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How to protect your horse against horseflies

How to protect your horse against horseflies

Written by Anne | Content Specialist | May 12, 2026

During the warmer months, many horses suffer from horseflies and flies. These insects are not only annoying, but can also cause painful bites and make your horse restless. Fortunately, there are several ways to effectively protect your horse and help it stay comfortable throughout the summer.

The horsefly season

When the weather is warm, horseflies and other biting flies can be seen everywhere you go with your horse. It almost seems as if they are following you, and in fact they are! They are attracted to dark, moving and warm surfaces. That is exactly what your horse is when working hard or enjoying the sunshine in the field. If you are sweating yourself and/or wearing dark clothing, horseflies and biting flies are also drawn to you.

Relevant products

How can you prevent horseflies and biting flies around your horse?

To work safely with your horse and let it stand safely in the field, it is important to keep horseflies and other biting flies at a distance so your horse is not stung or bitten. This can be done using a horsefly trap or sprays.

Fly spray

A spray can also help repel flies and horseflies, such as Equi Protecta Coat Spray or HorseFlex Insect Protect Spray. Both sprays are 100% natural and work as a scent mask, depending on how much the horse sweats. Spray your horse before it goes outside and, if it sweats heavily in the field, apply again after a few hours. If you want to use the spray while working with your horse, make sure the covered surfaces are not sprayed. Another suitable spray is TKC 100 Fly Spray.

Care for insect bites

Despite good protection, your horse may still get stung or bitten by an insect. It is important to keep an eye on these areas and care for them in time. Small swellings or bumps often disappear on their own, but they can still cause itching and irritation. Suitable lotions for caring for the mane and tail include Audevard Flymax Derm and TKC 97 Lotion. Equi Protecta Horse Lotion is suitable for caring for the skin after irritation caused by a fly bite; this spray cools and soothes the skin.

Stable and pasture management

A clean environment helps reduce insects. Remove manure regularly, as it attracts flies. In addition, ensure there is sufficient ventilation in the stable and avoid standing water where insects can breed. In the field, it can help to let your horse graze in windy areas, as insects are less active there.

How can riders prevent horsefly bites and biting flies?

As mentioned earlier, horseflies and flies are attracted to dark, warm and moving objects. To continue working and training as comfortably as possible, it is recommended to wear clothing in the lightest colours possible. Besides the colour, this also has the advantage of attracting less heat, as dark colours absorb light. A fly spray that both you and your horse can use to help prevent horsefly bites or stings is Sectolin TEDAX Insect Repellent.

Do you still have questions after reading this article? Please contact our veterinary team via veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.

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About the author

Carmen, Veterinary Nurse at Vetsend

Carmen is a veterinary nurse and an expert in animal health at Vetsend. With her many years of experience, she provides clear and reliable advice to pet owners. She regularly shares informative articles on nutrition, behaviour, and preventive care. Discover Carmen’s tips for a healthy and happy pet on Vetsend.