BEST FLY REPELLENTS
Our 10 Best Fly Repellents For 2020 REAL RIDER REVIEWS!
By Genevieve de Lande Long Finding the right fly repellent for your horse can be a bit of a minefield, and is often a case of trial and error. The wide range of options available can be overwhelming, with active ingredients, application methods, and effectiveness all playing a part in the buying decision. So, we’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision, without the stress! Each product has been personally recommended by one of our brand ambassadors or a member of our inhouse team, having been tried and tested thoroughly by them.
THINGS TO CONSIDER... Active Ingredients The main ingredient used in each solution will differ from one product to another. It is important to ensure that the active ingredient used is suitable for use on the intended horse(s). Active ingredients include insecticides (which kill the insects), repellents (which simply repel the insects), and synergists (which are additives that increase the effectiveness of the insecticides and repellents). Certain products will not be suitable for young horses, pregnant or lactating mares, and horses with broken or sensitive skin. Always check the ingredients in the product before use and follow the instructions on the label carefully, looking out for any manufacturer warnings about unsuitability. 20
Another factor to consider is the quantity in which the active ingredient is present in the repellent. Those with a higher percentage of the active ingredient will naturally be more effective than others. Some products contain ingredients that are not FEI approved, so if you compete it’s worth checking an up to date list of banned substances, to ensure the repellent you choose meets with their regulations. If you prefer to use only completely natural products on your horse then there are also plenty of options available that contain only naturally sourced ingredients. Please note: We recommend performing a patch test of any new repellent purchased before full use. The patch test should be performed on all horses on which the repellent is intended for use. As with humans, some horses have allergies to certain ingredients, where others do not. In the case of a severe reaction, please ensure you consult a veterinarian.
Base Ingredient There are two types of base for a fly repellent; water or oil. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Oil-based repellents tend to work better initially as they cover the flies more effectively, causing them to suffocate or drown. They also give the coat a nice shiny look after application, however, this also means their coat then attracts a lot of dust, so can look messy quite quickly. Another slight Horsemart
