The flies are out in force already, and they always seem to make a beeline for the greys. Lux is definitely their favourite target. We treated her sarcoids over the winter for this exact reason, and although they’re healing well, the flies still try their best to aggravate them. A breathable barrier cream, a bit of fly cream around the area, and a rug with full belly coverage have become part of her daily routine again.

Suzie is the opposite — she suffers more with hay fever at this time of year. The flies irritate her eyes, so a roll‑on around the face and a good fly mask make all the difference. I’m fussy about masks having proper eye clearance and being washed regularly; the mesh can collect so much dust and pollen if it’s left too long.

All of mine get itchy when the flies are bad, so I’ve started bathing them with a “stop the itch” shampoo again. And of course, we’ve returned to our evening ritual of scratches during stable checks. It’s become a little moment of calm at the end of the day — Lux can twist herself into the most dramatic shapes to get the exact right spot, and it always makes me laugh.

Fly season always arrives faster than I expect, but once the routine settles in, the ponies seem much more comfortable again.