Latest from Horse & Hound in Horse-care-products

‘This is the best grazing muzzle I’ve tried – I wish I’d had one years ago’

Georgia Guerin — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:25:56 +0000

Georgia Guerin

This is the first muzzle that has not resulted in a single rub on the mare.Georgia Guerin

I’ve been putting the new LeMieux Noma Grazing Muzzle to the test. In short, I would say this muzzle is the best grazing muzzle I’ve tried, but I’ve detailed my thoughts below and included some pictures and videos so that you can see it in action.

First impressions

This muzzle is different to all the other grazing muzzles on the market – it’s flexible, lightweight and has a soft feel.

It can be attached to any headcollar, which is great because you’re more likely to keep it on than you are a single-strap muzzle. It also means don’t have to purchase an additional headcollar, which helps to keep the cost down. I’d recommend using one of the best field-safe headcollars, and I tried it with the LeMieux Breakaway Headcollar.

My first impressions were really positive – finding a grazing muzzle that works for your horse can be really tricky and giving them all a try is an expensive hobby, but this looked like it was going to solve some of the problems I’d had previously.

My test subjects

I tried the muzzle on my pony, a 13.3hh Norwegian Fjord, who has worn a muzzle before but not recently. I’ve tried a selection in the past and had most success with the Shires Green Guard muzzle, but it did rub him on his chin and after storing the muzzle in a box with other kit over the winter, it had become squashed and misshapen, which caused it to rub even more.

Test subject 1: Utah, a 13.3hh Norwegian Fjord gelding (Image credit: creditUnknown)

I also tested it on a 13.2hh Welsh section C who wears a muzzle every day, but prior to testing this one had three different styles on rotation to get around problems with rubbing. She has been wearing this muzzle regularly for the last few months.

Test subject 2: Moo, a 13.2hh Welsh section C mare (Image credit: creditUnknown)

With different head shapes, I expected the muzzle to fit the Fjord slightly better, but I knew the section C would give it her best shot at removal, which would be an important part of the test.

How well the LeMieux Noma Grazing Muzzle worked

The main things to consider with a grazing muzzle are:

Does it stay on or is it easy for your horse to remove?
Does it reduce intake while allowing your horse to graze, drink and breathe comfortably?
Does it rub?

Did the ponies keep the muzzle on?

Neither pony managed to remove the muzzle in the time that they wore it. Being attached to a regular headcollar meant it could be fitted securely, and the nylon pips (which attach the muzzle to the headcollar) were strong enough to hold it on during rolling and rubbing, but are designed to ping off if your horse was caught.

Neither of the ponies showed signs of discomfort while wearing the muzzle.

Examples of unsuccessful removal attempts:

Attempting to remove the muzzle by rubbing against her leg. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Attempting to remove the muzzle by rubbing against a stable wall. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Could the ponies graze easily?

I’ve videoed the Fjord’s first attempt at grazing with the muzzle on, which is the first time he’s worn a muzzle in four or five years, and you can see he had no problem eating.

The section C also had no troubles, and I’ve videoed her eating hay from the ground. You can see she is able to eat hay via the hexagonal holes in addition to the small grazing hole, but I’ve mentioned more about this in the fit section.

It definitely reduces the intake – unfortunately I can’t say by exactly how much, but studies suggest muzzles in general reduce intake by around 80% – and it seemed to be an instrumental part of the section C successfully losing weight.

The grazing hole is just over 3.5cm wide, and the pentagonal and hexagonal breathing holes are 4–5cm at their widest points. Aside from the main grazing hole, the other sections below the mouth are covered.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Does it rub?

Neither pony suffered rubbing while wearing this muzzle. I’ve tried a few types of muzzle and this is the first time I’ve managed to use one without a single rub.

Prior to using this muzzle, the section C had three on rotation due to all rubbing different areas.

This is the first muzzle that has not resulted in a single rub on the mare. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

It has a fleecy tab on the attachment that sits over the nose to prevent rubbing in this area. The muzzle itself is made of soft and flexible rubber, which reduced the chance of rubbing.

A fleecy tab on the nose reduces pressure and rubbing. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fit and sizing

Unfortunately, the Noma is only available in pony and cob sizes currently – I really hope LeMieux will introduce more sizes in the future.

I used a cob-sized muzzle on both the ponies. The Welsh section C may have fitted a pony size better as she was able to graze via the breathing holes on occasion, but the extra space seemed to keep her more comfortable and her intake was still reduced, so it remained a good option for us.

Care and durability

The muzzle is easy to clean – I just rinsed it under the hose and rubbed any dirt away with my fingers.

It has lasted well. It’s only been worn for a few months so far, but I spent a lot of time in the beginning adjusting the fit (undoing and doing up the tabs) and we’ve had no breakages.

Verdict

With an RRP of £39.95, I think this muzzle is a great value buy. It did job and keeps your horse comfortable, so it ticks all the boxes for me. I wish I’d had it years ago when the Fjord needed to wear one every day.

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‘I tried the ThinLine Flexible Filly Grazing Muzzle and it’s improved my horse’s quality of life’

Franchesca Slack — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:24:46 +0000

Franchesca Slack

creditUnknown

Unlike the typical bucket-style grazing muzzles, the ThinLine Flexible Filly Grazing Muzzle has been developed with horse owner feedback and so features in our guide to the best grazing muzzles.

It is designed to help slow down speedy eaters, limiting grazing, and can also be used to help curb minor cribbing problems. It’s made of a durable and pliable mould-resistant material that is soft on the teeth and lips, is UV resistant and an adjustable grazing hole size.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

My first impressions of the Thinline Flexible Filly

With my past unsuccessful experiences of traditional grazing muzzles, I was looking forward to testing this one with its unique design and materials. I had expected a more rigid plastic construction, but as it’s name suggests it is actually quite flexible.

It has eight attachment points that are connected to the headcollar with cable ties – I found the initial fitting fiddly to begin with, but the fit is very important to prevent your horse eating out the side. Once it’s fitted to a field-safe headcollar, however, that’s it ready to go.

This is the only muzzle my horse has not walked away from when I’ve gone to put it on.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Test Horse

This muzzle was tested on Sekonda – a 17.2hh Irish Draught with a chunky head – and he wears an extra-full size headcollar. Sekonda has worn a muzzle previously, but due to it rubbing under his chin we had to stop. While testing this muzzle, he has been wearing it everyday for 8–10 hours.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fit

I tried the Thinline Flexible Filly grazing muzzle in a large size with a 3.5cm grazing hole. Unfortunately the ThinLine Flexible Field Safe headcollar, which is recommended to be paired with this muzzle due to the strategically placed keepers for easy attachment, was too small, so I paired the muzzle with a leather headcollar instead.

The initial fitting was fiddly – the muzzle comes with a set a paper ties so you can temporally get the correct fit before attaching the plastic cable ties. I would suggest having a few spare plastic ones at the stables incase replacements are needed. Overall, I am happy with the fit and like how you can see the horse eating clearly when they’re wearing it.

I have noticed Sekonda is not fussing when I go to put this grazing muzzle on as he has previously been with others, which suggests to me that he’s happy and comfortable when wearing it. He drinks from the trough as normal and it enables him to live out with his herd.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Performance

Using the muzzle since last year regularly along with consistent exercise I have managed to keep the weight off Sekonda. The open sides prevent the build up of dirt in the bottom, which I have struggled with in the past.

He has a pale-skinned nose but he did not suffer from sunburn when using the muzzle in combination with one of the best suncreams for horses. He has been trying to rub it on his front legs, but it hasn’t come off.

What really stands out for me is the comfort. After regular wear, there have been no signs of rubbing, which we have struggled with when using the bucket style all-in-one muzzles.

The durability has also been good. Despite daily use last summer, it’s showing minimal signs of wear. It’s easy to clean but it’s worth knowing that the material doesn’t stay clear.

It states its machine washable in a net bag on cold wash with detergent and a teaspoon of bleach. I have not done this as I would need to remove it from the leather headcollar and then refit all the cable ties after. I have just been washing it off as and when needed.

Overall I’d highly recommend the Thinline grazing muzzle, especially if you are struggling to find a good fit without any rubbing.

Verdict

*H&H Approved* – This reliable, well-designed muzzle has improved my horse’s quality of life. By enabling him to wear it comfortably and regularly, he can happily remain in the field with his herd while his weight is effectively managed. It’s the only one I’ve found big enough to fit my horse’s large head, while offering plenty of ventilation. It’s really worth the initial investment.

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The Solid Bar Company No Fly repellent bar H&H Approved

Franchesca Slack — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:56:52 +0000

(Image credit: Franchesca Slack)

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.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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.

NAF Off Deet Power Performance fly spray review H&H Approved

Alex Robinson — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:29:46 +0000

(Image credit: Alex Robinson)

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.

The NAF Off Deet Power Performance fly spray was tried over a one month period in Cumbria (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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.

