How to Put On Fly Spray

© Lee Sackett

First you need to identify the reason that you are going to put on the fly spray. Are you going to a show, trail riding, or helping the horse stand for the farrier?

Because I'm a farrier, my concern today is for helping the horse stand while being trimmed or shod. What I see happening most of the time is someone giving a few short sprays at the neck, withers, and maybe some spray might even land on the horse's back. Occasionally the holder might even do this on both sides of the horse. This does not begin to cut it. It doesn't help at all. Flies regularly hold contests to see how many of them can land on one leg. Horses react by stomping and kicking. Stomping and kicking do not help the farrier do a good job. When a horse wants to stomp the flies off of one leg it likes to stand on the other three. This usually means that he must pull the leg that the farrier is working on so he can stomp another one. Most of the time this results in the handler yanking on the halter or lead, or hitting the horse, and hollering whoa.

When you are going to spray for flies, spray the legs first. Spray the outside, inside, front, and back. Then spray the horse's belly, and between it's legs. Front and back. Don't be afraid to use lots of spray. If there is any left in the bottle when you are done with the legs, then you should spray the neck, withers, and back.

Remember: Horses that stand still always get a better job than those that don't.

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