Insect protection for mares and foals – what can you use?

Insect protection for mares and foals – what do you need to know? When foaling season is in full swing, it often brings an abundance of insects, as the weather is warmer and the days are longer. Both horses and humans need respite from biting and stinging insects, which is why effective insect protection is needed in the paddock and on rides.

However, if you have foals, pregnant, or lactating mares, there are a few things you should be aware of regarding fly protection, as there are differences in what you can use on this specific group of horses.

Absorbine Ultrashield Black The active ingredients in Ultrashield Black are pyrethrin and permethrin, making it an effective fly spray that deters flies, mosquitoes, and other nuisance insects, increasing the horse's comfort during the hot summer months. Developed with a weather-resistant formula, Absorbine's black fly spray can withstand the most challenging conditions and last for up to 17 days.

However, due to some of the ingredients in Ultrashield Black, you need to be mindful of how and when you use it.

Ultrashield Black for mares and foals:

• MAY be used on pregnant mares.

• MAY be used on lactating mares; however, we recommend avoiding spraying around the udder area.

• MAY be used on foals older than 12 weeks / 3 months.

• DO NOT use on foals younger than 12 weeks / 3 months.

Remember that Ultrashield Black can only be used on horses that are excluded from human consumption – this naturally applies to foals as well.

Absorbine Ultrashield Green Absorbine's Ultrashield Green is the natural alternative to the black fly spray. The green comfort spray contains only natural ingredients and is therefore completely FREE from chemicals. The Green spray contains a range of essential oils – including citronella, thyme oil, clove oil, rosemary oil, and geraniol – that act as a deterrent to insects, helping to relieve the horse from the discomfort of insect bites and stings.

Ultrashield Green for mares and foals:

• MAY be used on pregnant mares.

• MAY be used on lactating mares; however, we recommend avoiding spraying around the udder area.

• MAY be used on foals – even newborns.

Previously, cedarwood oil was added to Ultrashield Green. Cedarwood oil is on the list of banned substances by some trotting and racing federations in Sweden, so we have previously recommended against using Ultrashield Green on horses competing in Sweden. In 2021, however, a new version of Ultrashield Green was released WITHOUT cedarwood oil, which can therefore safely be used on both trotters and racehorses.