Flies and biting insects cause significant distress and disease in horses. Effective fly control is an important but often underappreciated component of equine welfare.
The welfare impact of insect pests on horses is substantial and chronically underestimated. Horses in high-fly environments spend enormous energy on defensive behaviours — stamping, head tossing, skin twitching, and seeking refuge — that reduces grazing time, disrupts rest, and causes physical fatigue. For horses with sweet itch, the situation is severe: affected animals self-traumatise through rubbing, causing raw, bleeding lesions that become secondarily infected. Environmental management — removing manure promptly, avoiding horses near standing water, providing shade and breeze — reduces fly pressure. Protective equipment including well-fitted fly rugs and face masks provides meaningful relief. Individual assessment of each horse's fly sensitivity guides management decisions.