It is of utmost importance to protect your horse from insect attacks during the summer season. Flies, mosquitoes, and other insects are not only annoying but can also cause significant harm. A fly browband, also known as a fly veil, can be an effective tool to keep these unwanted visitors away from your horse's eyes.
Fly Browband or Fly Veil - What Should You Choose?
A fly veil provides better and more comprehensive protection than a fly browband. It fits tightly around the horse's eyes and prevents insects from getting close, unlike a fly browband, which mainly makes it easier for the horse to shake them off. A fly veil with ears and nose cover also provides complete protection for the entire horse's head, not just the eyes. It also helps protect against strong sunlight.
However, some horses cannot tolerate wearing a veil. Reasons for this may include sensitivity to rubbing or a protective attitude toward their ears. In such cases, a fly browband can be an excellent alternative. The fly browband functions as an extension of the horse's forelock and is often quickly accepted by most horses as something natural to wear.
Why It's Important to Use a Fly Browband on Your Horse
For us humans, who do not spend as much time outdoors as horses or attract insects in the same way they do, it can be challenging to understand how troublesome it can be during the summer season.
The horse's natural scent attracts flies and insects, making it an easy target when grazing. Irritating flies tend to gather around the horse's eyes, as they feed on the horse's blood and tear fluid, among other things. It is not uncommon for horses to get fly eggs in their eyes, which can lead to eye inflammation. Flies also carry bacteria and viruses that can cause eye infections. Therefore, it is essential to rinse or bathe the horse's eyes with saline solution if they become watery. But, of course, the best way is to prevent these problems from the outset with a fly browband.
Combine Your Fly Veil for the Best Protection
Since the horse attracts insects with its natural scent, you must complement your horse's fly browband with insect spray that masks the scent. For complete protection, you may also need to use a lightweight fly rug so that your horse can enjoy the summer without any issues.
What Does 'Fly Veil' Mean?
'Fly veil' is the English term for fly browband, which has become a widely accepted term even in Sweden. Translated into Swedish, it becomes 'flugslöja,' which is not entirely unjustified.
Stylish Leather Fly Browbands
Fly browbands are available in many different materials. The most common materials are durable and easy-to-care-for polyester and stylish and durable leather. The fly browband is usually attached to the horse's halter when it grazes, but it can also be used during training by attaching it to the horse's bridle. For riding, it can be stylish to match the browband with a leather fly browband in the same color for a more exclusive look. We offer fly browbands in both polyester and leather from the highly regarded brand Hansbo Sport.