There were clear, easy-to-read instructions on the back of the bottle (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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

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Westgate Labs Horse Worm Egg Count Kit H&H Approved

Georgia Guerin — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:03:35 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Horse Worm Egg Count Kit from Westgate Labs tests the infection levels of adult, egg-laying redworm and roundworm in equines, including horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. The test kit includes everything you need to collect the sample, and send it for laboratory testing, which is included in the cost of the kit.

The kit includes:

– a pot to collect a faecal sample for each horse

– an information leaflet

– a voucher for the lab tests

– a single compostable glove

– a single pre-paid envelope to send the sample(s) to the lab in one go

I’d collected samples previously, but my yard owner had just handed us the pots without instructions and it turns out I wasn’t doing it quite right – so if you’ve never read the instructions before I suggest you do so.

A compostable glove is provided (Image credit: creditUnknown)

I collected five small samples (as directed) from different piles of poo using the glove provided – and put them all into one sample pot. I kept my horse in overnight to make this easier, but you can collect from the field if you know they’re fresh and don’t belong to one of your horse’s field-mates. It’s important to fill the sample pot right to the top and make sure there aren’t any air gaps.

The filled pot should have no air gaps (Image credit: creditUnknown)

All you have to do then is write your horse’s name on the sticker provided (which handily reminds you to fill any gaps) and use it to secure the pot closed.

I filled in the voucher with my details and put it in the pre-paid and pre-addressed envelope along with the samples, which I could take straight to the postbox on the same day. I collected samples from my horse and his field-mate and they all went in the same envelope, which was great.

I posted on the Friday and the results arrived by email on Monday afternoon – you can’t get much quicker than that!

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Both horses had a medium count. The results were explained in the email and I followed up with an Equest wormer due to the time of year. I also tested for tapeworm using the EquiSal tapeworm test – my results from this were negative, which meant we didn’t need to use the more expensive Equest Pramox. If you’re unsure about your results, there’s a free helpline you can call.

Verdict

H&H Approved – This test was easy to do and the results were really quick. Everything is provided for you and it really couldn’t be simpler. Not only is it cheaper than worming if you’re testing outside of Dec–Feb (all horses should be dosed with moxidectin wormer during this time), but testing helps to prevent wormer resistance, which is currently a significant issue, too.

In the UK? View the Horse Worm Egg Count Kit now at viovet.co.uk

Who tested this worm egg count kit?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She spends her days at work researching and reviewing all kinds of products for horses and riders, and is often the first to hear about anything new to the market. Georgia owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who happily takes part in a lot of testing. She is at the yard twice a day every day and spends a lot of time in the saddle – whatever the weather – so is perfectly placed to test a wide range of products.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

Absorbine Hooflex Original liquid conditioner review

Georgia Guerin — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 12:14:46 +0000

creditUnknown

Absorbine Hooflex Original liquid conditioner

Compared to the other liquid hoof oils and conditioners I’ve tested, the Absorbine Hooflex Original was much thicker. The pot was one of the most sturdy – it’s made of a really firm plastic that would take a lot to damage. The screw top has a brush attached and the handle was easy and comfortable to hold.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The brush was also thicker and less yielding, which meant the application to the hoof wall wasn’t the neatest, but it was really good at getting into the grooves on either side of the frog. The brush picks up a lot on the brush each time, so in order not to use too much you need to scrape off the excess each time. I was worried that because the product was so thick that I wouldn’t be able to scrape the last bits out of the pot, however, the brush can reach all of the inside walls.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This product costs more than many of the other hoof oils I tested (when compared per 100ml) but there directions suggest only to apply twice a week in order to maintain healthy hooves, whereas most suggest daily use. The shine does last longer than a day, but I would say this is more of a conditioning product than one to provide a show ring shine.

I also used the Hooflex Original to prevent snow balling up in my horse’s shoes when we had bad weather as he’s been known to lose a shoe most times it snows.

Verdict

If you’re looking for a hoof conditioner that you don’t need to apply every day and you’re not after show ring neatness or shine, this could be the one for you.

Who tested this hoof dressing?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She spends her days at work researching and reviewing all kinds of products for horses and riders, and is often the first to hear about anything new to the market. Georgia owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who happily tests and reviews all the products she brings home. She is at the yard twice a day every day and spends a lot of time in the saddle, so is perfectly placed to test a wide range of products.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

Carr & Day & Martin Cornucrescine Tea Tree hoof oil review H&H Approved

Georgia Guerin — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 11:45:58 +0000

creditUnknown

Carr & Day & Martin Cornucrescine Tea Tree

Part of the Carr & Day & Martin Cornucrescine range, the tea tree hoof oil is described as a “modern alternative to traditional oils”.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

It comes in a smart tin, which has a handy brush as part of the lid. The brush is small compared to others I tested, which I preferred as it meant the application was neater and more targeted, although the brush did begin to splay over time. It was easy to apply the oil as it was light and a good consistency – not too thick and not too runny.

The product dries with a nice, natural-looking shine (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The oil is translucent, which makes it suitable for all hoof colours, so you can use one product on multiple horses. It also contains tea tree oils that have natural properties to support the hoof. It dries with a nice, natural-looking shine.

This product is good value for money and it sits fairly middle of the range price-wise when you compare the prices per 100ml. Like most others, the directions suggest daily use.

I found this hoof oil to be a great choice for maintaining good hoof quality. It has a light tea tree scent, which is pleasant, and boasts antibacterial and antifungal properties, too.

Verdict

H&H Approved – This hoof oil is a great option if you’re concerned about keeping your horse’s hooves clean and free of bacteria and fungus. It looks smart and isn’t sticky, so would be great for show days if you like a more natural look, too.

Who tested this hoof oil?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She spends her days at work researching and reviewing all kinds of products for horses and riders, and is often the first to hear about anything new to the market. Georgia owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who happily tests and reviews all the products she brings home. She is at the yard twice a day every day and spends a lot of time in the saddle, so is perfectly placed to test a wide range of products.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

Equine America hoof balm review H&H Approved

Georgia Guerin — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 16:40:07 +0000

creditUnknown

Equine America hoof balm review

The Equine America hoof balm is totally natural, and it contains natural essential oils, including lanolin, almond, tea tree and chamomile. The pot itself is flexible, which means it’s unlikely to crack if you drop it. Unlike some of the other hoof oils and conditioners I’ve tested, it doesn’t come with a brush so you’ll need to buy that separately.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The formula itself is similar in consistency to vaseline – slightly softer in warmer weather and firmer in colder weather. This makes it easy to apply as it’s easy to pick up the right amount and doesn’t drip.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This hoof balm should be applied every other day for normal use, but twice a day for 10–14 days if you need to use it intensively. If you apply it with a clean brush in one direction, it can also give a really nice shine.

When it comes to value, this is one of the cheapest products you can find if you compare them by price per 100ml, so it’s great value. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, similar to the Carr & Day & Martin Cornucrescine Tea Tree hoof oil.

Verdict

H&H Approved – I love that this hoof balm is totally natural and it’s really great value, too.

In the UK? Buy direct at equine-america.co.uk

Who tested this hoof oil?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She spends her days at work researching and reviewing all kinds of products for horses and riders, and is often the first to hear about anything new to the market. Georgia owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who happily tests and reviews all the products she brings home. She is at the yard twice a day every day and spends a lot of time in the saddle, so is perfectly placed to test a wide range of products.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

EquiSal Tapeworm Test review H&H Approved

Georgia Guerin — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:31:31 +0000

creditUnknown

The EquiSal Tapeworm Test works like a blood test but, instead, uses saliva that you collect yourself. The test tells you if you need to worm for tapeworm or not – and with the wormer resistance issues we face at the moment, this is really important information.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The test kit includes a saliva collection kit, return postage, emailing of results and follow-up advice if needed. Instructions are included, but I also watched this video by Westgate Labs to ensure I was doing it correctly.

Before conducting the test, you need to make sure your horse hasn’t eaten, drunk or exercised for 30 mins to ensure the saliva isn’t contaminated.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The saliva collection kit includes a swab that contains a pink dye. You hold the plastic end, while the cotton end is inserted into the mouth for the collection.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

When you begin the test, the end of the swab will be unaffected by the dye.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

I then inserted the swab into the inter-dental space where the bit would sit and allowed my horse to mouth it.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

After 30 secs to a minute, I took the swab out to check if the dye had leaked enough, but the circle was not completely pink. This was really easy to check.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

It was clear when the test was complete as the pink dye was dark and fully covered the circle.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

I popped the completed swab in the tube of solution and wrote his name on it.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

I packaged up the two tests (one for my horse and one for his field-mate) and got them ready to post. I was packaging up multiple tests at the same time as I’d also just completed the faecal sand test and worm count. Because I’d also taken everything out to photograph, it made things a little complicated when it came to checking I had all the correct paperwork with the correct packaging. But luckily everything is prepared for you as much as possible, so this would be a much simpler job if you were doing one test at a time.

