AFTER a long winter – and exceptionally wet spring in the UK – horse owners will be celebrating the longawaited arrival of summer. No longer will we be wading through mud, contesting with rug buckles and cold fingers or wearing multiple layers at the yard. But of course, while we welcome riding in the sunshine, summer comes with its own set of challenges for our equines.
Ask any equestrian what their biggest summer bugbears are and you can guarantee that flies will feature on that list. Horse flies, crab flies, black flies and midges are just some of the biting creatures that can quickly make horses miserable.
“A nice breeze is ideal for preventing flies, as they can't land so easily, but when you have those hot days and no wind, that's when you can have problems. Especially
