the ear bonnets in this group test have been put through their paces by former eventer turned para dressage rider Tamsin Addison. Find out what she thought below

Official description: LeMieux Acoustic fly hood

The LeMieux Acoustic fly hood helps to soften sound and improve performance. Sharp noises are absorbed by a layer of dense sound proof micro-foam with inner bamboo lining to ensure maximum comfort for increased concentration and relaxation.

View now at equus.co.uk

First impressions

The ears appeared very stiff, but I liked the navy colour and thought they looked professional and smart.

Overview of performance

This fly hood came into its own when we were at a three-star competition and, due to the weather conditions, the freestyle music was just played from one corner of the area. My horse was upset by moving from very quiet music in one corner to blasting music in the opposite diagonal corner. This fly hood was really good at muffling the sound and I think it really helped!

Tamsin’s likes and dislikes

I liked how well the fly hood fitted and how comfortable my horse seemed to be when wearing it. Although it looks bulky, it did the job really well.

Verdict

*BEST IN TEST* Don’t be put off by how thick the ears look as they fit well and are really effective.

View now at equus.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

Acoustic ear bonnets and fly veils to help spooky horses

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Welcome to our independent group test of ear bonnets for horses. All of the ear bonnets in this group test have been put through their paces by former eventer turned para dressage rider Tamsin Addison. Find out what she thought below

Official description:

The beautiful Equipe fly veil is made from top-quality cotton and boasts Equipe branding. Available in a range of colour and piping options.

First impressions

I liked the design and it turned out to also be a very popular design with my clients — so much so that it had to be retrieved from client’s own pegs and brought back to communal use!

Overview of performance

It was true to size and fitted well under the bridle. It was effective against head shaking with the flies, but the thinner ears didn’t block out the sound as much as others did.

Tamsin’s likes and dislikes

I like the design and it is was very popular on the yard, but is quite expensive.

Verdict

It’s a stylish and well-made ear bonnet, but it is quite expensive.