The postage packet was pre-paid so I was able to get it in a postbox the same day. I posted them on a Friday and the results arrived in my email inbox on the Tuesday.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The results were easy to understand. In my case, both horses had “low” results, which meant I did not need to treat for tapeworm – I only needed to purchase Equest to treat for possible encysted redworm and bots. Usually at this time of year, my yard would suggest using Equest Pramox, which also treats tapeworm, so it was really good to know that I wasn’t worming unnecessarily this time around.

Verdict

H&H Approved – This test was easy to do and the results came back really quickly. Although the cost of the EquiSal Tapeworm Test is more than the difference between the two treatments I would be choosing between at this time of year, it was very nice to know that I wouldn’t be giving my horse additional drugs he didn’t need and that I was doing my bit to help wormer resistance.

I will make use of the EquiSal test again next year and I’ll be suggesting the other liveries on my yard do the same. And if we buy our tests together, it’ll cost less, too.

In the UK? View the EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kit now at viovet.co.uk

NAF Show Off shampoo H&H Approved

Alex Robinson — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 08:03:48 +0000

NAF Show Off shampoo (Image credit: ANDREW SYDENHAM)

NAF Show Off Shampoo

With the latter half of the show season proving as busy as ever, I was looking forward to trying the NAF Show Off shampoo to give my grey Connemara pony, Yogi, a full pre-competition bath. I was preparing Yogi for the National Pony Society (NPS) summer championships and ahead of the show he was given a few days of downtime in the field, so the shampoo would be put to rigorous testing as there was plenty of mud and stubborn dirt in his coat. As I’d been away with work for a few days, too, I hadn’t been able to keep on top of his stains as much as I would have liked.

Yogi pre-bath (Image credit: creditUnknown)

NAF has a strong reputation, so I had high expectations when trying the Show Off shampoo, even though the manufacturers say that this is not necessarily just for greys, but is also for darker coloured horses and ponies.

NAF markets it as a shine-boosting shampoo – the description says: “To make your show horse showier, your black horse blacker, your white horse whiter and all others in between simply more dazzling, just add Show Off to your water and work up the suds.”

The price of £9.45 for a 500ml bottle was very reasonable, as most show shampoos, especially those specifically for grey and coloured horses, are usually priced in excess of £15, sometimes even more. It was good to know that I wasn’t being charged extra for owning a light-coloured horse! You can also buy a 2L bottle (RRP £31.50), which I would definitely recommend if you intend to be bathing regularly; this might even last you a whole competition season if you’re lucky.

The 500ml bottle and its no-spill lid would mean this shampoo would be handy to pop into the lorry to take to shows in case you needed to conduct a quick wash ahead of your class.

The handy push-up cap prevented leaks and spillages (Image credit: creditUnknown)

This shampoo wasn’t as ‘blue’ as other products marketed for greys, so I did wonder if the stain removing power would be as strong as other whitening shampoos. What I liked about the bottle was the handy push-up cap, which was effective for a few reasons; not only did it prevent leaks and spillages, but it ensured that I didn’t pour too much shampoo into the bucket and potentially waste any product.

The soap smelled lovely (Image credit: creditUnknown)

I began the washing process by spraying Yogi down with a cold hose as it was a warm day. Then, I added a generous amount of shampoo to a bucket and filled it with warm water. I was impressed with how much soap was produced, and the solution also smelled lovely; it was pleasant and clean smelling, but not overly chemical.

There was enough lather produced to remove dirt from the coat (Image credit: creditUnknown)

I worked the bucket of shampoo over his coat and one bucket was enough to cover his whole body. I then applied some more shampoo to a damp sponge to work more thoroughly over his ‘problem’ areas, including his hind and fore legs, and under his belly.

The shampoo got really soapy on his coat and I could see the mud visibly lifting. It is a deep cleaning shampoo which really helps remove dirt and mud, while conditioning the coat.

Yogi mid-bath once he had been shampooed (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The shampoo did not remove the stubborn yellow stains as much as some other shampoos that are more blue in colour. However, if I used this shampoo regularly to keep on top of stains — an essential routine if you own a grey or coloured competition horse — then the tinges might fade more. It definitely added a brilliant shine to the coat and when Yogi had dried off his hair felt silky, conditioned and healthy.

Yogi after his bath in the NAF Show Off Shampoo (Image credit: creditUnknown)

When I got him into the sunshine at the show, he gleamed and looked very smart in the ring. It also didn’t leave a slippery residue on his coat that can make a horse look dirty and also aid unwanted rubbing on the girth area.

I would predict this shampoo would last between three to six washes depending on what colour your horse is; if you owned a black or a bay horse you would need to use a lot less product to get the results.

Verdict

A brilliant, cost effective shampoo which not only removes dirt and adds shine to the coat, but smells delightful and is safe enough for regular use. I would love to try this on a darker coloured animal ahead of a show.

Who tested this shampoo?

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Barrier Super Plus Fly Repellent H&H Approved

Alex Robinson — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 16:15:51 +0000

(Image credit: Alex Robinson)

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 bottle lasted a long time and handily, you can purchase a 1L refill if desired (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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?

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Leovet Power Phaser Fly Spray H&H Approved

Alex Robinson — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 08:46:09 +0000

(Image credit: Alex Robinson)

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 sprayer was very effective and the bottle was durable (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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?

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Absorbine UltraShield Insecticide H&H Approved

Alex Robinson — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 09:00:38 +0000

(Image credit: Alex Robinson)

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.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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 (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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?

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Absorbine UltraShield Insecticide H&H Approved

Alex Robinson — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 09:00:38 +0000

(Image credit: Alex Robinson)

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The spray came out in an even, thick mist (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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?

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Carr & Day & Martin FlyGard Extra Strength Insect Repellent

Alex Robinson — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 08:30:28 +0000

(Image credit: Alex Robinson)

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 ensured the liquid evenly covered the coat (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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?

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Carr & Day & Martin FlyGard Extra Strength Insect Repellent

Alex Robinson — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 08:30:28 +0000

(Image credit: Alex Robinson)

Carr & Day & Martin FlyGard Extra Strength

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

This fly spray comes with instructions:

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.

The sprayer ensured the liquid evenly covered the coat (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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?

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Cavalor Bianco Wash review H&H Approved

Pippa Roome — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 10:59:59 +0000

Pippa Roome

Cavalor Bianco Wash

This whitening shampoo looked very smart with the dark plastic covering over its bottle – apologies for the fact I ripped it in removing the top part of the plastic before I took the photo above!

Alfie was ready for a bath on the day I used this, as he had had a few weeks without a proper clean up. I used it to give him a wash on a hot morning after he’d done a sweaty jumping session.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The bottle has a flip top which is easy to open with one hand and the shampoo squeezes out easily, but without being so runny it pours out too easily. The shampoo doesn’t have a strong smell and is virtually colourless.

The instructions say to wet the horse and then either apply a small amount directly to the coat or dilute it in lukewarm water and apply with a sponge. I chose to go for the latter but as the temperature was around 23ºC and our stable doesn’t have running hot water, I admit I used the water at the temperature it came out of the tap.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

I used a pressured hose gun to add the water after I’d squeezed a blob of the Cavalor Bianco Wash into a bucket and it bubbled up beautifully. You don’t need much shampoo to create a really good lather (I put too much in the bucket the first time, in the photo above), which means that although this shampoo is at the more expensive end of the market (£23.50 for 500ml), it doesn’t represent bad value for money as a bottle should last a long time.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Having wetted Alfie, I used a LeMieux Hippo Scrubber (a sort of combined sponge and curry comb) to apply the diluted shampoo. The dirt was coming out of his coat in rivers!

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

I didn’t use the shampoo on Alfie’s face as we prefer to use baby shampoo near his eyes.

I used the shampoo neat on his mane and again it lathered up really nicely and went on well. Had this been a show wash, I would have gone over the lower half of his legs again with a blob of neat shampoo, but I’m not sure they really needed it – they looked pretty clean after the diluted wash.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Alfie became a little impatient with his beauty routine once I’d finished washing him – and when Alfie is impatient, he makes sure everyone knows about it. So I decided to pop his fly rug on and let him out in his field to finish drying, then catch him again for a final “after” photo once he was dry.

Unfortunately I forgot one of the fundamental truths of grey horses – that they will always roll straight after a bath – and he chucked himself in the dust as soon as I freed him, so there is no final dry “after” photo. Sorry, readers…

Verdict

I really liked this shampoo – diluting a shampoo is my preferred way of bathing a horse and that tied in with the instructions for this one. I loved how much lather was created from a small amount of shampoo and Alfie’s coat looked and felt clean afterwards. It’s not cheap, but you don’t need a great deal so a bottle should last a good while.

Who tested this shampoo?

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.

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Cavalor FlyLess review

Alex Robinson — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 08:22:57 +0000

Alex Robinson

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 sprayer produced a fine, evenly distributed spray (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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 robust, durable bottle has clear directions on the back (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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?

