Adobe Stock photoPlanning ahead for equine emergencies can help you avoid delays in care and unexpected expenses. You can prepare for these emergencies by having your veterinarians contact information visible and your horses medical records current. Posting emergency contacts in the barn and training staff in basic first aid can reduce the risk of compounding injuriesand bills. Know where the nearest equine hospital is and have a reliable transport plan to avoid last-minute emergency hauls, which can be expensive. Reviewing your emergency protocol regularly helps protect both your horses health and your wallet. Tune into Ask TheHorse Live on Thursday, June 12, to hear two veterinarians advice on planning for equine emergencies. Register now and submit your questions! Register NowAsk The Horse Live begins on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. EDT Days Hours MinutesAbout the Experts: Michael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVSMichael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, is the owner and founder of Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services in Hackettstown, New Jersey. Fugaro received his VMD at the University of Pennsylvanias School of Veterinary Medicine, in Kennett Square, where he graduated in 1997. He then completed a large animal internship at the University of Guelph, in Ontario, Canada, and a large animal surgical residency at Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana. Previously, Fugaro was the resident veterinarian and a tenured full-professor at Centenary University, in Hackettstown. He has also taught as a visiting instructor at Rutgers University in the Animal Science Department, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Fugaro has held veterinary positions with the New Jersey Department of Agricultures Division of Animal Health and the New Jersey Racing Commission. He has also been the President of the New Jersey Association of Equine Practitioners, an advisory board member for the Rutgers University Board for Equine Advancement (RUBEA), and an admissions committee member for University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. When not performing surgeries, Fugaro enjoys golfing and going to the gym. He resides in Morris County, New Jersey with his wife, Donna, and dog, Curtis.Stacey Cordivano, DVM, IVCAStacey Cordivano, DVM, ICVA, is the co-owner of Clay Creek Equine Veterinary Services in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and host of The Whole Veterinarian Podcast. She also co-founded the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar series and is a managing partner of Decade One. Both organizations focus on making a positive impact in the equine veterinary community. Dr. Cordivano is active in the AAEP as a speaker and committee member. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two sons and a farm full of animals. Connect with her on Instagram @thewholeveterinarian!

A cracker16.2hh approx 4yo mare..her sire El Salvador is a stallion we have had many progeny from, we have always been impressed by their talent and temperament and this mare is no exception he ...

Biologic, or regenerative, therapies have altered the way many equine veterinarians treat problematic joints. | Photo: Haylie Kerstetter/The HorseBiologic, or regenerative, therapies have altered the way many equine veterinarians treat problematic joints. Some of the most mainstream and popular modalities they currently use to manage osteoarthritis (OA) in horses are autologous conditioned serum, autologous protein solution, platelet-rich plasma, and mesenchymal stem cells.Most biologic therapies involve collecting and concentrating the horses natural anti-inflammatory and regenerative proteins or cells so they can be injected into an area of pathology (disease or damage) in the same horse.Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS)Autologous conditioned serum is a cell-free extract of whole blood that has been processed to contain high concentrations of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP), a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory protein within the body. It is marketed under the trade names IRAP and IRAP II.When preparing ACS, veterinarians collect venous blood in a proprietary syringe system that encourages porous glass beads to bind with white blood cells. During an incubation process the bound white cells release high concentrations of IRAP. The veterinarian then draws the serum off into small portions and freezes it for future injection into arthritic joints. In clinical studies of ACS, researchers have reported improved synovial membrane (joint surface lining) health, stimulation of natural IRAP production, and improved lameness.Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)Platelet rich plasma is blood plasma thats been centrifuged or filtrated to have a higher concentration of platelets than whole blood. Many horse owners are familiar with PRP and its use in tendon and ligament injuries; however, veterinarians are using it more regularly for treating joint disease.One of platelets roles in the body is to modulate tissue healing. They do so by releasing growth factors and signaling molecules that initiate repair and promote anabolic (supporting tissue growth) effects. Veterinarians have capitalized on this ability by injecting high concentrations of platelets directly into damaged or inflamed regions. Because many PRP systems allow for stallside preparation, it is a convenient option for immediate treatment without the hassle of incubation or culturing in the lab, as is the case with ACS and stem cell preparation, respectively.Historically, equine veterinarians have primarily used PRP to help treat soft tissue injuries. More recent work has led to intra-articular (in the joint) use with promising results. Although researchers have demonstrated how platelet-derived products work in vitro (in the lab) and veterinarians have seen promising anecdotal results in vivo (in the live horse), theyve yet to produce evidence-based confirmation of its clinical efficacy.Mark Revenaugh, DVM, owner of Northwest Equine Performance, in Mulino, Oregon, says the main factors standing between researchers ability to gather objective data and establish a consensus on PRPs efficacy are the high variability among preparation systems, individual patient reactivity to the product, and an unknown ideal concentration of platelets for particular injuries.Most practitioners cant always check how many platelets are being used, he says. Depending on the system, one veterinarian may be using 100,000 platelets/milliliter and another veterinarian may be using 1 billion platelets/milliliter. These are not the same treatments, even though both are called PRP. I would love to see an industry standard develop.Overall, PRPs positive anecdotal results and relatively easy preparation make it a useful option for treating osteoarthritis (OA) in horses.Autologous Protein Solution (APS)Autologous protein solution (marketed under the trade name Pro-Stride) is essentially a hybrid of ACS and PRP. Its two-step stallside preparation process involves separating whole blood and sequestering white blood cells and platelets in a small fraction of plasma. The veterinarian then concentrates the separate blood components by filtration, leaving a solution of white blood cells, platelets, and serum proteins that provides the anti-inflammatory mediators of IRAP and the platelet-derived growth factors of PRP.In a 2014 study out of The Ohio State University, researchers revealed that an intra-articular APS injection can significantly improve lameness, weight-bearing symmetry, and range of joint motion in horses that dont have severe lameness or significant compromise to the joint structure.Mesenchymal Stems Cells (MSCs)Mesenchymal stems cells are adult stem cells that can direct regeneration and repair of damaged tissue. Veterinarians have used this type of stem cell as a treatment strategy for equine soft tissue injury for some time; its only recently that veterinarians have begun using them to treat OA, and its not fully clear how they work in this capacity. Researchers working on early stem cell studies hoped to establish evidence that stem cells injected into regions of injury would develop into the respective tissue. While this hypothesis proved to be incorrect, continued research has revealed that these cells might instead have anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to recruit other stem cells to the area that could, in fact, heal damaged tissue.The two most common forms of mesenchymal stem cells are adipose (fat)-derived and bone-marrow-derived. Some study results have shown that bone marrow sources yield smaller concentrations thanbut are superior toadipose sources in their ability to differentiate into musculoskeletal tissue. Some encouraging data supporting the use of mesenchymal stem cells for treating OA exists, but researchers have only published a small number of studies with promising results. Equine veterinarians have used MSCs to treat intra-articular soft tissue injury (meniscal and cruciate damagecartilaginous tissues and ligaments that support the stifle), with successful anecdotal results. Theyve reported more variable outcomes when using it for primary intra-articular injuries.Carter Judy, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, staff surgeon at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center, in Los Olivos, California, says he currently prefers to use PRP and APS for OA treatment over MSCs. However, he admits there is much to be discovered. What will be interesting to see is how manipulating the cells and providing them with different signals and markers can make their efficacy much more potent and focused, he says.Take-Home MessageWhen weighing treatment options for horses with OA, veterinarians should base their decision to use a certain biologic modality on its cost, availability, and how a horse has responded previously.Our knowledge base of how the biologics work is improving, but we are in the infancy of understanding, Judy says. Much of the use is based on the clinical response as much as is it on the scientific data.

By Jean Llewellyn / press release Photography: Reckimedia A total of 25 colts were for sale on the evening of the Online Auction of the Westfalian Studbook, when Vitavito Gold caused a sensation, changing hands for the top price of 105,000 euros. Twenty of the young colts were at an average price of 14,088. Organized []The post Sensational hammer price of 105,000 for Va Bene son appeared first on Breeding News for Sport Horses.

