Isn't it enough to spray her now that you've removed the old ticks?

massively dilute it, it clogs up the sprayer.

Plus by wiping it on I can rub it 'against the grain" of her fur which gives her better protection.

problem solved...

also guinea hens are supposed to be excellent for eating every tick possible.

But right now have my hands overfull. The chickens will come probably after I'm more retired.

they are alarmed at everything and NEVER STFU. but yes they are supposed to be good about tick removal.

what brand of natural repellent do you use? I have tried a couple but wasn't happy. Old Farnam (I think) "Wipe" brand toxic oil that you can taste if you get a smear of it on you anywhere really is the best fly repellant I have ever found. I hate it but will use it for a few weeks in August when the flies are the worst. I keep a rag in an old (real glass) peanut butter jar and use a big old neoprene glove to handle it.

I buy the concentrate, mix it considerably stronger than their instructions and I don't attempt to spray it. Instead I soak a wash cloth in it and wipe it into their coat, first against and then with the grain.

I also soak the bottom of her tail in it by holding the wash cloth under the tail and pour a little through and the n spread it by wiping with the soaked cloth. That way, every time she hits a fly with her tail she's also re-applying some to the spot. Also applying it to me if I'm in the way

It's the only thing I've found that even repels Maine's notorious black flies. Because it's oil-based, it also lasts longer than most. Smells good too.

to the point that this year... 0 ticks. They used to be fairly plentiful in previous years...

At least not after the first hour or so.... After a few decades of experience and many hundreds of horses I'm pretty sure some of this is a huge scam.

I've used everything from Skin So Soft homemade stuff, Bronco, Ultrashield, natural Marigold Spray etc. You name it, I've applied it.

Ultrashield MAY be the best product but after 3 hours or so, the horses are maniacs when the flies are bad no matter what I use.

Personally though, with this many horses, I shy away from wipe brand fly repellants. I hate that I'm in contact with this many chemicals daily anyway as I spray them. The wipe products almost always get all over my skin even with gloves - I can almost "see" the cancer causing agents as they soak into my skin...

The best products for us are fly masks with ears and fly sheets. If a client insists, Ill also spray whatever product the client likes best (personally I use Ultrashield for my own).

She went into season yesterday. Now she winks at me but is too ticklish to let me wipe her crack.

who are sure they love horses and spend their lives dreaming of owning one that the reality is probably somewhat different than anything they ever imagined.

Good to know that I have reached at least one person before they take the plunge. As one horsewoman's DH sadly said, "Ya really gotta love it!"

with the horse fever....

Damn ticks.

and you're very funny!

I know the feeling, but with dogs (and humans), not ponies.

My dogs are never impressed.