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WildWash Equine Natural Whitening Horse Shampoo H&H Approved

Alex Robinson — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 11:31:54 +0000

(Image credit: Alex Robinson)

WildWash Whitening Horse Shampoo

I was really excited to test the WildWash Equine Natural Whitening Horse Shampoo on my grey Connemara pony, Yogi, as it only contains natural ingredients and I like the idea that a whitening shampoo could remove dirt and stains without using harsh chemicals.

When you’re washing a grey horse at least once or twice a week during show season, it’s best to use a PH balanced shampoo that isn’t going to irritate the skin, dry out the hair or impact the natural oil in the coat.

The WildWash Whitening Horse Shampoo came in the most gorgeous little bottle, which was reminiscent of high-end hand soap bottles; this particular shampoo bottle would not have looked out of place in my bathroom.

WildWash shampoo uses “a blue pigment derived from the chamomile flower combined with lavender and ylang ylang” and the manufacturers claim the products is a “definite first” and that there “isn’t another product on the market like it.”

Other ingredients include angelic leaf, nettle, calendula flower and yarrow which all offer antiseptic and antiviral qualities and work together to clean the skin, encourage hair growth and promote the regeneration of damaged hair cells. It also contains neem oil, which can act as a natural known flea repellent and can also soothe the skin.

WildWash products do not contain parabens, phthalates, phosphates, petrochemicals, sulphates, palm oils and PEGs. They can also guarantee that each product is made without animal testing and each product is made in the UK, which are both major selling points.

The bottle comes with clear, easy to read directions to follow. It instructs to add shampoo to a bucket of warm water, before adding neat shampoo to the problem areas and working it into the coat directly.

The shampoo produced plenty of soap when mixed with water (Image credit: creditUnknown)

I initially added a generous amount of shampoo to a bucket. It was quite a thick consistency, but it came out of the pump easily. The no-mess pump was preferable over a simple screw cap as you can control how much shampoo you want to use each time, and then you can easily close it up so it doesn’t spill. It made a good amount of lather when mixed with the water.

The smell was divine; it was floral and you could really pick out the scents of lavender and chamomile. The smell stayed on Yogi’s coat for a few days after the wash, which would go someway in repelling insects and pests.

Yogi before his bath in the WildWash Equine Natural Whitening Horse Shampoo (Image credit: creditUnknown)

I applied the soapy solution to Yogi’s coat, and found I needed to add some more shampoo to a sponge and then work directly over his coat. I then did as instructed and put some more shampoo onto his stained areas, which were his head and neck, and his hindlegs on this occasion. I also added some to his tail and worked into a lather using some cold water.

On this occasion, Yogi’s head and neck areas were the most stained parts of his body (Image credit: creditUnknown)

I left the shampoo on for just over five minutes as instructed and began rinsing. It was very easy to rinse and only required one hose over and a quick finish with a bucket of clean water and a sponge. His head and his neck were considerably less stained than before and the yellow tinge had reduced significantly.

The shampoo got rid of most of the staining, and it only improved as he dried off (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The pleasant smell transferred to Yogi and as soon as he was rinsed he had a visible shine on his coat.

Admittedly, I was slightly apprehensive when I started washing as there wasn’t as much lather produced as with other shampoos I have used in the past, however once I’d added more shampoo the cleaning process really began and it worked wonders. I sometimes wonder if when using natural products you are sacrificing performance for other benefits, such as the lack of chemicals, but this shampoo did a great job in cleaning the coat and adding shine while making the hair shiny and silky to the touch.

Yogi after his bath (Image credit: creditUnknown)

When I’m washing Yogi before a show I would usually choose a blue shampoo to finish off as this type of shampoo can really add extra shine to his coat that goes a long way in the show ring. As he dried off the stains became visibly less prominent, and as with most shampoos, with more use they are likely to improve.

The price of this shampoo is £16.95 for a 300ml bottle, and I would predict I would get three washes out of one bottle. This means it would sit on the more expensive end of the price scale, but the fact it’s both natural and effective means it’s well worth the spend. WildWash also offers a subscription service; you can subscribe and save up to 10% on each bottle.

Verdict

If you’re on the hunt for something natural but effective, this shampoo is for you. It removes stains, adds shine and hydrates the hair, while giving you peace of mind that you’re not using harsh chemicals to get results.

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

Who tested this shampoo?

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Hy Magic Sparkle two-in-one shampoo H&H Approved

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 11:23:58 +0000

creditUnknown

Hy Magic Sparkle shampoo

I haven’t used Hy shampoos before so was interested to see how they fared, especially on a horse who had yet to be bathed this summer.

My bay mare Squirrel may not show the stains but she’s a big fan of lying in as much poo overnight as possible, and her mane was very scurfy and greasy at the roots.

I used the shampoo on a hot day after she’d been ridden so she was sweaty. I hoped to improve her coat, mane and tail, which were all showing how long it was since she’d had a full bath, and this product says it has a “fusion of pro vitamin B5 to help internally strengthen the hair and repair damage, with added wheat germ extracts for a super smooth finish”.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

I wet Squirrel all over, then applied the shampoo directly; the press-flip lid making it easier to control the amount used. I found it did take quite a bit of shampoo to lather her up but it didn’t take long to rinse it clean. The shampoo smelt nice and floral, not chemical or overpowering.

The brown colour of the water coming off showed how much grime the shampoo had removed, and I was really impressed with the results once Squirrel was dry. Her coat looked good and felt soft, all the grime had gone from her mane, and both her tail and mane were soft and silky.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This shampoo seems good value for money; I didn’t use a huge amount at all so it would do a good few washes, and at £9.50, it’s cheaper than many others on the market. The only thing to mention is that its beautiful pale pink colour faded in the sunlight after being left outside for one day, hence the white colour of the main picture…

Verdict

H&H Approved – A good-value, well-performing shampoo.

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

Farnam Tri-Tec 14 Insecticide H&H Approved

Alex Robinson — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:36:51 +0000

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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.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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?

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Shapley’s EquiTone Whitening Shampoo H&H Approved

Alex Robinson — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 15:26:22 +0000

creditUnknown

After bathcreditUnknown

Before bathcreditUnknown

creditUnknown

Shapley’s EquiTone Whitening Shampoo

I’ve used Shapley’s products for many years and I’m a big fan of their showing preparation products. The Shapley’s EquiTone Shampoo is a popular choice so I was excited to use it on my grey Connemara pony, Yogi, who I was bathing ahead of a show.

It had been about two weeks since Yogi’s last full bath so there were plenty of stains, mud and dirt to remove. Yogi lives inside overnight with turnout each day so stable stains are commonplace, and during show season he’s bathed once per week on average in an attempt to remove them.

It was a warm day and he’d been ridden before I bathed him. The purpose of this bath was to remove any stains and mud while also leaving a nice shine to give him that edge in the show ring.

Yogi before his bath (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Shapley’s EquiTone Shampoo is described as a “one-step premium shampoo and conditioner that adds rich, brilliant colour as it cleans and conditions” while adding “vibrancy and vitality to the hair imparting a natural colour and a brilliant shine.” The fact that the shampoo promised to both deep clean and add shine sounded ideal for the purpose of this wash.

The colour of the shampoo was a deep purple. It was quite a thin solution and it easily poured into the bucket via the funnel top, producing a good amount of soap when it was swirled around. This type of lid is preferable as you can easily control how much shampoo you use. It also smelled pleasant, but not overly of chemicals.

The shampoo produced a generous amount of soap in the bucket (Image credit: creditUnknown)

I poured a generous amount of product into the bucket to create an initial solution to put onto Yogi’s body.

I worked the water over his body from the bucket, working the shampoo over his coat. I then added some shampoo directly onto a sponge and applied onto his problem areas, which included his hind legs and stomach. The shampoo produced a lather when I did the latter, and it was necessary to add more shampoo to the coat after the initial wash with the bucket and sponge.

When applied directly to the coat the shampoo produced a soapy lather which was left on for 10 minutes (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The directions advise that the shampoo is left on for 10 minutes to soak in. I did this before rinsing him off with a hose followed by warm water from a bucket as it was a hot day. Due to the thinner consistency of the liquid the shampoo rinsed off easily; some shampoos require several rinses to get it out of the coat, but this only required two rinses.

The shampoo removed all of the surface dirt and will be used regularly to tackle the deeper stains (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The residue and dirt had been completely removed from Yogi’s coat, but his hind legs still had a yellow tinge. I will continue to use the shampoo in between shows to see if further use improves the stubborn stains and I would suggest not letting the stains get too embedded before using the shampoo. In those cases you might need to also use a specific stain remover.

Importantly, the shampoo is not too harsh and does not stain the skin blue or purple, which I’ve found some whitening shampoos can do.

The most appealing effect was the natural shine it left on his coat. His hair was soft and silky and it felt conditioned. His mane, tail and feathers also felt increasingly soft, so I would recommend this shampoo to anyone looking to improve dull or dried out coats, or to promote a healthy natural shine.