A young stallion who was found running loose on the M32 has found his forever home with the lady who rescued him.Jade Plummer, who runs Blossom Hill Equestrian, a livery yard in Gloucestershire, was driving back from Wales on Thursday 15 May with her friend Rosie Tibbenham when they saw a horse running down the M32.The pair followed the horse in their car and tried to catch him as he continued down the M32 and onto the slip road to the M4.I was trying to keep him on the hard shoulder using my car so he wouldnt be hit by another vehicle. It was 9pm by this time so it was getting dark, said Jade.Avon and Somerset Police arrived and shut the road. They eventually managed to capture the stallion, fashioning a makeshift headcollar using the rope attached to a buoyancy float the police had in their car.New owner for DashThe owner turned up and said he didnt want anything to do with the horse so he was signed over to me, explained Jade who subsequently called her friend Liv Dudman to bring a horse box to take the horse back to Jades yard.Dash, as Jade has named the horse following his sprint along the motorway, was checked over by a vet who said they believed he was four years old.Hes very small and underweight so he only looks about 18 months old. He had no microchip or passport, has bad sweet itch as well as several sarcoids, said Jade.He didnt eat or drink for days and we were having to syringe water into him. Hes now on a special diet as he needs feeding up and to stay as hydrated as possible but we obviously cant give him too much food too soon.Making good progressDash has now had his first vaccines, been microchipped and is receiving treatment for his sweet itch. He is booked in for castration and the possible removal of his sarcoids next week.Now hes starting to settle he is coming out of his shell and has a bit of life about him. Hes very sweet and not nasty at all. The kids at the yard love him and the whole of the yard think hes great. If I ever cant find anyone they are usually in his stable, said Jade.We are quite taken by him and want to keep him. He has conditions that will need to be managed for the rest of his life and we want that to be done properly, we dont want him to be passed around. He has a home for life with us.Jade and Rosie have launched a crowdfunding page to help pay for Dashs medical treatment and other needs. Click here to make a donation.Image Jade Plummer.Related contentSweet itch in horses: vet advice for relieving the itchingCream or surgery? Equine vet explains treatment options for a horse with a sarcoidNine common horse skin conditions in picturesHow to take care of a horseVideo: vet explains how to check a horses vital signsThe post Horse found loose on the motorway has home for life with his rescuer appeared first on Your Horse.

Factors Affecting Horse Behavior in Winter Impact Reduced Physical Activity and Energy Conservation Horses may become less active, conserve energy, and exhibit unexpected bursts of energy. Hormonal Changes in Mares Mares experience calmer behaviors due to daylight-influenced hormonal cycles, specifically during anestrus. Environmental Stressors and Confinement Limited turnout and concentrated feeds can cause frustration and abnormal behaviors like cribbing or weaving. Impact of Weather and Seasonal Conditions Rain, ice, and cold conditions can make horses more jumpy or reactive, requiring adequate shelter. Strategies to Help Horses in Winter Details Maintain Regular Exercise Consistent turnout and exercise prevent energy accumulation and improve mental wellness. Provide Adequate Shelter and Bedding Ensure a warm, dry, and protected environment to reduce stress-related behaviors. Monitor Diet and Nutrition Cater diet to lower activity levels and maintain body condition while ensuring digestive health. Track Behavior and Health Keep a journal of mood shifts, appetite, and health to identify patterns for vet discussions. Enhance Enrichment Introduce toys, puzzles, and companionship to reduce boredom during confinement. Unraveling the Mystery of Ziggy's Winter Behavior Change: What Could be Disturbing Our Equine Friends?As the cold air sweeps in and blankets the landscape with frost and snow, many horse owners, like those at Just Horse Riders, notice a peculiar phenomenon: their equine companions, such as trusty Ziggy, exhibit unusual behavioral shifts. Whether it's an unexpected burst of energy or an unexpected grumpiness, these changes could leave you scratching your head. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the mysteries of horse behavior changes in winter and arm you with knowledge to keep Ziggy content.Why Do Horses Like Ziggy Behave Differently in Winter?When the chill sets in, horses, much like humans, can be influenced by their surroundings. Several key factors play into this seasonal transformation.Reduced Physical Activity and Energy ConservationIn winter, horses frequently become less active and conserve energy by reducing their physical activity. The concept of winter hypometabolismwhere horses slow down their metabolismserves as a survival mechanism during food scarcities and harsh weather conditions. However, unexpected spurts of spirited behavior may arise when paired with stabling or limited exercise. Understanding this quirky reaction as merely excess energy can put your worries to rest. For further reading, consider insights from TheHorse.com.Hormonal Changes in MaresFor those who have a mare, like Ziggy, you might see these changes amplified. Mares go through hormonal cycles influenced by daylight. As