When the heat comes, insects also come to life. For many horses, summer means not only grazing, bright evenings, and more outdoor time, but also irritation from flies, horseflies, mosquitoes, and midges. Good fly protection for horses is therefore not just about comfort, but also about reducing stress, skin irritation, chafing, itching, and the risk of the horse scratching its mane, tail, or sensitive skin areas.
The right fly protection depends on several factors: where the horse is, how sensitive it is, what type of insects are worst in the area, and whether the horse needs protection in the paddock, when riding, in the stable, or during grazing. A horse on open, windy pasture may need different protection than a horse near woods, water, or damp areas where midges and mosquitoes often thrive better.
Why do horses need fly protection?
Insects can make the horse restless, tense, and difficult to calm. Some horses are most irritated around the head, eyes, and ears, while others react strongly to bites on the neck, shoulders, belly, and tail root. For sensitive individuals, insect bites can contribute to severe itching and skin problems.
Summer eczema is a common example of when protection becomes extra important. It is an allergic skin disease mainly associated with hypersensitivity to bites from midges. Therefore, preventive protection, such as a sheet, hood, adapted paddock time, and complementary insect repellents, is often an important part of the horse's summer care.
What fly protection is best?
The best fly protection is rarely a single product. For many horses, a combination works best: fly sheet or eczema sheet in the paddock, fly mask for head and eyes, fly repellent as needed, and smart routines around outdoor time.
Here are the most common types of fly protection and when they are best suited.
A fly sheet is often the foundation of a horse's insect protection. It helps create a physical barrier between the horse's skin and the insects. It is particularly suitable for horses that spend many hours outdoors each day, horses that get stressed by flies, or horses that get bites on the body, shoulders, and sides.
A regular fly sheet is best when:
- The horse needs daily protection against flies and horseflies
- The horse is grazing or in a paddock during the day
- The horse is irritated but does not have severe eczema problems
- You want to reduce the number of insects landing directly on the body
Choose a fly sheet with a good fit, shoulder freedom, belly flap, and the option to attach a neck piece or hood. A sheet that slips, chafes, or fits too tightly can create new problems, even if the basic idea is correct.
Sweet itch blanket – for sensitive horses and horses with summer eczema
A sweet itch blanket is denser and more comprehensive than a regular fly sheet. It is designed to reduce the risk of small insects, especially midges, reaching the skin. It often covers the neck, shoulders, belly, and sometimes even parts of the head.
Sweet itch blanket is best suited when:
- The horse has summer eczema or noticeable itching
- The horse scratches mane, tail root, head, or belly
- The horse is extra sensitive to midges and mosquitoes
- The horse is in pastures where insects are intense
- You need more comprehensive protection than a regular fly sheet
For horses with eczema, it is often best to start protection early in the season, before the itching becomes severe. When the skin is already irritated, it may take longer to make the horse comfortable again. The blanket should fit securely but not tightly, and it is important to check for chafing at the shoulders, withers, chest, and behind the front legs.
Fly Mask – Protection for Eyes, Ears, and Face
The fly mask is one of the most commonly used fly protections for horses. It protects the eyes from flies and can also reduce irritation around the ears and forehead. For horses with watery eyes or strong reactions to insects around the head, a good fly mask can make a big difference.
A fly mask is best suited when:
- The horse has many flies around the eyes and face
- The horse shakes its head in the pasture
- The horse has sensitive eyes
- The horse needs protection without covering the entire body
- You want to complement a fly sheet or eczema sheet
Choose a model based on needs. A mask with ears provides extra protection against small flies and gnats, while a model with a nose piece can be good for horses that get bitten or are sun-sensitive around the muzzle. Always check that the mask does not press against the eyes.
Fly Riding Blanket – Protection While Riding
During riding, insects can make the horse tense, unfocused, and irritated. A fly riding blanket is lighter than a regular blanket and is used over the back and hindquarters during outdoor rides, warm-ups, or calmer sessions during insect-heavy periods.
A fly riding blanket is best suited when:
- The horse is disturbed by flies during outdoor rides
- The horse swishes its tail or loses focus
- You ride near forests, water, or pastures
- The horse needs protection without getting too warm
While riding, you can also complement with a fly headband, ear cover, or fly repellent on exposed areas.
Fly Repellent – An Important Complement to Blanket and Hood
Fly repellent can be a good complement to a blanket and hood, especially in areas where the blanket does not cover completely. It can be used before turnout, riding, walking, or when the horse is in environments with many insects.
It is important to choose fly repellent according to needs. Some products are best suited as broader insect protection during riding and outdoor activities, while others are more nurturing and suitable for horses that need a milder complement. The effect can be influenced by rain, sweat, coat, weather, and how long the horse is outside.
Avoid spraying directly towards eyes, muzzle, and mucous membranes. Instead, use a sponge or cloth when applying near the head or other sensitive areas.
Centaura
Centaura Insect Repellent is a great choice for horses needing effective and convenient protection during periods with many insects. The spray form makes the product easy to apply over larger areas of the body.
Ekholms Shampoo
Ekholms Prob Shampoo is a great choice for horses that need a nourishing cleanse during the summer period. It is especially suitable when you want to keep skin and coat clean from sweat, dirt, and product residues.
Spray, shampoo, or nourishing oil – what should you choose?
Different products serve different purposes in the horse's fly protection routine.
Spray is suitable when you want to give the horse quick and practical protection before riding, turnout, or other outdoor activities. It is particularly useful on larger areas of the body but should be applied with a cloth or sponge near sensitive areas.
Shampoo is best as part of regular skin and coat care. It helps keep the horse clean from sweat, dirt, and old product residues, which is important during periods when the horse uses many blankets or insect products.
Nourishing oil is suitable for targeted use on skin areas that need extra care. It is a good complement for horses that easily become dry, irritated, or sensitive during the summer.
Consider this when using:
- Always follow the product's instructions
- Avoid eyes, mucous membranes, and open wounds
- Test on a small area if the horse has sensitive skin
- Reapply spray as needed after rain or sweat
- Use nourishing products as a complement to blankets, hoods, and environmental adjustments
Summary
A good fly protection for horses should be adapted to the horse's sensitivity, environment, and which insects are the biggest problem. For horses mainly bothered by flies and horseflies, a regular fly sheet is often a good base. For sensitive horses, horses with itching, or horses that react to gnats and mosquitoes, an eczema sheet is a better choice.
Consider adding a fly mask to protect eyes, ears, and muzzle. Fly repellent can be used as extra support, especially during riding, turnout, or in environments with many mosquitoes, gnats, horseflies, and ticks.
For extra insect protection before riding or outdoor activities, Centaura Insect Repellent can be used as a complement. For horses needing more nourishing summer products, Ekholms Prob Shampoo and Ekholms Prob Oil can be good options in daily skin and coat care.