Ocala Equestrian Directory

BEST FLY SPRAYS FOR HOT, HUMID CLIMATES

When the heat, humidity, sweat, and bugs are at their worst, not all fly sprays perform equally. Here are four of the top choices used by horse owners in Florida and other humid climates:

🥇 PYRANHA WIPE N’ SPRAY
An oil-based formula known for excellent staying power. Great for turnout horses and those exposed to heavy fly pressure. Repels flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and ticks while holding up well to sweat.

🥈 PYRANHA AEROSOL
A favorite in many show barns. Easy to apply, leaves a nice shine on the coat, and provides excellent fly protection with the convenience of an aerosol can.

🥉 FARNAM ENDURE
One of the most effective non-oil-based sprays available. Designed to resist sweat and moisture, making it a popular choice for horses in work and turnout.

🏅 ABSORBINE ULTRASHIELD GOLD
A broad-spectrum fly spray that targets flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks. Long-lasting protection and trusted by horse owners for years.

WHY DO OIL-BASED SPRAYS OFTEN WORK BETTER IN HOT WEATHER?

💧 Water-based sprays can break down more quickly when a horse sweats.

☀️ Oil-based formulas tend to adhere to the hair coat longer, helping them remain effective through heat, humidity, light rain, and turnout.

🐴 They often provide better residual protection, meaning you may not need to reapply as frequently during peak fly season.

That said, Farnam Endure is an exception and remains a top performer despite being water-based because of its sweat-resistant technology.

What fly spray works best for your horses? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Has anyone else ever dealt with their horse’s mane mysteriously thinning out? Bald spots especially towards the base of the neck?
The culprit is often Threadworms or Neckworms.
Scientifically known as Onchocerca cervicalis. They take up residence in your horse’s nuchal ligament and when their larvae hatch it causes intense itching and irritation which leads to hair loss and a strange balding pattern.

🔍 Common Signs:
• Intense itching along the mane and crest
• Hair loss or broken hairs in the mane
• Thickened or scurfy skin
• Tail rubbing (in some horses)
• Seasonal worsening when flies are active

🦟 How Horses Get Them
Adult threadworms live in the nuchal ligament (the ligament running along the top of the neck). Tiny biting midges (gnats) spread the microscopic larvae from horse to horse.

💊 Treatment
Treatment should be discussed with your veterinarian, but commonly includes:

✅ Ivermectin or moxidectin-based dewormers to target the parasites
✅ Anti-inflammatory medications if itching is severe
✅ Fly control to reduce transmission by biting midges
✅ In some cases, repeated treatments may be necessary

⚠️ Horses can appear “normally dewormed” and still develop skin irritation from neck threadworms.

📋 If your horse has a chronically itchy mane, unexplained crest rubbing, or persistent skin irritation that isn’t responding to typical treatments, neck threadworms should be on your list of possibilities to discuss with your veterinarian.

Have you ever dealt with neck threadworms in your horses? Share your experience below! And tell us what you did to treat them👇

On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country—and we also remember the horses who stood beside them in war 🇺🇸

From the battlefields of history to the supply lines behind them, horses carried soldiers, pulled artillery, and endured the same dangers of war. Many never came home.

It’s estimated that approximately 8 million horses were killed during World War I, and around 3 million horses during World War II (estimates vary, but the losses were staggering across all theaters of war).

Today we remember all who served—human and animal alike—and we honor the true cost of freedom.

We will not forget.

Yvonne Berkhout Stables offers full service horse boarding and dry stalls at a boutique style dressage barn close to World Equestrian Center.

Yvonne Berkhout started riding dressage in her native country of the Netherlands when she was only 12 years old. Between than and now, she has developed into a Grand Prix trainer and competitor, training several years at a time with Henk van Bergen, Leida Collins and Shelly Francis. Competing CDI’s in Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Wellington and Ocala. Finished 7th at Festival of Champions 2020 and consistently placing in every CDI. But besides competing, I have a passion for teaching riders the true basics in dressage to create a seamless dressage test. The importance of positive reinforcement for horse and rider. Located Off of Highway 27, only 10 min from WEC, we offer an arena with mirrors, hot walker, round pen and paddocks just to name a few things. Lease horses available at times as well.

