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/s/ Frank
------------------------
Jacqueline Mansfield wrote:
>
> 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...."
> ________________
-- ----------------------------------------------------------- Frank W. Vans Evers mailto:vans@cyberspy.com or mailto:vans@ccfs.centcom.mil
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