fly gel or spray / both?

[becs]

Now the flies have descended in their millions...what does everyone use & why?

We've used gels all over 'cos our aged NF pony is uber-jumpy about anything different eg sprays (rescue case). Have got him to accept being gelled all over in summer - the flies have a feast on his thin-skinned little legs. But (due the huge surface area of our cob!) we seem to get through tons of gel. At £7-ish per tub, it's costing more than their feed.

As they accept Mane & Tail spray on a good day, we wonder if it's worth se-sensitising him to the sound of fly spray. Does it last longer / go further? I do realise you mustn't spray faces, BTW.


Ours are good at letting me "dob" them in the field with gel, but I guess I'll have to tie them up on the yard to spray - I'm sure they'll march off otherwise.

Any advices gratefully received.

[*millie*]

I use spray's. Why not buy spray but spray it onto a sponge and then wipe it over the horse? It worked quite well for my friend's old horse.

[becs]

That's a good idea, putting it on a sponge. Am waiting for some sprays to come by mail order.

I just can't believe how much we get thro'!!

[x.sarah.x]

I use plenty of both... belle gets plagued by flies... if you use gel really rub it in because it just powders up otherwise...