Barrier Super Plus Fly Repellent *H&H Approved*

Barrier Super Plus Fly Repellent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verdict

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

Who tested this fly spray?

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

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

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

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

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