Old question but.... fly spray or fly rug or both even?!

[needastrongone]

Hi there.

DD's new pony has rubbed a little patch off his mane (initially from the trailer before the tail guard arrived, one journey) but, last night, it looked a lot worse and I am wondering if he's scratching in the field.

When I go down, doesn't seem bothered by the flies at all, but it has been suggested it might be flies.

His old owners assure me that he doesn't suffer from sweet itch etc, they didn't use a fly rug as they found it rubbed even with protection but used Coopers every few days, they said the flies seemed to go nearer his belly if anywhere.

What do people generally do? Could it be anything else?

Have ordered both Coopers and a fly rug but will send the rug back if required, just it's a hot forecast at the weekend.

I am learning lots btw

[Butkin]

Ours are always rubbing their manes - either on their neck covers (we don't generally use them for this reason) or because they lean through their post and rail paddocks for "tastier" grass on the other side.

Don't think flys would be the cause of mane loss but you can always put either a fly rug (ours wear sweet itch outfits which do a fly job - even though for us it is to stop their coats bleaching) or you could put on long lasting fly repellent (if there is such a thing) when you check them. Flys are usually worst around sunrise/sunset and around trees or water if you've got any...

[needastrongone]

Thanks, I got it wrong as usual, it's his tail. No idea why I said it was his mane! Even I know the difference......

Although, does that make a difference to what it might be? Been googling and scaring myself!

I will get them to have a look at the farm too.

[SaggyOldClothCatPuss]

Deosect is the only product our local feed mercheant recommends. It lasts for ages too. Its good for everything too so will cover stuff like lice.

[Fredstheteds]

Yep deoscet and maybe a fly rug?

[miggy]

tail rubbing can be pinworms, google to see how bleugh they are!
5d course panacur seems to be best treatment for them.

[Millie2013]

Nettex itch stop is fab!

[needastrongone]

Thanks for the advice and recommendations.

The farm did take a look, I think they were less bothered than me, the patch is small and not at all sore.

Anyway, I ordered a fly rug, which he is now wearing and some Coopers, given his previous owners used this, but will bookmark Deosect (that sounds scary, I googled it!) and Nettex itch stop too.