Absorbine UltraShield Insecticide *H&H Approved*

The Absorbine Black UltraShield Fly Repellent is described as a “tried and trusted formula which protects the horse’s environment from irritating and biting insects”. This was certainly true when I put it to the test over a three month period during spring/summer in Cumbria. We used the spray in wooden stables and on a range of native ponies while out hacking and when they were turned out in the field in fly rugs.

Editor’s note: this product has been approved for use on animals in the USA, but not in the UK where it is only approved for premise use around horses. Anyone choosing to use the spray in a manner that is not in line with the guidance on the bottle’s label, does so at their own risk.

The Absorbine Black UltraShield Fly Repellent contains the insecticide Permethrin and and the natural pesticide Pyrethrin, which both provide a “knock-down” and a long lasting protective “shield” from bugs and insects.

While in the UK it is marketed for use on equestrian premises, such as stables, barns and dogs’ living quarters, it is licensed for use on horses in the US and there were some reviews that said they had found it effective while out hacking, suggesting it was a versatile product that would do multiple jobs. The reviews are excellent, so I was looking forward to putting it to the test.

A spray specifically for premises is not something I’ve ever thought to use before but it makes sense; when the weather gets particularly hot, flies and wasps can gather in and around the stables and on the yard near the horses, irritating them while they are inside resting or being groomed. There is a long list of pests that this spray deters, and it definitely did go a long way in keeping flying insects, mainly pesky horse flies, at bay.

The 946ml bottle looked extremely robust; and after use on the yard I can confidently say that it is durable and will stand the test of time without leaks or spillages. The bottle was also dropped a couple of times and it did not break.

There was plenty of spray and the bottle lasted just under three months, so even though the price of £29.33 was more expensive than other brands, the product lasted a long time and offered good value for money.

I also used this spray on hacks, after completing a patch test on the horses, and it worked extremely well in deterring pests such as horses flies throughout the rides, which lasted around an hour in length. Even when the horses got sweaty in the warm weather, the flies stayed away.

The spray came out in an even, thick mist

The spray came out in an even, thick mist — thanks to the fan-style sprayer — that coated surfaces well. I would recommend this fly spray to those looking for something to put on top of fly rugs in the field, as it really stuck to surfaces and stayed put.

It smelled pleasant and didn’t get caught in your nose/mouth or smell overly chemically.

Verdict

A robust, durable bottle which with stands life on the yard holding a powerful, effective and versatile fly spray to use at times when flies are at their worst.

In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or equus.co.uk
In the US? View at amazon.com or chewy.com

Who tested this flyspray?

Alex Robinson joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor and features assistant. She graduated from University of Leeds in 2016 and has freelanced for specialist equestrian magazines, including The Native Pony Magazine and has contributed to the National Pony Society annual journal for the past few years.

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the show scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Olympia and has extensive knowledge of current issues in the showing world and the horses, ponies and riders who compete. She has a rare insight into the sector that comes with riding amongst the best at top level. She has produced a variety of rides to the highest level and has a passion for bringing on youngsters through the ranks. She has several ponies, mainly natives of all types, on the yard and rides most days each week before work.

At H&H Alex is responsible for the all aspects of showing coverage and is continuing to cement its place as the leading publication for both reports and current showing news. When not writing, she will be found competing her own ponies on the county show circuit.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

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