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Grazing season brings much joy for horses, who can enjoy the fresh air and lush grass. However, with the arrival of warmer months, parasite activity also increases, posing a threat to the health and comfort of our horses. For horse owners, insect protection is becoming a priority, leading to an increased use of various protective accessories, such as mesh blankets , fringes , fly masks , insect repellents , and fly sprays .
Horse repellents are commonly used in equestrian sports to protect the animal from annoying insects. However, there are many myths surrounding their effectiveness and potential harmful effects. In today's article, we'll focus on analyzing the ten most common myths about insect repellents for horses . We'll discuss common misconceptions about repellents, and then present the facts you should consider when making decisions about protecting your ungulates from insects.
Also learn 7 ways to protect your horse from horse flies !
10 myths about horse repellents – what is the truth?
1. MYTH: If your horse doesn't mind insects, there's no need to use repellents.
Facts : Horses should always be kept safe and protected from insects and parasites. This is especially true during the spring and summer months, as this is when the risk of contracting diseases transmitted by various insects and parasites increases. Even if horses don't show signs of discomfort from insects, they may be at risk of infection, which can be reduced by using repellents. The nuisance caused by a high insect presence may sometimes go unnoticed by horse owners, but this doesn't mean that a lack of protection doesn't cause discomfort for the animal.
To protect your horse from insects, it's worth using proven products like Asekor Fly . This specialized insect repellent is designed to protect horses from pesky insects such as mosquitoes, horse flies, ticks, midges, flies, horseflies, ants, and cockroaches. This product is highly effective in repelling insects thanks to its advanced formula containing active ingredients such as pyrethroids.
Find out what Lyme disease looks like in horses – click here !
1. Fly Guard Spray Black Horse 2. HorseFly Spray Over Horse
2. MYTH: The stronger the repellent, the better it protects the horse.
Facts : Strong chemicals don't guarantee the best protection for your horse against insects. It's a common belief that the stronger the repellent, the more effectively it protects your horse from insects. This idea stems from the belief that higher concentrations of repellents provide longer-lasting and more effective protection. The effectiveness of a product depends primarily on its suitability for the individual horse's needs, its composition, duration of action, and frequency of use. It's also important to remember that strong repellents can irritate the horse's skin and cause allergic reactions. Furthermore, prolonged use can lead to increased insect tolerance to certain substances contained in the product.
3. MYTH: Repellents are only intended to be applied directly to the horse.
Facts : : There are fly repellents available for horses for both direct application to the horse's skin and indoors . The "Black Absorbine" ( Ultrashield Brand Absorbine ), commonly known to horse owners, features UltraBond ™ particle-binding technology. This effectively combats over 70 species of insects for up to 14 days after spraying the product in the horse's enclosure. The herbal version, Ultrashield Green, is formulated with natural ingredients suitable for application directly to the horse's coat.
1. Absorbine UltraShield Brand 2. Absorbine UltraShield Green
4. MYTH: Sensitive horses absolutely cannot be sprayed with fly repellents.
Facts : Currently, the equestrian market offers gentle products designed with sensitive horses in mind , based on natural ingredients. Our Equishop equestrian store offers the natural and effective Absorbine Ultrashield Green fly repellent. This spray contains numerous plant oils that effectively repel insects. It's also suitable for use on foals and dogs. It has a refreshing, herbal scent that's pleasant for both animals and humans.
Important! Before starting regular use, it's always recommended to test a small area of your horse's skin to see if it reacts. This way, you can identify any allergic reactions or irritations and avoid the unpleasant consequences of using a product that may be harmful to the horse. For sensitive horses, it's also recommended to consult a veterinarian before using fly repellents. Your veterinarian can suggest the best solutions and help you choose the right product for your horse, taking into account its individual needs and health.
Also check out the 10 summer commandments for riders – click here !
UltraShield Green Absorbine Natural Insect Repellent
5. MYTH: The stronger the smell, the more effective the repellent.
Facts : The effectiveness of repellents depends not only on the intensity of the odor but also on the presence of specific active ingredients that repel insects. Insects react differently to different chemical compounds, so a strong odor does not necessarily mean greater effectiveness in repelling all insect species. Some insects may be more susceptible to certain repellents, even if they do not have a strong odor.
Some products, such as Doctor Horse's Fly Doesn't Sit, work by masking the odor of horse sweat – their properties aren't limited to simply releasing a strong odor, but also focus on neutralizing horse odor. It's also important to remember that the repellent's intense odor can be bothersome to both horses and humans, which may lead to limited or no use of the product.
