Fly bites

[carrimclaren]

Hi
My mare's really started suffering at the mo through fly bites in her ears. I've been putting fly spray on but it doesn't seem to be working very well as she's still getting little red scabby bites and these horrible fly things in her ears and i just don't know what to do to get rid of them as it's obviously annoying/hurting her as she's started head shaking and trying to rub.

Someone suggested garlic supplement might help?

Thank you if anyone can suggest anything :)

[kayjayhorses]

I use fly collars for my horses, I get them from my local saddlery shop they last me about 3 months, I take them off and put them back in packaging if its raining and you dont need to use them so it preserves their life. Should be good for your horse as you put them around the top of their neck just behind their ears I've used them 3 yrs running and have go them ready for this year too. They clip together so they are safe they just come undone if it gets caught.

[Jessey]

Garlic (natural or supplement) will help keep the flys away a bit but if its really just her ears that are really bothered by the flys I would try a fly fringe with ear covers eg - http://www.robcl.co.uk/products/ProductDetail.asp?ProductCode=59112 or something similar, fly sprays and supplements are OK but with this sort of thing there is no way for the flys to get in there.
I have exactly the same problem with my old cob and this has been the best way to deal with it. I also wipe his ears out if they get a bit scabby or flakey, just pop a cotton wool ball in the bottom of the ear to stop any muck falling down there and use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe out and maybe put a little soothing cream in there, then remove the cotton wool.

J x

[carrimclaren]

Hi

Thanks very much for the help. Will look into both things - the collar and the head piece. Think she'd be happy with the ear thingies not too sure about the fringe, but i can always try her as they're not hideously expensive.

I know one girl down our yard has her horse in a full face fly mask, poor old gelding looks like darth vader and ever so miserable but he's had a really bad ear infection due to the flies and mud so for his own good.