Fight Flies; Save Your Horse

Your fight against flies hits a fever pitch this time of year. While they annoy you and cause you to say ICK, they’re an even bigger problem for your horses. Constant tail-swatting, stomping and headshaking can sour your horse’s attitude, and the bites some flies inflict can leave sores and spread illnesses. It’s time to take charge of your fly situation for your own sanity and your horse’s health.

Here are a few scenarios to consider when you begin arming yourself to fight the fly battle this spring and summer. With some thoughtful planning and an understanding of your circumstances, you’ll see a marked improvement in your horse’s ability to defend himself against nasty flying insects.

The Concern: A chromed-out face.

The Scenario: Julie loves everything about her Quarter Horse mare—especially her bald white face and blue eyes. In the spring and summer months, Julie worries about protecting that sensitive skin from sun exposure on top of keeping flies from biting in tender spots, leading to sores.

What She’s Tried: Julie’s spent buckets of money on various sunscreens and fly deterrents in cream, salve, stick and spray formulations. They offered some protection from insects and UV rays, but she wasn’t impressed with the results nor the messy applications.

What She’s Using This Year: After combing the internet and tack stores for options, this year Julie is going to try the Cashel Crusader fly mask. Made of soft-yet-durable nylon, this mask covers from her mare’s poll all the way to the tip of the horse’s nose, offering a comprehensive barrier between her face and annoying bugs, as well as blocking up to 70% of UV rays, which helps prevent sunburn and eye problems. The mask is offered with or without ear coverage and has a patented three-hole cap for ears and to pull the forelock through to prevent rubbing and hair breakage. Darts ensure that the mask doesn’t get too close to the horse’s lashes and eyes, so Julie has peace of mind that her mare is comfortable, protected and safe.

The Concern: Sensitive under saddle.

The Scenario: Tom uses his Quarter Horse gelding for everything, from moving cows with his neighbors to trail riding. Toms found that, even with chemical fly sprays applied generously, the horse still attracts biting and annoying flying insects that sour his attitude and can even make rides get a little dangerous when the horse gets increasingly agitated.

What He’s Tried: Tom has used every chemical fly repellant he can find, and he’s even tried to repurpose other products to create barriers for flies. He’s not happy with the results—nor the fit of his non-fly-gear being used as fly gear.

What He’s Using This Year: Tom recently saw another rider with a specialized belly band and neck covering to protect the horse. When he inquired about the gear, he learned about the Cashel Quiet Ride line of fly products. From the full-body Quiet Ride Bug Armor set, which goes from poll to tail, to a simple belly guard, neck cover or mask, the entire line is specifically designed for use while riding—no more unsafe repurposing of products. Every item in the line is designed to provide a cool comfortable shield from biting insects without restricting the horse’s movement or creating unsafe situations under saddle.

The Concern: A bleaching bay.

The Scenario: Kristy has a beautiful bay gelding that she pasture-boards. Every summer his coat bleaches out to a brassy tone due to UV exposure. Flies are also a concern, since he’s outside 24-7.

What She’s Tried: Kristy has tried specialized shampoos to return depth to her gelding’s bleached-out coat, but she wasn’t too impressed with the results and would rather be proactive and prevent the problem while also protecting her horse from fly insects.

What She’s Using This Year: The Crusader lightweight fly sheet checks all of Kristy’s boxes. Its lightweight, breathable mesh offers breathability, even on the hottest, buggiest days. The sheet’s design is contoured to prevent shoulder-rubbing and offers an extra-wide belly band for additional comfort and protection. Additionally, Kristy can hose off her horse while he wears the sheet for a cooling effect, kind of like an evaporative cooler in your home!

The Concern: Many horses to protect.

The Scenario: Mark manages 30 head of Quarter Horses on his place, so budget is always a concern no matter the problem. After noticing a few of his horses really fighting flies last summer, he’s decided he needs to find solutions to keep them comfortable and healthy but remain within his budget.

What He’s Tried: In the past, Mark has purchased a couple very inexpensive masks, but they didn’t hold up for a few days, let alone for an entire fly season. It left him frustrated and wondering if he had other options.

What He’s Using This Year: After researching his options, Mark plans to try items from Cashel’s Econo line, which offers all the standard fly gear on a budget. The masks and sheets feature lightweight mesh that helps reduce sun exposure, and soft edges prevent rubbing and irritation. Each piece can be adjusted for the perfect fit to keep it securely in place. 

The Concern: Stomping feet.

The Scenario: Lisa’s Quarter Horse gelding lives in a stall with a run. Even with her efforts to control flies around her property, she can’t eliminate them all. She’s noticed that even when outfitted in a sheet and mask, her gelding stomps incessantly, which causes her concern about possible leg injuries.

What She’s Tried: To this point, Kristy has only employed topical fly sprays to offer some relief to her horse’s legs. Unfortunately, she hasn’t seen long-term relief for her horse.

What She’s Using This Year: She’d read about fly boots, but heard many people complain about them not staying in place. Then one of her friends recommended Cashel Crusader leg guards, and they seemed like the perfect fit—literally. The boots are soft, yet durable, and offer a perfect fit with four hook-and-loop closures that keep them securely in place.

You can find even more fly gear at CashelCompany.com, and find their products at your local retailer. Be sure to follow Cashel on social media to stay up on all their products and tips to maximize your life with your American Quarter Horse.