Yogi after his bath in Shapley’s EquiTone Shampoo (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The size of the bottle and the amount of shampoo which was provided meant that this product would be a cost effective purchase. It costs £21.99 for a 32oz bottle. When you’re bathing a horse most weekends during competition season, it’s handy to have a bottle that will last more than one or two washes, and the Shapley’s EquiTone Shampoo would certainly last at least six to 10 washes, depending on the size of your horse or pony.

Verdict

A quality shampoo to use regularly on horses with white, grey or light coats to promote coat health and natural shine.

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

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Who tested this shampoo?

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Biteback Superfly review

Alex Robinson — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 13:13:13 +0000

Alex Robinson

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.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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?

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Supreme Products blue shampoo review H&H Approved

Alex Robinson — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 11:23:08 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Supreme Products blue shampoo review

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Supreme Products have garnered a superb reputation within the horse world, especially within the discipline of showing, as being market leaders in horse turnout products, so I had high expectations when testing the Supreme Products blue shampoo on my grey Connemara, Yogi.

Before the bath (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Yogi lives inside overnight so stable stains are commonplace, and during show season he’s bathed once per week on average in an attempt to remove them.

The first thing I noticed about this particular whitening shampoo is how deep the blue colouring was. Even when it pours from the bottle the colour remains strikingly blue, which was a good indicator of how it would tackle stubborn stable stains.

The shampoo didn’t produce copious amounts of lather in the bucket, but there was an apt amount once applied directly to the coat (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The directions on the bottle state: “Add the blue shampoo to a bucket of warm water, drench a mitt or sponge in the water and work into a lather on the coat. Brush the later through the coat and into the skin allowing to soak before rinsing.”

I initially wet the coat and drenched the tail with warm water and a sponge before adding a generous amount of shampoo to a separate bucket of warm water. The shampoo didn’t lather particularly well at first, but after a swirl around the bucket with a hose it soon produced a decent amount of soap.

Hind leg before using the shampoo (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Yogi’s most stained area was his hind leg. I began by taking the solution from the bucket and applying it to his leg with a sponge. More shampoo was needed, so I poured some from the bottle directly onto the sponge and the liquid quickly foamed and got rid of the surface muck on his leg. I left the shampoo on his leg, and on his knees where he also has stubborn stains, to soak in while I worked on other parts of his body. Impressively, when I began to rinse the shampoo from his legs and knees about five minutes later the stains had faded considerably. It’s probably one of the most effective stain-removing shampoos I’ve used on these areas. There was the smallest shade of yellow left, which with further washes will probably reduce even more.

The hing leg area was noticeably cleaner (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The shampoo was perfect for giving the rest of his body a quick once over. Any surface stains on his neck and belly were gone within one wipe of the shampooed sponge.

It also worked particularly well on his tail; I opted to dip his tail in a bucket of shampoo and water so it lathered.

After using the shampoo (Image credit: creditUnknown)

It rinsed off easily and left a healthy shine on his coat.

The smell was fairly neutral, which is always preferred as overly fragranced shampoos, unless they are natural, can be a sign of harsh chemicals.

I used about ¼ of a bottle of shampoo on this wash, which wasn’t as thorough as a pre-show bath, but served a purpose of removing any stains he’d picked up during the week.

The price of this shampoo is £11.40 for 500ml, which is great value, as I will probably get between four and six washes out of it.

Verdict

A high quality shampoo from a reputable brand ideal for grey horses with stubborn stains, though you do need to use a good amount to get the results.

Who tested this shampoo?

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Veredus Blue Snow Shampoo review

Pippa Roome — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 11:16:01 +0000

Pippa Roome

I took this picture after Alfie had been in the stable to dry off and he had scuffed some dirt up onto his tummy – this was not there immediately after the bathPippa Roome

Veredus Blue Snow Shampoo

It is a truth universally acknowledged that grey horses like to spend a lot of time vexing their owners by getting dirty… but it’s also a truth universally acknowledged in our household that my mother is extremely pony proud. Alfie is therefore one of the cleaner grey horses around – as well as fairly frequent full baths, he is subjected to almost daily “cheat cleanings”, using the sort of magic shampoos that don’t need much or any water.

He didn’t have any stains as such on the day I bathed him with the Blue Snow Shampoo, but he was generally a bit grubby and I had just ridden him, so he had sweaty patches around his girth.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The shampoo is purple, smells pleasant and comes in a flip-top bottle (which is easy to open with one hand) with a small hole – a good thing as it’s extremely runny. It pours out of the hole with no squeezing necessary and it would be easy to end up spilling or wasting it if you’re not careful and I did end up with some running down the side of the bottle.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The instructions say to wet the coat, distribute the shampoo evenly and rub in, then leave to act and rinse thoroughly. I would usually dilute a shampoo and – having wetted the coat – scrub away with the diluted stuff, but I wanted to follow the instructions, so I wetted Alfie with a hose and then started putting the shampoo on.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Initially I was pouring the shampoo on, but I felt I was using a lot, plus this didn’t work so well when I wanted to get it on Alfie’s vertical surfaces and underside. I therefore moved on to putting a blob on the LeMieux Hippo Scrubber – a sort of combined rubber curry comb and sponge (yes, any pony washing product is considered a good present in the triangle of my mother, my husband and I) – and then rubbing it in with that. This seemed to work well.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The shampoo didn’t really lather up much on Alfie’s body, but I did work up a good lather on his tail, for which I poured the shampoo directly onto it. I went over his legs and mane twice as they were the grubbier areas.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The shampoo washed out easily using a pressured hose gun.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

I didn’t use the shampoo on Alfie’s face as we always use baby shampoo for this in case it goes in his eyes (please don’t write in and tell me he’s spoilt, I know this already).

The instructions on the Blue Snow Shampoo said the use of gloves is recommended and the bottle came with one glove, which I started off using. However, there was soon shampoo on my other hand and water inside the glove and it was all a bit too tricky with taking photos as well, so I soon ditched the glove. It’s not for me to recommend ignoring safety directions, but I suffered no ill effects.

I was pleased with Alfie’s overall cleanliness and the feel of his coat, mane and tail after the bath.

I took this picture after Alfie had been in the stable to dry off and he had scuffed some dirt up onto his tummy – this was not there immediately after the bath (Image credit: creditUnknown)

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

I was concerned that using the undiluted shampoo would mean I used a lot of it. When I took the top off the bottle to check afterwards, I had used no more than a quarter of the bottle, perhaps less as I’m not sure how full it was initially.

At £21 for 500ml, this shampoo is at the pricier end of whitening shampoos and I think next time, in order to try to use less, I would try diluting some in water and scrubbing with that on Alfie’s body, then using it undiluted on legs, mane and tail.

Verdict

A good shampoo, which did its job and left me with a clean horse. It is at the more expensive end of the market and I would like to try experimenting with different techniques to see if it also works well diluted in order to use less.

View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Who tested this shampoo?

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NAF Profeet Farrier Solution review

Georgia Guerin — Tue, 10 May 2022 15:15:45 +0000

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NAF Profeet Farrier Solution

The first thing I noticed about the NAF Profeet Farrier Solution was that the bottle was really robust – I’m not worried about this bottle getting knocked over or dropped. I also like that it comes with a brush as it saves you buying one if you don’t have one, but it also means there’s one less thing to root around for. The bristles were sturdy but quite thick, so it was quick to apply but I found that I did get a bit on my horse’s feathers. The brush was firm enough to direct into the grooves each side of the frog, but hard to get into the smallest parts.

The dressing is a green colour (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The hoof dressing itself is green, which surprised me as all the others I tested have been a more neutral shade. It doesn’t dry green, of course, so this is no problem. Even when I got bits in my horse’s feathers, it seemed to disappear and not cause a problem – although I was a little alarmed at first.

One hour post application (Image credit: creditUnknown)

It went on easily and dried nicely. I would say this dressing is on the thicker side compared to most others I’ve tried so there were no issues with dripping. However, when you dip the brush it brings out quite a lot. You really don’t need this much at all – a little goes a long way. I found one dip was more than enough for a sole and a hoof wall.

It has a pleasant smell and, as soon as I applied it, my horse couldn’t get enough of it – he was sniffing at his front feet for at least a few minutes while I was trying to take pictures.

The instructions on the bottle suggest it should be applied daily to encourage healthy growth and help to defend against waterborne threats. The bottle would last around three to four months used at this rate.

Verdict

This product is a good all-round option. It might not be the smartest option for show day, but it’d good value and will help maintain healthy hooves.

Who tested this hoof oil?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She spends her days at work researching and reviewing all kinds of products for horses and riders, and is often the first to hear about anything new to the market. Georgia owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who happily tests and reviews all the products she brings home. She is at the yard twice a day every day and spends a lot of time in the saddle, so is perfectly placed to test a wide range of products.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

Leovet Hoof Lab Elastic Cream review

Georgia Guerin — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 16:42:39 +0000

creditUnknown

Leovet Hoof Lab Elastic Cream

This hoof dressing from Leovet has a creamy texture, which when I applied to my hand felt quite moisturising. I really believe this formula will nourish the hoof.