Amenities include:
Covered Hot Walker
Roundpen
Daily Turnout
Matted Stalls
Full Service Care
Fans in Stalls
Full size Dressage Court with mirrors

Full Care $1500 per month or dry stalls $500 per month.

* Training available with Grand Prix Rider Yvonne Berkhout.
https://ocalaequestrian.com/listing/berkhout-stables/

🏟️ Ready to build your dream arena?
T & T Equestrian Arenas is Central Florida's premier arena builder — serving dressage, jumping, western, riding therapy, and everything in between. New builds, renovations, expansions — family owned, competitively priced, and built right here in Ocala.
📞 352-304-9592
https://ocalaequestrian.com/listing/equestrian-arenas/

✨ What if your next yoga class came with a horse?
Sound Awake Collective is not your average wellness studio — and that's exactly the point.
Imagine being cradled in a silk hammock, wrapped in blankets, gently rocked while healing sound washes over you. Or stepping into a peaceful arena where horses hold space for your meditation, reflecting your energy and helping you reconnect with yourself in ways words can't describe.
This is what offers — a truly one-of-a-kind wellness experience that awakens your mind, body, and soul.
🐴 Yoga with Horses — Let these gentle, intuitive animals guide your practice and open your heart in ways a studio never could.
🎶 Sound Healing & Sound Baths — Signature sound immersion journeys designed to restore, reset, and heal from the inside out.
🙌 Reiki — Channel healing energy and release what no longer serves you.
🧘 Meditation with Horses — Experience the profound stillness that comes from being fully present with these magnificent animals.
You will leave fully awake to all that your mind, body, and soul have been craving.

To Learn More and sign up for a class visit https://www.soundawakehealing.com/

🐴 Looking for a farm you can truly trust with your horses?
Nestled on 115 stunning acres in Morriston, FL, Shangri-La Farm has been a leader in horse boarding and breeding for over 40 years — and it shows in everything we do.
Whether you're looking for a safe, loving home for your retired partner, a professional team to bring your foal into the world, or expert guidance raising your young horse from the ground up — we've got you covered.

🌿 Boarding Options:
Pasture board, dry/wet stall board, lay-ups, and permanent retirement board available for horses of all breeds and disciplines.

🐎 Breeding & Broodmare Services
🌱 Layups and rehab
🐎 Retirement
🌱 Young Horse Development
https://ocalaequestrian.com/listing/shangri-la-farm/

Short or long term rental available.

Furnished 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Home for Rent close to WEC.

$145 per night or $2,000 per month.
More photos and contact info at
https://ocalaequestrian.com/listing/neigh-and-nest/

Experience modern organic farm living. The Bungalow is nestled in beautiful pine trees with stunning horse farms surrounding it. From Gorgeous granite countertops to linen bedding… located only 8 miles from The World Equestrian Center!

The space
A unique space designed to enjoy indoor outdoor living. Surrounded by nature and tranquility you can relax and renew…

Guest access
Full use of the quest house a lovely outdoor patio with view of horses and pine trees. A lovely outdoor shower is available to unwind under the pines…

Other things to note
8 miles to WEC 5 minutes to hits.
Many beautiful springs near by. Bike trails, hiking snorkeling all close by.

🌟 Featured Trainer 🌟
Meet Brooke Bayley of Brooke Bayley Equestrian - international three-day eventer, FEI dressage competitor, and horsemanship -first trainer, now based in Ocala, FL. Trained by 1992 Olympian Todd Trewin, Brooke has competed at the highest levels and now brings that experience to riders of all abilities — from beginners learning to post and steer to upper-level competitors. Read More about Broooke in the link 👇
https://ocalaequestrian.com/featured-brook-bayley/