days shorten, reproductive activities slow, leading to calmer behaviors during a phase called anestrus. If your mare bucks this trend, it may call for a closer look into her health profile. Additional information is available at Equine Health.Environmental Stressors and ConfinementWinter often confines horses to shelters with little room for turnout. Paired with a nutrient-rich diet of concentrated feeds, your equine buddy might experience frustration, leading to abnormal behaviors like cribbing or weaving. Adjusting activities and space can be a game-changer in curbing these behaviors. A visit to Equine Health could further enlighten you.Impact of Weather and Seasonal ConditionsRainfalls, icy paths, and a seemingly hostile environment often make horses more jumpy or reactive. Slippery surfaces can lead to nervous behaviors, perceived as unsettled spirits. Providing adequate, safe shelter vastly reduces stress and its behavioral manifestations. For guidance on preparing your horse's environment for winter, browse Equine Health.What Can You Do to Help Ziggy Through the Winter?Understanding the underlying causes of behavior changes allows horse owners to make informed decisions, contributing to better horse care.Maintain Regular ExerciseEven amidst cold fronts, having consistent turnout schedules and light-hearted exercise routines can tremendously help prevent energy accumulation and allow for improved mental wellness.Provide Adequate Shelter and BeddingEnsuring that Ziggy has a warm, dry, and protected environment really sets the stage for peaceful winters. Having comfortable living conditions could mitigate many stress-related behaviors.Monitor Diet and NutritionAn essential tip is to cater Ziggys diet to her lower activity levels while maintaining body condition. Conduct gradual dietary changes and be cautious with digestive health. Our recommendations include exploring our specialized products, such as the Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements.Track Behavior and HealthKeeping a journal of Ziggys mood shifts, appetite trends, or health stats could unveil patterns worth discussing with your vet. Tracking reproductive cycles could be particularly valuable, especially for mares.Enhance EnrichmentConsider toys, puzzles, or introducing companions, which can vastly reduce boredom during longer periods of confinement.Explore Just Horse Riders' CollectionsIf you're seeking solutions through gear and enrichments, visit collections such as our Jodhpur Collection for riding comfort and the Horse Riding Boot Collection for winter-ready footwear.Final ThoughtsThe changes exhibited by horses like Ziggy in winter are layers of physiological, environmental, and management factors. By understanding these variations, you can bestow care and adjustments ensuring that the winter is brimming with comfort and balance, rather than turmoil and sorrow. Always reach out for more insights through resources like TheHorse.com or Equus Magazine for evidence-based information. By doing so, you'll ensure that Ziggy enjoys the merriest of winter times.For further product inquiries and detailed insights tailored to your cannabis lifestyle, visit Just Horse Riders today!```html```

Key Point Details Benefits of Micklem Bridle Pressure distribution and comfort, improved acceptance of the bit, reduced headshaking and stress, ease of use. Types of Micklem Bridles Multi Bridle, Competition/Deluxe/Diamante Bridle. Personal Considerations Cost, effectiveness, versatility. Conclusion Micklem bridle worth the investment for horses with discomfort or sensitivity issues; higher price justified by benefits. Is the Micklem Bridle a Worthwhile Investment for Your Horse? The Micklem bridle has become a staple among equestrians for its ability to enhance a horse's comfort during various riding disciplines. Renowned for its innovative design, the bridle is especially favored in show jumping, dressage, and eventing. In this article, we dive into the benefits, considerations, and types of Micklem bridles to determine if it's a worthy investment for your equine companion. Benefits of the Micklem Bridle Pressure Distribution and Comfort The Micklem bridle stands out for its ability to distribute pressure evenly across the horse's head, particularly by positioning slightly higher on the nose where the bone is thicker. This design approach ensures reduced pressure on sensitive areas, a common issue with traditional bridles. Improved Acceptance of the Bit The unique design avoids undue pressure on the horse's molar teeth and tongue, making it easier for them to comfortably accept the bit. This feature benefits horses known to evade or struggle with maintaining contact with the bit. Reduced Headshaking and Stress One of the Micklem bridle's praised attributes is its ability to help horses experiencing non-seasonal headshaking, often caused by bridle discomfort. The use of soft leather and an anatomic headpiece encourages a stress-free experience for sensitive horses. Ease of Use Unlike traditional bridles, there is no throat lash, allowing for simple handling. This reduces the risks associated with tangled straps, making the Micklem bridle user-friendly. Types of Micklem Bridles Multi Bridle The Multi Bridle is versatile, allowing it to function with a bit, bitless, or even as a lunge cavesson. This version is fitting for those engaged in varied riding styles and disciplines. Competition/Deluxe/Diamante Bridle These bridles are crafted for specific disciplines, focusing on comfort and performance but without the Multi Bridles