The applicator was quite dirty after one use (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The application of Leovet Hoof Lab Elastic Cream was different to all of the others I’ve tested – you squeeze the bottle and it comes out onto the bristles, which you then apply to the hoof. This had its pros and cons. I really liked the idea that it was all in one and that you could use the bristles to almost massage it in, but in reality it just got quite dirty.

It looks quite messy on first application (Image credit: creditUnknown)

It was easy to use on the hoof wall, but due to the shape of the tube top, it was difficult to apply to the grooves in the sole. This could be done more easily by squirting the cream onto a hoof oil brush.

It dries nicely with good shine. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The instructions on the bottle suggest it should be applied to the hoof walls, sole and frog two to three times a week. Following these instructions, I found my pony’s hooves stayed well moisturised.

The tube only holds 200ml, which means it didn’t last as long as other products. It also has a high cost per 100ml when you compare it to other products, but this if you’re looking for an effective hoof dressing it’s worth a try.

Verdict

Although it’s not the easiest to apply to the sole, Leovet Elastic Cream is a really effective and moisturising hoof dressing. It’s not a show day dressing, but is a good option if you’re looking to maintain and improve hoof quality.

Who tested this hoof dressing?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She spends her days at work researching and reviewing all kinds of products for horses and riders, and is often the first to hear about anything new to the market. Georgia owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who happily tests and reviews all the products she brings home. She is at the yard twice a day every day and spends a lot of time in the saddle, so is perfectly placed to test a wide range of products.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

Aniwell FiltaBac H&H Approved

Harriet Rimmer — Fri, 15 May 2020 12:15:54 +0000

Andrew Sydenham/Horse & Hound

Official description: Aniwell FitaBac

Aniwell FiltaBac is a thick, soothing cream with antibacterial qualities. It has SPF 30+ so can be used as a sun cream for horses and sun cream for dogs.

First impressions

It was a really big pot of cream with both sun block and antibacterial properties — amazing!

Overview of performance

This was superb — by far the most amazing all-purpose cream I’ve used. It didn’t rub off and was very easy to apply. The horses didn’t object to application and it soothed agitated and irritated skin.

Harriet’s likes and dislikes

I really liked the dual purpose of the Aniwell FiltaBac — it offered excellent protection from UV rays, soothed sore skin, kept the flies at bay and created a barrier. There isn’t anything I’d change about it. For me, this is the best in the market for sun protection and for soothing and protecting sensitive and agitated skin. I found it great for sensitive types and anything with known allergies. It helped with one horse who had bites and grazes, as it kept the flies away and acted as a barrier.

It is slightly more expensive than the others but, as it was a much larger pot and multi-purpose, it really was a fabulous product to use. Worth every penny.

Verdict

H&H Approved – A stand-out winner for me — Aniwell FiltaBac is a great multi-purpose cream!

Lincoln Sun Bloc H&H Approved

Harriet Rimmer — Fri, 15 May 2020 12:10:26 +0000

Andrew Sydenham/Horse & Hound

Official description: Lincoln Sun Bloc

Lincoln Sun Bloc is a protective, soothing sunblock for horses that is formulated to safeguard delicate skin at high risk of sunburn. It provides maximum protection using naturally occurring zinc oxide, a proven UV filter, plus two additional UV filters to reflect and absorb UVA and UVB rays. It’s also water-resistant for durability and resilience. Ingredients include aloe vera, which gently calms the skin, and lanolin, which conditions and moisturises. The cream is tinted to aid application and is designed to protect muzzles, scars and photosensitive areas.

First impressions

This cream was not particularly perfumed and had quite a thick consistency.

Overview of performance

The tint of the Lincoln Sun Bloc made it easy to apply because you can see exactly where you’ve put it. The cream provided great coverage and the horses weren’t too bothered about having it put on. A little went a long way, too, so it worked out to be quite economical.

Harriet’s likes and dislikes

I really liked how easy Lincoln Sun Bloc was to apply and that it physically blocks the UV rays and acts as a barrier. I only needed to apply it once and it lasted all day.

Verdict

H&H Approved – A great product, provides full coverage and I would 100% recommend for pink noses!

Barrier Sunburn Soother review

Harriet Rimmer — Fri, 15 May 2020 12:03:55 +0000

Andrew Sydenham/Horse & Hound

creditUnknown

Andrew Sydenham/Horse & Hound

Official description: Barrier Sunburn Soother

Barrier Sunburn Soother contains natural minerals that give SPF25+ protection, as well as concentrated plant derivatives to soothe areas already damaged by the sun. The liquid form provides quick absorption and even coverage. This sun cream contains no artificial thickeners or perfumes.

First impressions

I thought Barrier Sunburn Soother was likely to be easier to apply than the others in test with it being in liquid form. It wasn’t fragranced and had a cooling effect on my palms when applying, which I think would be nice for the horse’s skin.

Overview of performance

Barrier Sunburn Soother was very easy to apply, long lasting and absorbed quickly. It did have a slight shine when initially applied, but once soaked in you wouldn’t know the product was on. This made it slightly difficult to see where you had previously applied the cream, but it does what it sets out to do, lasts all day and soothes agitated skin.

Harriet’s likes and dislikes

I really like the liquid form as it was very quick and easy to apply. A tint to the colour would make application slightly easier, but that would be me being fairly fussy. Being so clear would, however, be great in a competition environment.

Verdict

Easy to apply and a great option if you’re competing.

Gold Label Sun Guard review

Harriet Rimmer — Fri, 15 May 2020 12:00:33 +0000

Andrew Sydenham/Horse & Hound

Official description: Gold Label Sun Guard

Gold Label Sun Guard is an SPF50 sunblock and soother for horses with areas that are susceptible to the sun’s rays. It contains only natural ingredients, including shea butter, calamine and sunscreen.

First impressions

This sun cream smelt great and came in a handy-sized pot. The cream looked quite thick.

Overview of performance

Gold Label Sun Guard performed very well once on the skin, but was much easier to apply once softened and warmed by your hands first. The horses were slightly awkward about having it put on, but I don’t know whether it was the smell or the consistency of the cream. However, it did stay on all day, provided full coverage and soothed any existing sunburn.

Harriet’s likes and dislikes

I really liked how it only required one application and you could trust it to stay on all day. I did wonder whether it was the smell or consistency that put the horses off it, but then it could have been down to the way I applied it or that one did have a little bit of sunburn already, meaning he was more sensitive during the application process.

Verdict

This sun cream took more effort to apply than the others I tested, but it was great once it was on and really lasted.

Topline Naturals hoof dressing: ‘an everyday luxury’ 7/10

Rob Waine — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 16:36:46 +0000

Topline Naturals hoof dressing (Image credit: ANDREW SYDENHAM)

Welcome to our independent group test of hoof dressings. All of the hoof dressings in this group test have been put through their paces by professional dressage rider Rob Waine and his team. Find out what they thought below.

Official description

With all natural ingredients, Topline Naturals hoof dressing helps to regulate moisture content in all seasons. It also provides bacterial and fungal resistance. Includes a good quality hoof brush with cap.

View at amazon.co.uk

First impressions

This one looked very specialist and its description may not be one that I would usually pull off the shelf.

Overview of performance

This applied to the hoof well and did a good job, but to me it seemed like a high-end, specialist product rather than a standard everyday hoof oil.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

I like that it is easy to apply and comes with a brush. I would prefer if it came in a bigger tub.

NAF ProFeet hoof moist: ‘a good all-round product’ 7/10

Horse & Hound — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 16:34:04 +0000

NAF ProFeet hoof moist (Image credit: ANDREW SYDENHAM)

Official description

NAF ProFeet hoof moist helps support natural hoof condition. It’s especially useful throughout the dry summer months, and for horses who have to spend prolonged periods on dry bedding that can draw excess moisture out from the hoof. It hydrates the hoof without creating a seal or barrier around the outer wall, allowing the hoof to breathe and maintain the natural fluctuation of moisture levels. The hoof moist also contains eucalyptus, to support healthy hoof hygiene. The smooth oil- and grease-free gel can be easily applied with either a hoof brush, soft cloth or by hand.

View at viovet.co.uk

First impressions

NAF has a really good reputation so I was looking forward to using this product. I was also drawn to the packaging.

Overview of performance

I found this good to apply and a good all-round standard product. It was neither exceptional nor bad.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

I like that it comes in a good sized tub, but I hoped that it would be more impressive than it was.

Mastacare solid hoof oil: ‘smart enough for shows’ 7/10

Rob Waine — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 16:34:04 +0000

Mastacare solid hoof oil (Image credit: ANDREW SYDENHAM)

Official description: Mastacare solid hoof oil

Mastacare solid hoof oil contains vegetable and cod liver oil to help maintain hoof health and leave a super clear gloss finish to hooves. This product spreads as easily as liquid preparations yet remains economical. It is non-spill and long lasting. There is another version of the same product in black.

