Horses - Insect Repellent Products Review

The only thing the horse in the photo is missing is a set of fly boots and he will look cooler then Superman!

We love our animals and want to protect them and make them feel as comfortable as possible, so what can you do to help your horse during fly season?  There are many products and variations out there designed to help keep the insects and pesky flies off of our horses.  I want to share with you my favorite variation of these different products and why. 

Fly Mask

A fly mask is most definitely recommended, especially a full face and ears one.  Why?  Because it covers their entire long face protecting them from flies and gnats getting into their ears and hanging out on their eyes.  There are many variations of fly masks; covers only their eyes, covers eyes and ears, covers eyes, ears, and nose.  There are also different styles and materials; ones with nose fringes or all mesh, and ones that Velcro on or slide on.

Differences between the variations

Eyes mask – These types only keeps the pests out of your horses eyes, not recommended

Eyes and ear mask – This option works well if your horse doesn’t sunburn (typically a non-white nosed/blaze horse).

Eyes, ears, and nose – The best option as it covers their entire face and ears!  Check out the different styles of these below.

Differences between the styles

Nose piece made of plastic mesh – The nose piece is made of entirely mesh, like a fly sheet, so it protects from sunburn.  The horses don’t seem too fond of this type because the mesh can get caked in mud, which leads to the horse possibly having difficulties breathing or ends up breathing in mud/dust.

Nose piece made with fringes – This is a great option and my absolute favorite.  The nose piece is made up of fringes and dangles about, not getting clogged with mud or dust.  As horses graze, the fringes fall on top of their nose protecting it from the sun.

Differences between the types

Slide on – These are great for acrobatic horses who can maneuver anything off of their face, legs, and body.  They are very loose fitting, but hold firmly to the horse with a spandex material.  These make great fly masks, but they do not yet sell ones with a nose piece.

Velcro on – If purchasing a fly mask that Velcro’s on, try to find one with an elastic band, this way if they get the mask stuck on something it has a better chance of sliding off of their face versus them panicking and ripping it off their face.

Recommended

Derby Original.  This fly mask has the eyes, ears, and nose covered!  It does a great job of protecting my horse from the flies and sun.

Fly Boots

In all my years I hadn’t used fly boots and rarely have I seen them used.  After moving to a new barn, almost everyone had a set on their horse!  Since I have a very sensitive to the touch little flower of a horse who hates flies as much as me, I had to try him in some boots!  After a couple days of monitoring other horses and the different types of fly boots, I purchased my first set.  Fly boots are a great addition to protecting a horse that might stomp or kick because of the flies that are bothering them.  They do damage to themselves when this happens, so prevent injury and strap on those boots to your horse!

Stay away from boots that have elastic on the top and the bottom, as well as boots with one Velcro

strap.  These type of fly boots are not good because they do not hold their form after a couple of weeks as the material wears down, the boots no longer stand up and turn into ankle socks for your horse instead.  Also, watch out for boots with one Velcro strap because if you have a very handy horse, he will be able to take the boots off one by one by himself (I have been witness to this).

When looking for a set of fly boots, look for a contoured set that forms around your horses legs.  These boots will have 3 Velcro straps and cannot deform as your horse frolics in the pastures as they will be form fitting with their legs.

Recommended

Tough 1 Contoured Boots.  These come in a pack of 2, so if you’re wanting to test them out on horse first without wasting money, its perfect.  I love these boots because they are contoured and have 3 tough Velcro straps that he cannot undo. 

Fly Sheet

These are great and protect the entire body of your horse!  The only problem is there are tons and tons of different types and brands of fly sheets, so which one do you try?  When looking for a fly sheet, find one made of cloth mesh, with shoulder gussets.

Material

The cloth mesh will hold up much better when your horse is frolicking around and rolling around on the ground.  The plastic mesh, tends to tear easier and can rub the skin raw in areas.

Type

You will also want to buy a fly sheet that has shoulder gussets to allow for maximum movement for your horse.  A fly sheet without the gusset doesn’t allow for additional movement if the sheet gets off centered in any way, allowing it to tear and rip.

Recommended

Weatherbeeta Comfitec Airflow.  I have only bought one fly sheet and I wont ever need to buy another.  My horse is as wild and playful as they come his fly sheet has held up very well all season long with no signs of tearing or wearing.  He has lots of leg room and movement, as well as adjustable straps for his belly.