versatility. They are ideal for competition-driven riders seeking optimal performance in their field. Is the Micklem Bridle Worth the Investment? The value of a Micklem bridle for your horse hinges on your personal needs and the specific requirements of your horse. Some factors to consider include: Cost The Micklem bridle is often more costly than standard options, which might discourage budget-conscious owners. However, the additional cost is justified by the comfort and relief it provides to horses sensitive to traditional bridles (source: [3][4]). Effectiveness For horses prone to headshaking or mouth sensitivity, the Micklem design can significantly improve comfort and response, making it a beneficial tool in your riding arsenal (source: [3][5]). Versatility The availability of different versions, such as the Multi Bridle, allows for flexibility in usage. You can switch styles as needed without switching equipment. Conclusion The Micklem bridle represents a worthwhile investment, particularly if your horse experiences discomfort or sensitivity with traditional bridles. Its unique design and comfort-oriented features make a significant difference in improving ride quality for both horse and rider. While it comes with a higher price tag than some alternatives, the benefits to horse protection and performance can be invaluable, especially in resolving discomfort-related issues. For a holistic equestrian solution, consider pairing your Micklem bridle investment with riding boots and gloves from Just Horse Riders for a complete set of gear.```html```

The horse world is a passionate community and spending time with horses can do wonders for your mental health. However, behind the scenes it can also have the opposite effect. It can be lonely and at times devistating, for both amateur horse owners and equine professionals. Its crucial to shed light on these issues and explore ways to support ourselves and each other.Mental Health in Equine ProfessionalsFor many young horse lovers, working with horses is the dream.Continue reading Mental Health Challenges in the Horse World at EquiPepper.

Table of ContentsToggleHow Fly Spray WorksWhy Fly Control MattersActive IngredientsComparing ProductsFly Spray FormulationChoosing the Right Fly SprayDIY Fly SprayNot EnoughThe Right Way to ApplyPest ResistanceOther Fly ManagementTack and feed store displays are overflowing with fly spray bottles. There are numerous options available with different active ingredients, formulations and brand names. As you reach for the shelf, here are some tips to help you choose and use these products wisely so your horse doesnt get bugged this summer.Photo by Shelley PaulsonHow Fly Spray WorksAlthough fly spray is a familiar product to horse owners, you may not have given much thought to how it works or whats in the bottle.Fly repellents work by either repelling flies or killing them upon contact, says Erika T. Machtinger, Ph.D., assistant professor of entomology at Pennsylvania State University in State College, Penn. Repellents contain active ingredients that emit an odor or taste that flies find unpleasant and will try to avoid. Some fly repellents work by combining both repelling and killing properties. These repellents contain a combination of active ingredients that repel flies and contain insecticides that kill them upon contact.Why Fly Control MattersFlies are not just a pesky annoyance to horse owners and their animalsthey can also pose significant health risks, says Machtinger.Depending on the species of fly, they can transmit pathogens that can cause serious diseases and conditions in horses. Biting flies have also been linked to adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity and itching.In addition, Machtinger points out that flies can also impact a horse in other ways.High fly pressure can lead to pain, irritation, and changes in grazing behavior, such as reduced grazing time and lower forage intake, she says. This can result in reduced energy for growth, reproduction, and body condition maintenance. The negative impact of flies on horse behavior can lead to serious consequences, including injury or loss of condition.Active IngredientsMost companies will list features and benefits on the front of the label, says Casey White, an entomologist and senior director of technical services and innovation for Central Life Sciences, Farnams research and development division.If its something that kills and repels, itll say kills and repels or insecticide and repellent. Often, itll call out major species of insects or arthropods, such as ticks, that the product is effective against.A wide array of fly sprays are available, with varying synthetic and natural ingredients, depending on your horses needs. Photo by Elizabeth MoyerThe small print is where you should pay attention to the listed ingredients, including the number and type of active ingredients and their percent concentration. The active ingredients are what give the product its killing and repelling power.Active ingredients can be either natural or synthetic. Pyrethrins are a natural insecticide derived from the chrysanthemum flower. These offer knockdown benefits but break down quickly when exposed to sunlight. Pyrethroids are synthetic versions designed to have longer-lasting action; these include permethrin, cypermethrin, tetramethrin, and others.Essential oils such as citronella, geraniol, eucalyptus, thyme, cedar oil, lemongrass, rosemary oil, and clove oil are natural options to repel insects. Fatty acids are another type of natural repellent, including