6. MYTH: Insect repellents damage the horse's coat.
Facts : Glycerin, found in horse repellents, has conditioning properties that positively impact the condition of the coat. Glycerin acts as a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture, helping maintain proper skin and hair hydration. Adding this ingredient, for example, to Over Horse Fly Spray, makes the horse's coat softer and more flexible, making it easier to care for. Furthermore, most insect repellents soothe irritation caused by insect bites, providing relief to the horse and accelerating the skin's healing process. The shiny effect on the coat is an additional benefit, making horses look attractive and healthy.
Also check out our article about basic horse care for summer !
HorseFly Spray Over Horse insect repellent
7. MYTH: Using repellents is sufficient to protect your horse against all types of insects.
Facts : Repellents are effective at repelling insects, but the product you choose doesn't necessarily work on all species. Some repellents may be more effective against flies than mosquitoes, while others may be more effective against ticks. Furthermore, horses can be exposed to different types of insects depending on geographic location, season, and environmental conditions. For example, in the summer, horses may be more susceptible to mosquitoes and flies, while in the spring and fall, ticks may be more problematic. Because using repellents alone may not provide comprehensive protection against all types of insects, it's worth considering a variety of insect protection products .
8. MYTH: Using repellents is the only effective method of protecting horses against all insects.
Facts : There are many different insect repellent methods that can be equally effective, or even more effective in some cases, in providing protection against insects. The most important determinant of effectiveness is adapting the method of protection to the needs of the individual horse and its environment. Our equestrian salon offers a wide range of insect repellent accessories . These include mesh rugs , insect masks , fringes , and insect repellent lamps . Additionally, stables often contain insect-repellent flowers and herbs. Among the most popular insect repellent plants are lavender, peppermint, geraniums, tansy, and mosquitoes.
You can read more about protecting your horse from insects in the stable, on the paddock and during training here !
Fly Cover Fransen Busse Insect Mask
9. MYTH: The effectiveness of repellents depends mainly on their price - the more expensive the better.
Facts : A product's price isn't always a measure of its effectiveness. There are both inexpensive and expensive horse repellents that can be effective in repelling insects. The effectiveness of a given insect repellent depends on its formula, the quality of its ingredients, and many other factors. Furthermore, the effectiveness of repellents can vary depending on the individual needs of the horse and the environmental conditions in which it lives. More expensive products aren't always better for a particular horse, so it's important to find a product that best suits the individual needs of the animal. When choosing a product, it's worth considering not only price but also scientific research and the opinions of other users. Some cheaper products can be just as effective as their more expensive counterparts, provided they contain the right active ingredients and are used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
10. MYTH: Only fly repellents in spray form are effective.
Facts : The effectiveness of horse repellents doesn't depend solely on their form. The effectiveness of a product can primarily depend on the product's quality, composition, the type of insects, and the suitability of the insect repellent. The myth surrounding sprays often stems from the common belief that they are easiest to use and provide immediate action. It's often believed that spray application allows for even coverage of the horse's surface, but it's important to remember a wide range of factors that influence repellent effectiveness.
A great example of an insect repellent for horses, proving the effectiveness of other repellents, is Fly Guard Natural Gel by Black Horse . It's a great solution for horses that sweat profusely, as its gel formula prevents it from running off the horse's body. It contains special essential oils that are designed to repel insects and neutralize the odor of horse sweat. We also offer a spray version of Fly Guard in our store.
You can read about how to repel horse flies here !
1. Fly Guard Gel Black Horse 2. Fly Guard Spray Black Horse
Summary:
A confrontation of myths and facts regarding the use of horse repellents leads to reflection on the need to make informed decisions based on reliable knowledge. Among the most frequently chosen insect repellents are Absorbine UltraShield Brand and Asekor Fly Spray . There are many alternative methods of protection, such as fly blankets, masks, or fringes. It's worth remembering that the price of fly repellents doesn't always reflect their effectiveness, and odor intensity isn't the only indicator of repellent effectiveness. An individual approach to the needs and sensitivities of individual horses is crucial, taking into account the diversity of insect species and changing environmental conditions. The use of repellents requires informed decisions based on the horse's actual needs.
Looking for effective fly protection for your horse? Be sure to check out our range of insect repellent products !
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