Horseflies

[LoveSewingBee]

Dd rides once a week at probably the most filthy riding school possible. Even in this warm weather they only muck out once a month. So the stench is overwhelming. And there are lots and lots and lots of horseflies.

She got infected horsefly bites and is now on antibiotics. What can I do to prevent this as I don't want her to end up on antibiotics after every weekly lesson.

I have read that I could use Deet to prevent her from being bitten but is there something I could put on the pony to make the who.e combination less attractive to the horseflies? Riding school has some horsefly catching devices next to the arena but the horseflies are clearly more interested in the humans and ponies.

Changing riding school is not an option, we are not in the UK and standards here are a lot lower wherever we go.

My dad used to put a wash of some sort on our pony. I will ask him what it was when he rings up this afternoon.

Is it your pony? Even if the school were good there may well be loads of horse flies, there are just some years where there are so many! I found they didn't bite or land on me when I wore bright green (like a runners lightweight top bright green) they go for darker colours (is pony dark?) Have your daughter wear light coloured jods. Not a lot works for the ponies but I use Deosect, it smells like turps! You dilute it and sponge it all over. It helps alot and has meant I can hack out with less stress though the odd one will still bite.

No, pony is from the riding school. However, I expect if I take something suitable for horses they will be happy to try it as the pony dd was riding has been bitten in many places (she is a totally white Welsh with very thin skin with numerous bumps from the horseflies).

I'd be more inclined to suggest it to them than take it or provide it yourself. If you put it on and pony reacts then they may say its your fault. The rest should help your daughter. Horsefly season is ending here so hopefully it will where you are as well?

Thanks, that is true. Problem is that they won't spend money on things like this ... They even skimp on the vet and blacksmith and none of the horses gets vaccinated in spite of the fact that lots of ponies/horses from outside visit every month for competitions. So no doubt no money will be spent on horsefly deterrent.

I don't think many schools vaccinate (might be wrong) too many horses. The problem with you taking something for the flies (appart from issues that could occur if the horse reacts to it) is that it will only be effective for so long so it won't really help. The horse will still be bitten the rest of the week. Even deosect which is long lasting would need reapplying if the horse has worked hard and sweated. And how much would it cost you to do them all? It's one if those things when the horses don't belong to you, hard to accept but its not something you can do. Not much works for horse flies either they bite through clothes/rugs. Nasty things!