octonoic, nonanoic, and decanoic acid.Other ingredients include synergists, which work to amplify the active ingredients to provide greater killing power and/or longer-lasting protection. One of the most common is piperonyl butoxide (PBO). Others include butoxypolypropylene glycol and n-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide (MGK 264).Comparing ProductsLooking at the list of active ingredients and their percentages is one way to compare products and select the one that you think will work best for your needs.Formulas that use newer technology and a higher level of active ingredients cost more to make, says Amy Cairy, vice president of marketing for W.F. Young, makers of Absorbine. For these reasons, you can expect many of the best-selling fly sprays to come with a higher price tag, she notes.Along with comparing the levels of active ingredients, its also important to look at the recommended application rate, says White. A product may look like its half the concentration of a comparative product, but if you have to apply twice as much of it, he points out that youre essentially applying the same amount of active ingredientjust in a more dilute form.Fly Spray FormulationIn addition to the active ingredients, a products formulation is another difference to consider. Most fly sprays can be categorized as oil- or water-based, and there are pros and cons to each type.Oil-based sprays have staying power, but can attract dirt and dust and may be irritating to horses with sensitive skin. If you see contains petroleum distillate on the list of ingredients, thats the tipoff that its an oil-based spray.Water-based sprays are non-irritating and less of a magnet for dust, but will likely need to be reapplied more frequently.Water and oil-based formulas have their pros and cons, depending on a horses sensitivity and need for longer-lasting application. Photo by Shelley PaulsonMany horse owners prefer all-natural formulas using essential oils and plant extracts as an alternative to chemical sprays.Long-lasting sweat and water-resistant formulas contain ingredients that help the product stick to the hair shaft. These are designed to hold up well to rain and sweat under normal turnout and working conditions, says Cairy.However, she notes that if you rinse your horse with a hose, sponge him off, or bathe him with shampoo, you are removing the product from the horses hair and should reapply the fly spray afterward.Coat conditioners and sunscreen are other bonus ingredients you might find in a fly spray.Choosing the Right Fly SprayThe right fly spray can depend on several factors. First, consider the type of flies that are prevalent in your area and choose a spray that targets those specific types of flies, says Machtinger. Next, consider your horses individual needs, such as any skin sensitivities or allergies. Its also important to consider the sprays effectiveness and how long it will last, and finally the ease of application and whether it requires dilution or not.The type of spray you use right before a ride may be different than the one you use before turning your horse out in the field. Photo by Shelley PaulsonThe local climate and weather conditions, such as heat and humidity, as well as what you are doing with your horse also influence your choice of fly spray. You may want to have a few different kinds in your kit with different features and formulations. The fly spray you use right before you go in the show ring might be different than the one youd use to turn your horse out in the field.For example, if you have a horse that is easily bothered by a wide variety of flies or is reactive to insect bites, youll want to find a long-lasting, broad-spectrum fly spray that both kills and repels insects, says Cairy. Or if you live where its hot and humid or have a horse that is prone to heavy sweating, youll want to reach for a fly spray that binds to the horses hair shaft and wont sweat off.DIY Fly SprayHomemade fly spray recipes abound on the internet. If youve been tempted to whip up your own batch of fly spray to save a buck, here are a few things to consider before you do it yourself.The cost for a manufacturer to develop a formula and obtain a registration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can easily exceed $250,000 and take upwards of two years to complete, given the extensive testing required to prove safety and efficacy, says Cairy. She advises caution to anyone considering making fly spray at home.Horses have very sensitive skin and can have severe reactions to certain ingredients, especially essential oils, she says. In addition, mixing certain ingredients together can cause adverse reactions on the skin, including chemical burns, especially when the horse is turned out in the sun or when other products like shampoos or coat sprays are applied.This may put your mind at ease after wondering if spending the money is worth it.Fly sprays from trusted companies have a long track record of safety and efficacy, and while they may be more expensive to purchase, they generally provide the best protection and overall value for you and your horse, says Cairy.Not EnoughOne of the biggest fly spray mistakes is simply user error. Either not applying enough, not using the product according to the directions, or selecting the wrong type of product for the insect species you are dealing with.How do you know if youre applying the recommended amount of fly spray? Cairy suggests counting sprays and measuring how many it takes to reach the recommended amount, then using that for