Fly masks and forelocks

Bit the bullet and bought Max a fly mask today. It's called "Max Field Relief" so it is just for him.

It's a bit more lightweight than the ones he trashed last year, covers his ears, and even has a little flap that covers his nose, too, so the little blighters can't climb up there when he's grazing. We'll see if it's still there tomorrow. Has sticky outy bits around the eyes, too, so that it won't press in on his eyelashes. Hopefully that's a bit more comfy for him. Having worn spectacles for years, I know having something constantly bumping against eyelashes is danged annoying!

Other yard bird commented today that perhaps Max whips them off because his forelock is so thick and coarse, it could get a bit scratchy and uncomfortable. That's a very good point, and if the fly mask is still alive tomorrow, I may try doing a loose plait in his forelock so that isn't an issue. Either that, or cut a hole at the top maybe, so I can pull his forelock out?

Was running late today, so no work for Max, just a big grooming session and lots of fly spray. He had a few welts from bites today, so obviously the biter blighters are out in force now.

Not great to miss a day of exercise, but every check I do is fine, and I still can see the outline of his ribcage, so I'm trying not to panic over lamni risk. Deal with the horse you've got in front of you, not your idea of what the horse might be.

Those words could come back to haunt me, I know, but there's a lot to be said for being in between 7.00 am and 4.00 pm, which cuts down on grazing time during prime alert periods.

At the tack shop today I got talking to one of the sales ladies, and it turns out that her Arab had a carcinoma on the end of his willy, and ended up having to have about three quarters of it removed. She's in the same boat as me, with a horse that, in her case, can't drop (because there's nothing to drop), but she's really had no problems and thought it was pretty amazing that Max let me do what I do to him, because hers won't stand for it.

It is a comforting to think that the main problem for Max must have been the ledge, now removed, causing pooling inside the sheath rather than what is going on on the outside. He just isn't anywhere near as bad as he used to be in that area and a quick wipe with a damp sponge is all that is needed.

Slathered him up with petroleum jelly on his boy bits to create a barrier, then anti-fly gel on his belly and hinds to further discourage, and regular fly spray everywhere else to give him a few hours of relief until the evening comes and the biting stops.

Fingers crossed I have an intact fly mask tomorrow morning. I will take a photo and post later.