Little Steppers

IZZY · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 8:28 am Post subject: The scary spray bottle!

The mosquitoes are insane around here lately, it's the worst year we have had in a long time

I have been out there every evening when the bugs are at their worst to give the kids (horses) thier nightly spray of homemade bug spray.
Dixie isn't bothered much by the spray bottle...Coors is hilarious...he's good till he hears that scarey squeeky sound that spooky bottle makes.
I take my time doing him, I'll give him a squirt, then he backs up, so I let him check it out for a bit...then give him a good scratching with praise then another squirt, and the same thing. Eventually he'll learn that that sound makes him have relief from the bugs, I don't want to pressure him into a steady spray down till he's more comfortable...but it's so cute, it's like a little boy being scared of ghosts.
He's just like my kids

I love him

McBunz · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:25 am Post subject:

Wiping it on with a rag will work and you won't get the chicken s#$t
reaction...It is much better on the face area anyhow.. You don't want to spray into their eyes..
_________________
I used to have a handle on life, but it broke .
Don't take life too seriously; No one gets out alive.

IZZY · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:45 am Post subject:

I haven't got it on his face...I started wiping it on, I'm too scared to try to spray him near his face...the ingredients would burn his little eyes.
He's such a funny character...he's always good for a laugh

McBunz · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:09 am Post subject:

Bet he loves that.. feels like a good all over scratch...Not scary at all..
If you keep your rag in a plastic bag it won't use as much bug spray each time.. it will stay moist..
_________________
I used to have a handle on life, but it broke .
Don't take life too seriously; No one gets out alive.

IZZY · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:09 pm Post subject:

That's a good Idea, Thanks

pyrgirl · I am a gonner Joined: 03 Jul 2006 Posts: 1475

When I teach my horses about the scary spray bottle, I use water.
No sense wasting the good bug spray. I start out spraying the bottle away from them so they get used to the noise and it's not a bother. Usually takes about 2-4 sessions and they are ok with it all.
Moriah still doesn't like it, but she'll put up with it. But she's like that with alot of things. She makes it known that she doesn't approve, but she'll hold still while I get it over with. Silly girl.