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Love your horse?... Give him a fly free summer!

Hermione Perry MSc Equine Nutritionist


Flies can be a real challenge in the summer months. As well as causing discomfort to grazing horses, they can have a detrimental effect on performance, by affecting concentration. Many horses also experience an allergic reaction to midge bites, known as Sweet – Itch. To date there is no known cure for this frustrating condition which causes an immense amount of irritation to the horse, to the point where they rub out much of their mane and tail and can make themselves bleed.

Until now, the only options available to horse owners each had their disadvantages. The most common method of fly defence is to apply fly repellents to the coat, usually in the form of sprays, lotions or creams. The ingredients of these products vary, some being based on chemicals, others on essential oils and plant extracts. Common to all external applications is the fact that they are not very long lasting, they wash off in the rain and need to be re-applied every few hours. For horses with sensitive skin, these products may cause an allergic reaction themselves.

Recent European law now controls the fly repellents and pesticides industry, and the ingredients which can be used in such products. This has caused a huge shake-up of the industry, and has resulted in popular ingredients, such as citronella oil, no longer being permitted in fly repellent applications for humans and animals. 

An alternative to the topical fly repellent is to use a rug or fly sheet while the horse is turned out. These can help to keep the flies off the skin, but it is not possible to have a rug which covers every exposed area of the body, particularly under the belly and between the hind legs. Though preferable to the symptoms of sweet itch, most owners don’t really want to have to resort to a rug during the warm weather. Care should be taken when choosing the rug to ensure that it is a good fit and does not rub the coat. Some rugs made from abrasive materials may accelerate skin damage if the horse rubs while wearing it.

What is Sweet itch?

Sweet itch is an allergy to midge bites. When the body is invaded by midge saliva, it triggers a rush of blood cells to the site and a massive production of free radicals. If the production of these damaging free radicals gets out of hand, and the immune system can not mop them up quick enough, the symptoms of the allergy become apparent – in this case excessive irritation, resulting in the need to scratch. Like all allergies, the immune system is over-reacting, and whenever the animal comes into contact with the allergen (midge) he will have an adverse reaction.  Obviously, reducing the number of times the horse is bitten will reduce the symptoms.

Think Fly is the first ever feed product designed to reduce fly nuisance. Created by ground breaking UK based feed manufacturer, Brinicombe Equine, it is the most innovative product to hit the market in recent years. 

What Is Think Fly?

Think Fly is a unique feed essential, which, when eaten, works naturally through the body’s system to create an invisible shield-like effect all over the horse. This will provide 24-hour relief from fly nuisance, seven days a week. The unique formula is the result of many years research. Feed trials proved that garlic based formulas did not give the results required, so Repel-Ex™ was created using a unique combination of herbs and plants which work in synergy. Also included in the formula are trace elements and MSM for a healthy skin and a whole host of other ingredients included for health and vitality.

Lick or Granules?

Think Fly is available either as a solid lick for free access feeding (the Tub) or as granules to mix with the horses usual feed. This ensures that Think Fly can be used with any feeding regime, and is even suitable for horses that do not receive additional feed over the summer months.

How much is fed?

Ideally, Think Fly should be introduced prior to the main ‘fly season’ allowing it to build up in the system. It should then be fed everyday throughout the summer months.
Granules:  Horses – feed 3 scoops (approx 100g) per day mixed into a damp feed
 Ponies – feed 2 scoops (approx 66g) per day mixed into a damp feed
During times of excessive fly nuisance, increase the rate by a further 1 scoop per day.

Tub: expected intake 200g per head per day. Restrict access if consuming more than 300g per day. It is usual for horses to have a higher consumption rate for the first few days, but this will settle to a regular intake level usually within a week. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Which is the best – Lick or Granules?

Both products have their advantages. The Tub is ideal if the horse does not receive a feed everyday, or if a group of horses are fed together. It also contains broad spectrum vitamins and minerals to ensure all the nutritional needs of the horse at grass are met. However, to ensure the horse has exactly the right amount everyday, and if the owner wants complete control of their horse’s intake, we would recommend the Granules.

Is it Palatable?

Both Think Fly Granules and Think Fly Tub are extremely palatable, with no problems reported to date.
The granules should be mixed into a small feed as they are probably too strong tasting for most horses to be eaten as they are. As with all supplements we would recommend that the Granules be introduced into the feed gradually.

Which is more expensive?

Both the 8kg Tub and 4kg Granules are designed to last one horse for approximately 6 weeks. This means that they cost exactly the same.

How long does it take to work?
Customer feedback has told us that this varies enormously between horses. Some report an improvement within a week, others say 3-4 weeks. What we can be sure of, is by the end of your first tub you should be seeing an improvement. 


 For further information click on Think Fly Granules or Think Fly Lick


 

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