Flies, Fly Wraps, Fly Season

See my last Thursday post for a recent training session rudely interrupted by a brigade of horseflies. It's that time of year. You'll notice in my horse photos, the summer crew cuts. They shake the manes to scare the horse flies, but, since mine are able to protect from horse flies in the run in barn, I prefer to cut the manes to help prevent overheating especially during exercise.

For our pesky friend the common stable fly I use leg fly wraps, 14 day spot on fly repellent and fly masks later in the season. The spot on repellent does very little fly protection, but, I've found that it kills ticks (sorry tick buddies), and presumably other microscopic type of varmints that cause discomfort, and possibly mosquitos (I'm checking that one out now.)

Fly leg wraps prevent excessive stamping, protect cartilage, keep rear shoes from being smashed back from fly kicking, and yes they do keep the flies away. I had used the perfect fly leg wrap in the Royal Ryders from Valley Vet, but, they've been discontinued. This spring I bought one new brand after another, all horrible, stupidly designed products--uncomfortable, ill fitting, made in China. But then a godsend. I found these new and very cheap ($20.00 for 4 legs) Romas from Dover Saddlery. The Velcro is a little too sticky and the fasteners too long which increases time of application, but, they're serviceable, wearable (unlike those other brands), and do the job.



The discontinued Royal Rider wraps from Valley Vet. Light conforming mesh, nice Velcro snaps, perfect size, very comfortable, durable. Nobody was buying them. Huh?
Old wraps, scattered about in the foreground. New Romas on the horses. Left click to enlarge for Art's (foreground) summer haircut.
Art at left sporting new Romas.