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

First impressions

As a balm I liked that it came in a tub. We had the black version so was interested to see how that would fare.

Overview of performance

This worked well for everyday use as conditioning balm, plus it looked smart enough to go to a show in. It lasted well, but you did have to make sure that you had a good coating on the brush before applying.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

It does condition the hooves, but it is not as easy to apply as some of the others in the group test.

Verdict

The black option is good if you are looking for a multi-purpose conditioning balm that you can also use before a show.

Equi Life Solution4 Feet: ‘good for everyday use’ 7/10

Rob Waine — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 16:30:00 +0000

Equi Life Solution4 Feet (Image credit: ANDREW SYDENHAM)

Official description: Equi Life Solution4 Feet

The Equi Life Solution4 Feet blends four highly potent active ingredients with proven disinfectant properties with natural oils, antioxidants and phospholipids to create a rapidly penetrating, effective hoof disinfectant.

View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

First impressions

It’s quite a plain looking bottle so it didn’t catch my eye and it was more of an oil then a balm.

Overview of performance

It easier to apply than some others tested as it was more oily, although I found I wasted a bit. It looked really nice on the feet and was good for everyday use.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

It kept my horse’s hooves moisturised and was easy to apply, but as it’s a liquid I did find some is wasted.

View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Smart Grooming Deep Purple shampoo: ‘great at removing mane and tail stains’ 9/10

Jamie and Georgi Broom — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 09:04:47 +0000

(Image credit: ANDREW SYDENHAM)

Welcome to our independent group test of horse shampoos. All of the shampoos in this group test have been put through their paces by dressage rider Jamie Broom and his wife Georgi. Find out what they thought below.

Official description: Smart Grooming Deep Purple shampoo

Smart Grooming Deep Purple is a conditioning shampoo that helps to neutralise and lift stubborn stable and grass stains. This shampoo is gentle but effective and contains essential oils of lavender to soothe sensitive skins. It can be applied neat or diluted depending on the severity of staining. For very yellow tails, use neat and directly on the tail.

First impressions

The bottle was tidy and smart. It’s one of those where you walk into a tack room or shop and it catches your eye because it’s a bright purple colour. It had a clip lid that would make it easy to use, too.

Overview of performance

It is a great shampoo for a show prep on a grey horse. However, really stubborn stains needed a couple of washes. It did a great job of removing stains on our grey horse’s mane and tail — more effectively than on his body. I had to scrub more on his body to remove the stable stains. You wouldn’t want your horse to get too dirty with stable stains because one wash with this shampoo isn’t enough. You need two washes to really get the horse sparkling.

Georgi’s likes and dislikes

It foams well and you can see where you are putting it so you know where the horse has been washed and where he hasn’t, which avoids wastage. It will remove stains but if they are stubborn it’ll need two applications of the shampoo to completely get rid of it.

Verdict

It does what it says on the tin, you just need to use it a couple of times. I thought it would be more expensive, so its great value for money as it does work. I’d definitely buy it for that price.

Nettex Everyday Conditioning shampoo: ‘leaves the coat really clean’ 7/10

Jamie and Georgi Broom — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 09:02:03 +0000

Nettex Everyday Conditioning shampoo (Image credit: ANDREW SYDENHAM)

Official description

Nettex Everyday Conditioning shampoo is ideal for daily use to leave a smooth, lustrous finish. A gentle, mild formulation, this shampoo is suitable for use on all coat types and colours and does not strip the coat of its natural protective oils. It conditions the coat to leave a healthy shine, and is ideal to use to clean and condition the coat and remove a build-up of scurf and debris.

First impressions

It came in a 1l bottle with a handle on top and a screw on lid, which I’m not so keen on, but the bottle was very robust.

Overview of performance

This shampoo didn’t foam at all and it left the horses feeling very slippery, although they did look lovely and shiny. It was like someone had sprayed them with mane and tail spray. It felt like you hadn’t rinsed it out properly but we couldn’t have rinsed it out any more, so when they dried they look amazing but they felt very slippery.

Georgi’s likes and dislikes

Their coats were so soft but almost too soft. Thankfully the slipperiness didn’t transfer onto reins or tack. We got through a lot of it because it doesn’t really foam up much so you can’t see where you’ve put it. The coats looked beautiful but the tails looked lank so I wouldn’t recommend using it on tails.

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Verdict

If you want your horse to look really clean, I’d recommend it, but I wouldn’t recommend using on a show day because of the slippery feel it leaves behind. It wasn’t very good in their tails because it doesn’t foam and left them feeling a bit lank and heavy. It does get them really clean, though.

Cavalor Equi wash: ‘more of a wash than a deep-cleaning shampoo‘ 6/10

Jamie and Georgi Broom — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 09:01:51 +0000

Cavalor Equi wash (Image credit: ANDREW SYDENHAM)

Official description

Cavalor Equi wash ensures good hygiene for your horse by nourishing the skin. It does not irritate as it doesn’t contain acid or soap, and is pH neutral. It is perfectly suitable for all your horse riding equipment.

First impressions

It comes in a click-lid bottle for ease of use, and it smelt quite strongly.

Overview of performance

It smelt quite medicated so I felt it was better as a skin wash, such as on sweaty patches under the horse’s saddle or girth area where the skin can be sensitive. I used it on a sensitive skinned horse and although it didn’t really soothe or relieve any itchiness, it didn’t irritate his sensitive skin. It’s not powerful enough to get the horse really clean, so it’s more of a wash than a deep-cleaning shampoo. My horse get sweat lumps but it didn’t make any difference to those.

Georgi’s likes and dislikes

This shampoo didn’t foam up at all, which I didn’t like because you never know where you have put the shampoo or whether you have washed the shampoo out.

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Verdict

It’s certainly got a purpose, but in my opinion that’s not as a wash and not a shampoo. I’d recommend this for use after exercise when the horse is really sweaty or when you need to clean delicate skin.

Equimins Lavender shampoo: ‘good for everyday use after exercise’ 6/10

Horse & Hound — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 09:00:50 +0000

Equimins Lavender shampoo (Image credit: ANDREW SYDENHAM)

Official description

The Equimins Lavender shampoo is a rich shampoo with natural essential oils of lavender, that leaves your horse smelling like a breath of spring and with a super shiny coat. Lavender can also assist in repelling annoying biting insects.

View at amazon.co.uk

First impressions

I instantly disliked the screw-on lid as it makes it fiddly when you have soapy, wet hands and you’re trying to put a lid back on the bottle. But the actual bottle was sturdy and didn’t crack when dropped.

Overview of performance

It definitely smelt like lavender but I wasn’t convinced it soothed skin as it said on the bottle.

Georgi’s likes and dislikes

It performed like a standard shampoo — it didn’t remove any stable stains and it didn’t foam very much. We used it on both dark and grey horses and it didn’t remove stable stains from the grey horse. For everyday use such as getting the sweat off your horse after exercise, it was OK. I like to feel as though I’ve got my horse clean after he’s had a bath, and I don’t feel like this shampoo achieved that. It’s OK as an everyday, general shampoo, but for a deeper clean that removes stable stains, I would use something else.

Mastacare Snow White powder: ‘left my horse very white’ 10/10

Horse & Hound — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 16:01:23 +0000

(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Welcome to our independent group test of waterless shampoos and stain removers for horses. All of the stain removers in this group test have been put through their paces by event rider and BHSII Lisa Spence. Find out what she thought below.

Official description

Mastacare Show White Powder helps to banish stains! Show White Powder leaves a brilliantly white finish to your horse’s coat. It is a safe and non-allergic whitener that can be used on the body, legs and feather helping to cover any stains or discolouration.

First impressions

The pot this came in looked really easy to store and the powder inside looked like it would do the job.

Overview of performance

This powder was excellent in getting rid of bad stable stains quickly and efficiently. I also found it very easy to use and it really made my horses very white.

Likes and dislikes

I liked how well it took out any stains and left me with a well turned-out horse. I also liked how easy it is to apply. And it’s not expensive either.

Verdict

*Best in Test & Best Value* A great solution to all those stains that every grey horse owner dreads.

NAF Muck Off: ‘effective when given time to work’ 8/10

Lisa Spence — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 16:00:18 +0000

NAF Muck Off Stain Remover (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Official description

Stubborn stable stains mean nothing to NAF Muck Off’s powerful formula. Simply apply a little mousse to a sponge and massage well into the stain. Leave for five minutes before lifting the muck off with a damp sponge or cloth leaving your horse or pony spotless. So even for those stains that seem impossible, it’s definitely worth a try.

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

First impressions

A smart bottle that looked like it would do the job.

Overview of performance

Worked well as a shampoo-type product, but not so much as a quick stain remover.

