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Absorbine UltraShield Fly Spray Guide

By RW Crew | May 4th, 2023

UltraShield Fly Protection

As equestrians, we all have to prepare for fly season. Regardless of where you and your horse live, pesky flies are ever-present and bothersome for horses and their humans. But fly season does not always look the same from year to year; changes in weather patterns, environmental factors, and even work type can have marked changes on the fly and pest populations throughout the year. Even something as seemingly small as moving barns within the same area can affect your battle against flies.

Absorbine has created a premium line of fly-control products with their UltraShield line. The UltraShield catalogue features everything from all-natural fly sprays to sweat-resistant performance sprays. This buying guide is designed to help you find the right UltraShield fly control for any situation!


UltraShield Fly Spray Breakdown:

Absorbine has created a family of fly sprays to protect your horse against a wide range of conditions and insects. Depending upon your location and the bugs you are facing, you may only need to use one of the fly sprays from the line for the whole season, or you might want to rotate through the line as weather and conditions change. For more information, watch the short video above or read on for our full reviews and thoughts on when to use each of the UltraShield fly sprays.

Fly Spray: Best For:
UltraShied EX Effective in Tough/Challenging Conditions
UltraShield Red Most Effective Against Flies and Mosquitoes
UltraShield Sport Sweat-Resistant Formula, Good for Humid Weather
UltraShield Green Seven Essential Oils for Eco-Safe Protection

UltraShield EX

The Baseline Fly Spray: UltraShield's most advanced protection kills and repels more than 70 species of flies, mosquitos, ticks, and gnats in even the toughest conditions.
Ultrashield EX Fly Spray

RW Crew Review:

UltraShield EX is one of our bestsellers for a reason. Many of our Riding Warehouse crew members on both coasts rely on the EX formula for a significant part of fly season. It works in the widest variety of climates and environments, and it combats the broadest populations of flies and tends to be very suitable for sensitive or hive-prone horses. The added sunscreen is great for horses that see a lot of direct sunlight during turnout, keeping coat bleaching minimal. It's difficult to find a spray that can withstand the heat and humidity of the southeast United States, but the EX formula stands up to the test.

Features When to Use
  • Water-Based Formula
  • Sun, Sweat, and Water Resistant
  • Contains Multiple Sunscreens and Coat Conditioners
  • Suitable for Horses, Livestock, Pets, and as a Premise Spray
  • Baseline or Foundation Spray to Begin Rotation
  • Areas With Broad Insect Populations, Including Gnats
  • High-Sun Areas or Fields Without Tree Cover

Active Ingredients: Pyrethrins .10%, Permethrin .50%, Piperonyl Butoxide 1.00%

Shop UltraShield EX Fly Spray

UltraShield Red

The Heavy Hitter: If you are looking for the best value when it comes to fly sprays, UltraShield Red offers superior performance at a reasonable price.
Ultrashield Red Fly Spray

RW Crew Review:

UltraShield Red is the go-to spray if your horse lives in a bug-heavy area. This spray works great in those aggressively hot and dry months or in areas with more arid climates. Those times when the bugs are thriving but the hot sun is breaking down everything you spray on. The only possible downfall of having such a powerful arsenal of ingredients is that it can be a bit more irritating to super-sensitive skin. UltraShield Red is a hard-hitting spray that is perfect for when other sprays just can't keep up with the summer sun.

Features When to Use
  • Water-Based Formulation
  • Five Active Ingredients With Slower Breakdown in Sunlight
  • Broad-Spectrum Insect Control
  • Adds Shine Without Attracting Dust
  • Hot, Dry Months or Climates
  • Areas with Diverse Bug Populations
  • When Other Fly Sprays Stop Working
Active Ingredients: Pyrethrins .025%, Permethrin .90%, Tetramethrin .025%, Cypermethrin .10%, Piperonyl Butoxide 1.00%
Shop UltraShield Red Fly Spray

UltraShield Sport

The Performer Fly Spray: If you've entered peak training season in a hot climate or just have a heavy sweater that fly spray never seems to "stick" to, give UltraShield Sport a try! It's perfect for heavy workouts and hot, humid weather.
Ultrashield Sport Fly Spray

RW Crew Review:

This Absorbine Sport formula is the go-to for horse shows or for long trail rides when you don't want fly irritation to get in the way. This formula can withstand water and heavy sweat, making it a great riding formula as you can rinse your horse off without needing to reapply the spray. This one is also great for full-time pasture horses that might be caught in a rain shower, as it'll keep them protected from the post-storm bugs.

Features When to Use
  • Water-Based Formulation
  • Kills Mosquitoes That Thrive in Humid Environments
  • Protects Against Flies and Gnats
  • Long-Lasting Repellency Stays Active Even After Rain
  • Heavy Work or Horse Shows
  • Hot, Humid Climates or Summer Months
  • Horses Turned Out in Rain or on 24/7 Turnout
Active Ingredients: Cypermethrin (1.00%)
Shop UltraShield Sport Fly Spray

UltraShield Green

The Eco-Conscious: Guaranteed to be as effective as its synthetic cousins, the Green is an all-natural option that's safe for your family and the environment!
Ultrashield Green Fly Spray

RW Crew Review:

If you're skeptical of natural fly sprays, Absorbine Green might just change your mind. It's close to the effectiveness of the EX line; however, it may not last as long without the synthetic ingredients. But it does work as it should, more than most natural fly sprays on the market. This one is a favorite for those who try to limit chemical use in the barn. This allows for chemical sprays to be saved for truly terrible conditions. In a more mild or drier climate, the Absorbine Green could be the only spray you need.

Features When to Use
  • Eco-Safe Formulation
  • Seven Essential Oils to Repel Flies, Mosquitos, Gnats, and Ticks
  • Suitable for Horses, Foals, and Dogs
  • Fresh, Botanical Scent
  • Those Seeking Natural Alternatives
  • Baseline Spray to Minimize Chemical Spray Use
  • Horses Prone to Reactions to Chemical Sprays
Active Ingredients: Thyme Oil .01%, Cedar Oil .05%, Lemongrass Oil .05%, Rosemary Oil .05%, Citronella Oil .06%, Clove Oil .06%, Geranlol .70%, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 2.50%
Shop UltraShield Green Fly Spray

The Absorbine UltraShield Fly Control line isn't limited to just fly sprays! Absorbine crafts high-quality, comfortable fly masks in sizes from cob to warmblood, so every horse can be protected from flies. Designed to set the standard for fit, comfort, and protection, these masks are made using high-tech fabrics originally developed for performance human clothing. Watch the video above for an in-depth look at UltraShield Fly Masks!

Features When to Use
  • Football Pinney Material on Ears is Soft and Durable
  • Moisture-Wicking and Breathable Diamond Knit Fabric
  • Two-Way Controlled Stretch
  • Extended Fabric Behind Ears for Comfort Fit
  • Extra-Wide Double-Locking Hook-and-Loop Closure
  • 80% UV Protection
  • Great for Turnout
  • Lightweight Enough for Hot Climates
  • UV Shielding for Sensitive Skin and Eyes
Shop UltraShield Fly Masks

Closing Thoughts

Absorbine UltraShield in a grooming box

Absorbine developed the UltraShield line to help equestrians combat flies throughout the entire season in all climates and during any activity. Knowledge is power when it comes to battling the flies and keeping your horse protected. Check out our Tips and Tricks for Fighting Flies guide for additional information on how to build your perfect fly-control rotation so your horse stays comfortable all season long. No matter what this fly season brings, Absorbine UltraShield has your horse covered. Shop the entire line of UltraShield products below!

Shop Absorbine UltraShield Fly Control