Tips for summer jitters, which blanket is best to use?
During the summer months, horses are often plagued by flies and other biting insects. These insects are not only a constant irritation for your horse, but can also cause allergic reactions, infections or even spread disease.
Summer fever arises when a horse or pony is allergic to the saliva of certain insect species. The immune system overreacts and this causes a lot of itching in the places where the mosquitoes have bitten. Once your horse starts chafing, it will be difficult to get rid of it. The most affected areas are often the tail and mane. Prevention is better than cure, so make sure you take action early! For example, it is best to protect your horse in the spring with a fly rug.Provide protection
Shires Equestrian has developed a wide range of fly blankets and masks to help your horse through the summer months. The items are made of fabrics that protect your horse well and that are breathable, UV-resistant and quick-drying.
The Highlander Plus Eczema Rug Sweet-Itch Combo offers your horse complete protection from spring to late summer. The neck piece of this blanket is long enough to protect the entire neck of your horse, even while grazing. In addition, the blanket has an extra long tail flap and an adjustable belly flap for extra protection. Furthermore, the blanket has shoulder pleats and lining at the shoulders for extra comfort and the blanket is up to 90% UV-resistant.
Is your horse shy? Then the Tempest Plus eczema blanket is a good option! The neck piece avoids the ears, but still offers good protection. The blanket is equipped with a very breathable fabric that is 90% UV resistant. Furthermore, the blanket has a large adjustable belly flap and a tail flap for maximum protection.
Fly masks and leg protectors can provide extra protection. The FlyGuard Pro range is extensive and offers items that protect your horse's head, ears and nose against annoying insects. The ARMA anti-fly leg protectors are made of lightweight material and are ergonomically shaped. The 3D Air Motion Fabric ensures that air circulation is possible, but that insects are kept away from the legs.
Additional measures
There are also additional measures you can take as a horse owner to help protect your horse against these pesky insects. You can wash your horse or apply gels or sprays. This allows you to reach parts of the body that a blanket or fly mask cannot protect. Try the Ezi-Groom range! This includes citronella shampoo, gel and spray. There are also sprays and gels that you don't have to rinse out. Ideal for on the road, for example at a competition! For horses that have a lot of itching, care products with aloe vera, evening primrose or tea tree can have both a soothing and cleansing effect.
Clean and dry litter is much less attractive to flies, as warm and moist litter is a perfect breeding ground for insects.
Adjust your daily routine
Keeping your horse out of the heat can be an effective way to keep your horse away from annoying insects as much as possible. In the summer, many horse owners put their horses in the stable during the day and outside at night. Make sure the stables are clean and refreshed. Clean and dry litter is much less attractive to flies, as warm and moist litter is a perfect breeding ground for insects.
During twilight mosquitoes are extra active and it is therefore important to take this into account in horses that are sensitive to this. Make sure these horses have a blanket with small meshes. Also keep drinking troughs and buckets clean to prevent them from becoming a breeding ground for insects.
It is best to start early with the prevention of summer fever. Do this from March or even earlier if temperatures start to rise earlier. View all items from Shires in our brand shop and make sure your horse gets through the summer months comfortably!
*This text was translated by a translation machine.