Likes and/or dislikes

I like that it was easy to use, as the spray was good to put on. I disliked the ‘wait 5 minutes’ as we don’t always have time to do that.

Verdict

This product did remove the stains well, but you need to give it time to work.

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

Equimins Stain Remover: ‘easy to use’ 8/10

Horse & Hound — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:57:43 +0000

Equimins Stain Remover (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Official description

Equimins Stain Remover is a spray-on clear lotion that helps to remove stable and grass stains with ease. Simply spray on, work into the stain and rinse off for best results.

View at amazon.co.uk

First impressions

This spray had a smart, stylish bottle that looked quite simple compared to the others.

Overview of performance

It sprays on well, and removed the stains with a good wash off.

Likes and/or dislikes

I did like this spray; it was easy to use and does what it says on the label.

Nettex Stain Remover: ‘good on grass stains’ 8/10

Lisa Spence — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:57:00 +0000

Nettex Stain Remover (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Official description

Nettex Stain Remover quickly and effectively removes deep seated grass and stable stains from your horse’s coat, making it the perfect choice for competition riders this season. Used regularly, Nettex Stain Remover will prevent the build-up of stains on the coat and it’s gentle on the skin, making it suitable for even the most sensitive of horses and ponies.

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

First impressions

Smart bottle that makes it easy to store. I liked that it came in a smaller version as well.

Overview of performance

I found this spray was more effective on grass stains than on stable stains, although it did work on both types.

Likes and/or dislikes

It like how quick and easy this spray is to use.

Verdict

I would recommend this spray, particularly if your horse lives out.

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

Carr & Day & Martin Stain Master Green Spot Remover: ‘effective when applied liberally’ 8/10

Lisa Spence — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:56:18 +0000

Carr&Day&Martin Stain Master Green Spot Remover (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Official description

The Carr & Day & Martin Stain Master Green Spot Remover is ideal for removing dirt and manure stains with no need to rinse. It is fantastic for last minute show touch ups as an ‘on the spot’ brightener for white markings. Stain Master can also be used as a dry shampoo when it’s too cold to bath.

First impressions

I thought it was a smart bottle that looked really professional.

Overview of performance

This spray cleans well on the specific area that needs cleaning. I did find that I need to spray quite a lot of it on the dirty area to get the best result, more than some of the others in the group test.

Like and/or dislikes

I liked how well it removes stains, but the spray needs more pressure when squeezing the trigger.

Verdict

This is an effective stain removing spray when applied liberally.

Leovet Shiny White Stain Eraser Spray: ‘easy to apply’ 7/10

Lisa Spence — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:55:45 +0000

Leovet Shiny White Stain Eraser Spray (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Official description

Sprayed directly onto persistent stains like urine, manure or grass, Leovet Shiny White Stain Eraser Spray helps loosen stains for easy removal from the horses coat. Stains disappear as pure white re-emerges and the shine on the coat is brilliantly enhanced. A complex of natural proteins from the African moringa tree prevents the accumulation of new dirt particles and stains for up to two days. When used regularly, the coat will be full of volume and extensively protected from stains. This spray will restore hair and coat to a naturally radiant white without undesirable yellowish discolouration.

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

First impressions

The spray came out as a white liquid so I felt that it should do a good job.

Overview of performance

Although this spray made stains less visible quickly and easily, it did not completely remove them.

Likes and/or dislikes

I like that it is easy to apply, but I found it better on faint stains than darker or more ingrained ones.

Verdict

A useful quick fix on fresh stains.

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

Carr & Day & Martin Gallop Extra Strength shampoo: ‘long-lasting and effective’ 9/10

Jamie and Georgi Broom — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 14:58:30 +0000

(Image credit: ANDREW SYDENHAM)

Welcome to our independent group test of horse shampoos. All of the shampoos in this group test have been put through their paces by dressage rider Jamie Broom and his wife Georgi. Find out what they thought below.

Official description: Carr & Day & Martin Gallop Extra Strength Shampoo

The Carr & Day & Martin Gallop Extra Strength Shampoo has an extra thick consistency that has double the amount of active ingredients for a deeper cleaning, perfect for really dirty, greasy or light coloured horses.

First impressions

This looked like a really smart, professional looking bottle and from the description seemed like it would do the job.

Overview of performance

This shampoo worked on every horse — it made the darker horses shine and cleaned my lighter-coloured horses. It also smelled really nice and I didn’t need to use very much to clean the whole horse.

Likes and dislikes

I like that it takes out the overnight stains from a grey horse, but also gives a shine to the darker horse. I also like how concentrated it is, meaning that you only need a small drop in water to give a good bath. If I had a dislike, it is that it doesn’t lather very well on the tail, but it does give a good shine.

Verdict

*BEST IN TEST & BEST VALUE* This shampoo is good value, long-lasting and can be used on every colour of horse.

Carr & Day & Martin Gallop Extra Strength shampoo: ‘long-lasting and effective’ 9/10

Jamie and Georgi Broom — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 14:58:30 +0000

(Image credit: ANDREW SYDENHAM)

Official description: Carr & Day & Martin Gallop Extra Strength Shampoo

First impressions

This looked like a really smart, professional looking bottle and from the description seemed like it would do the job.

Overview of performance

This shampoo worked on every horse — it made the darker horses shine and cleaned my lighter-coloured horses. It also smelled really nice and I didn’t need to use very much to clean the whole horse.

Likes and dislikes

Verdict

*BEST IN TEST & BEST VALUE* This shampoo is good value, long-lasting and can be used on every colour of horse.

Cavalor Star Shine: ‘worth every penny’ 10/10

Harriet Rimmer — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 10:57:25 +0000

Cavalor Star Shine (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Welcome to our group test of mane and tail detanglers. All of the sprays in this group test have been thoroughly tested by busy yard owner and hunting enthusiast Harriet Rimmer. Find out what she thought below.

Official description: Cavalor Star Shine

Cavalor Star Shine is a long-lasting hair conditioner with a unique and pleasant aroma. It gives a brightening gleam to your horse’s coat and makes it appear as a real “star” on the show circuit. The horse’s tail and mane can be expected to remain tangle-free for a week after application.

First impressions

I liked the simplicity of the packaging and the bottle looks like a handy size to use post-wash as a coat shine and detangler. I was fairly surprised when I saw the price tag though.

Overview of performance

I was really impressed by this fantastic product. This is definitely best in this group test. It does exactly what it says on the bottle. It detangles, softens and has a long-lasting effect. The shine it adds to the horse’s coat is second to none. It is a superior product compared to anything I’ve ever used before. Very, very impressed.

Likes and dislikes

I don’t just like this product, I love everything about it and I cannot fault it. I wish I had more of it. It is more expensive than the others on test, but it’s worth every penny.

Verdict

A fantastic product that detangles, softens and has a long-lasting effect. Worth every penny.

Equimins Detangler Ultra Silky Spray: ‘versatile, affordable and it lasts’ 8/10

Horse & Hound — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 10:54:58 +0000

Equimins Detangler Ultra Silky Spray (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Official description

Equimins Detangler Ultra Silky Spray is a specialist product developed for detangling manes and tails. Simply spray onto the mane and tail and comb out. This lotion will leave a lasting sheen from one application. Shake before use. This product is non-greasy so will not attract any dust.

View at viovet.co.uk

First impressions

This product looked like it would definitely do the job of detangling manes and tails and providing a gloss to the horse’s coat.

Overview of performance

This product detangles manes and tails very effectively, without making them greasy or giving a matte appearance. It also repels dirt, which makes washing off much easier after a muddy day – an excellent time saver that we all appreciate! Tails are left untangled for a few days and you can wash off anything which has stained their tails without using shampoo, just rinsing with water. It leaves a lovely feel on the horse’s coat if you spray it all over.

Likes and dislikes

I really like how practical and useful this spray is. It is a good all-rounder and does exactly what it says on the bottle.

Verdict

I would definitely recommend this spray as it’s a very versatile, affordable and long-lasting.

Nettex Mane & Tail Detangler Spray: ‘a little goes a long way’ 8/10

Harriet Rimmer — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 10:47:26 +0000

Nettex Main & Tail Detangler spray (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Official description: Nettex Mane & Tail Detangler

Nettex Mane & Tail Detangler is a premium quality formulation that seals and coats the hair, preventing knots and reducing grooming time. It is very economical as a little goes a long way.

First impressions

The product looks like it will be of good quality with a handy bottle as well as being affordable and easy to use. I like the idea of not needing to use much as it’s very easy to overuse products unnecessarily.

Overview of performance

Very easy to apply and instantly starts working on detangling. You really don’t need to use much of this product – less is more – although if you do end up overdoing it by accident, it doesn’t leave a greasy feeling. It leaves a lovely feel and shine when used on the horse’s coat.

Likes and dislikes

I like the effectiveness of the product, affordability and the feel it leaves. A very useful all-round product, which offers good value for money. I would definitely recommend it to a friend.

Verdict

A very useful all-round product that offers good value for money.

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