Who’s already fed-up with the flies? I know my horse is. I went through and found the top ten products you’ll need to make it through fly season with your horse (relatively) unbitten.
Maximum Airflow Meets Maximum Fly Protection
SmartMesh Ultimate Fly Sheet
I don’t know about where you live, but here in the Mid-Atlantic, it’s hot, like a step-outside-and-start-sweating-instantly type of hot. It’s tough to find a fly sheet that will offer your horse fly protection without causing them to overheat. That’s where the SmartMesh Ultimate Fly Sheet comes in. The super lightweight and breathable fine mesh allows for maximum airflow to keep your horse cool and comfortable, while still providing head to tail fly protection. Plus, it’s backed by SmartPak’s three year durability guarantee.
Relaxed Fit Fly Boots
SmartPak Deluxe Relaxed Fit Fly Boots
Chipped hooves. Foot soreness. Stone bruises. Did you know that all of these common hoof health issues can be caused by stomping at flies? As the owner of a finicky barefoot Thoroughbred, I’m unfortunately very familiar with all three. Fly boots could be the answer to better hoof health this summer, as they can dramatically cut down on how much your horse stomps at flies. These relaxed fit fly boots are designed to be as comfortable for your horse as possible, while still providing that desperately needed fly protection.
Fly Mask with Hard Core UV Protection
SmartPak UV90+ Fly Mask w/ Extended Nose
Owners of gray and bald-faced horses, this one’s for you. If you have a horse who needs sunscreen applied on a daily basis, this fly mask offers both UV90+ sun protection as well as fly protection. It has an extended nose that will cover your horse’s sensitive muzzle so you don’t have to spend your morning slathering sunscreen on a none-too-happy horse. If you have a horse who is prone to moon blindness and melanomas, consider using it year-round.
Fashionable Ear Protection
SmartPak Luxe Collection Ear Bonnet
If you have a horse that becomes personally offended by flies while being ridden, I’m sure you know that an ear net becomes your best friend in the summer months. Ear nets can cut down on head shaking, help your horse stay focused, and, most importantly, keep your horse happy while you ride. With the SmartPak Luxe Collection Ear Bonnet, you can look stylish and protect your horse from flies. Available in navy, black, and white, this ear bonnet features satin-like fabric on the ears and a sparkly rope trim to add just the right amount of bling.
Plant-Powered Fly Spray for Horse & Rider
OutSmart® Fly Spray
How many times have you sprayed yourself with your horse’s fly spray in a moment of desperation? Now you can spray yourself with a fly spray that’s actually safe for both you and your horse. OutSmart Fly Spray is made with Geraniol and Peppermint Oil, for a combination that works and smells amazing. This next-generation insect repellent is effective against house flies, stable flies, mosquitoes, and ticks.
Feed-Through Fly Protection
Smart Bug-Off Pellet
Feed-through fly supplements often get mixed reviews. But the SmartBug-Off Pellet has a total of four stars from over 1400 customers. With that many good experiences, it’s a safe bet that this supplement actually works. Picky eater approved, this supplement provides key ingredients to deter biting insects, such as garlic and apple cider vinegar. Plus, if your horse is prone to sweet itch, this supplement also supports healthy skin and a normal inflammatory response.
Set It and Forget It Fly Trap
Rescue Disposable Fly Trap
Imagine if you could remove 40,000 flies from your farm just by filling a bag with some water. With the Rescue Disposable Fly Trap, that’s actually a possibility. The reviews are glowing, with one reviewer proclaiming, “How dare you make a product that absolutely exceeds expectation.” Because the powder attractant is contained within the trap, all you have to do is fill it with some water and hang it up.
Hard Core UltraShield Fly Spray
UltraShield EX Fly Spray
Unfortunately, sometimes the natural fly sprays just don’t cut it. If you’re looking for a more intense fly spray, consider the UltraShield EX Fly Spray. The sweat resistant insecticide and repellent formula will protect your horse from more than 70 insect species for up to 17 days. It also contains sunscreens and coat conditioners to keep your horse looking great. However, use it sparingly! Insecticides can be harmful to pollinators.
Disguise Your Horse from Flies with an Earth-Friendly Fly Sheet
SmartPak Deluxe Fly Disguise Sheet with Earth Friendly Fabric
There’s been a lot of new products on the market lately that use zebra stripes to confuse flies and prevent them from landing. SmartPak’s version is a little more subtle. The SmartPak Deluxe Fly Disguise Sheet uses an innovative hexagonal pattern to confuse flies, making it hard for them to find your horse. As an added bonus, the fabric for this fly sheet is made from earth-friendly recycled materials. Each sheet saves 315 plastic bottles from the landfill.
Say Goodbye to Ticks
Equi-Spot Fly Control
Ticks seem to be the guest of honor so far this fly season. Prior to this year, I have picked one tick off my horse in the last four years. This season, I’ve pulled off more than I can count. You don’t want to mess around with ticks and the diseases they carry. I use Equi-Spot Fly Control to help combat these disgusting blood suckers. The heavy-duty permethrin formula kills and repels houseflies, stable flies, face flies, horn flies, eye gnats and ticks on horses and it lasts for two weeks.
There’s no way around it. Fly season is… well, not great. For many equestrians, it’s their least favorite time of year. Your horse won’t make it through the summer fly-free, no matter what you do, but you can at least make their quality of life a little bit better through the summer months with the right fly gear. I know my thin-skinned Thoroughbred appreciates a good fly spray and fly mask! What’s your favorite fly protection hack?
This article is sponsored by, you guessed it, SmartPak. Don’t let the flies stop you from riding your horse this summer. Click here to shop on SmartPakequine.com.
