ridecamp@endurance.net: Bug-sensitive head tosser problem

Bug-sensitive head tosser problem

Jacqueline Mansfield (jaxson@leopard.com)
Mon, 07 Jul 1997 11:39:55 -0600

I searched through the archives and I couldn't find this discussed before,
so here goes.

Sunday I rode in the Shamrock 25 up near Wheatland, WY. I know that biting
bugs make Winza miserable so just before the start I *coated* him with fly
spray and used the roll-on all over his face. I don't remember what brand
of fly spray I use, but both the spray and roll-on are common name brands.
I also coated myself with Deep Woods OFF!, you can imagine what a great
smelling pair we were! <G>
For all my effort the bugs still attacked us, Winza more than myself. He
is VERY sensitive about bugs (flies, mesquitos (sp?), etc) around his face.
He is bothered not only by the bites, but also by any winged insect hitting
him in the face. If we ride through a small cloud of gnats he acts as
though he is being eaten alive.
He tosses his head violently, to the side or up and out,, in lightning
quick jerks that either rip the reins out of my hands, pull me forward off
balance (if I am not paying attention), or exhaust my arms from the give
and take. Besides being annoying to the point of rider insanity, it is very
dangerous because while he is flipping his head around he isn't watching
the trail and we stumble over rocks and teeter close to the edge of
riverbed banks.
I have noticed that Winza is still flipping his head around while the
other horses are doing an *occaisonal* head shake or tail swoosh (but
otherwise seem fine) so it may be that his skin is so sensitive that he
still feels bug bites minutes later.
At first I thought a tie-down was my only option but I did read one
archive post about riding in fly masks and that may be the answer to my
problem.

I need advise on using a tie-down, how long should it be, can I use his
regular halter (that he wears under his bridle already) or do I need a
special nose-piece, what should I be careful of, and any other tie-down
advise you may have.

I also would like advise on riding with a fly mask. What should I be
careful of, etc., etc., etc.

If anyone else has any other great ideas I would LOVE to hear them!!!!!!!!

Thanks!

Jacqueline Mansfield and Winza (I guess I should be glad Mike Tyson isn't
my rider!!!!! = )
_________________

Author owned by Winza, 14 year old Crabbet Arabian gelding

Carl Zwanzig: "Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side, a dark
side, and it holds the universe together...."
________________

Home Events Groups Rider Directory Market RideCamp Stuff