future reference. (About 45 sprays is what she has found it takes to reach a typical 2-ounce application.)The Right Way to Apply Reading the product label and applying according to the manufacturers instructions is essential for any fly spray to work correctly. Even if you have been using the same fly spray for years, its always a good idea to refamiliarize yourself with the information on the label, says Casey White, an entomologist and senior director of technical services and innovation for Central Life Sciences, Farnams research and development division. Apply to a clean horse. The product needs to adhere to the hair shaft to provide effective protection, and a layer of dirt gets in the way of that.If you apply fly spray to a horse that is covered in dirt and loose hair, the fly spray wont easily get to the hair shaft and will likely fall off when the dirt and loose hair falls off your horse, says Cairy. Cover the entire body, including head, legs and face. Missed spots can become a target for flies. (Avoid spraying the face; always use a cloth to apply around the eyes and nostrils.)Using a towel, applicator mitt, or brush is the most effective way to ensure coverage across the entire animal, says Erika T. Machtinger, Ph.D., assistant professor of entomology at Pennsylvania State University in State College, Penn. She recommends using disposable gloves to protect your skin from contact with the product and following all label precautions. Be sure you are using enough product. It is crucial to follow the label application rates for the fly spray to deliver optimum performance. Test new products. Its a good idea to spot-test new products, especially if you know your horse is sensitive. Apply to a small area, such as on the shoulder, and monitor for any reaction before you make a full application. Its not common, but it can happen, says White.Pest ResistanceIf you find that your go-to fly spray doesnt seem to be as effective, there may be a reason for that.In addition to the method of application, the effectiveness of these products can depend on the toxicity of the active ingredient to flies, and local pest resistance, says Machtinger. Flies can quickly develop a resistance to the active ingredients in many fly sprays (or already are resistant to them), reducing or in some cases eliminating their effectiveness.Pesky house flies are among the most affected by insecticide resistance. Fortunately, Machtinger reports, newer fly spray formulations using natural ingredients such as fatty acids and plant extracts have proven to be effective and longer-lasting in laboratory tests. The 2019 published study she led also suggests that formulation differences among pyrethroid products can significantly affect their efficacy.We do see some resistance to fly sprays, particularly permethrin, says Cairy. When horse owners start thinking, My fly spray isnt working the way it used to, we recommend that they rotate to one with a different formulation.When rotating products, look for something with an active ingredient that works differently than what you have been using, such as a different chemical class, advises White.Many of the on-animal sprays have the same mode of action, which makes incorporating other fly management tools even more important.Other Fly ManagementThere are many other things horse owners can do to help keep fly populations down, including good sanitation and manure management, and taking steps to eliminate fly breeding habitats and disrupt their life cycle.Scatterbaits, fly traps, feed-through larvicidal products and larvicides applied directly to fly development areas are other options that should be incorporated into a good integrated pest management (IPM) program, says White.Proper manure management is a good way to eliminate fly breeding areas and disrupt their life cycle. Photo by Daseaford/Adobe StockIt might seem like a fly is just a fly, but its important to try to identify what fly species you are dealing with, because they arent all created equal when it comes to fly control.To prevent flies on horses, its important to first understand which species of fly is the pest, says Machtinger. Each species will have different methods of control that are effective.A variety of tools, including fly masks and sheets, will help repel flies on all fronts. Photo by Feferoni/Adobe StockShe emphasizes the need to use a variety of tools in combination, such as good stable management and hygiene, fly masks and sheets, and species-specific fly traps.Fly traps can be a convenient way to keep numbers down in fly attracting areas. Photo by New Africa/Adobe StockFlies are a nuisance, but armed with the right knowledge and tools, its possible to fight back.Further Reading Hoof Problems Caused by Fly Stomping Flies, Worms and Yucky Things Using Parasitoids for Fly Control Understanding Fly Spray LabelsThis article about fly spray appeared in the July 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Fly Spray 101 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The horse world is a passionate community and spending time with horses can do wonders for your mental health. However, behind the scenes it can also have the opposite effect. It can be lonely and at times devistating, for both amateur horse owners and equine professionals. Its crucial to shed light on these issues and explore ways to support ourselves and each other.Mental Health in Equine ProfessionalsFor many young horse lovers, working with horses is the dream.Continue reading Mental Health Challenges in the Horse World at EquiPepper.