[Phase 2] Stallion vs Flymask

It's been a week since the new guy came home. After purchasing, repairing, and replacing numerous fly sheets, Elara finally gave up on full-body fly gear. Mr. Itchy—as he's been temporarily nicknamed—has been putting his trainer through the wringer with his antics: fly boots gone missing, fly mask converted into a toy. Keeping any kind of gear on him has become nearly impossible, as if he takes it as a personal challenge.

Fly spray is used so frequently that it feels like an hourly ritual, although it is generously reapplied after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A veterinarian exam verified Elara's suspicions, Mr. Itchy has sweet itch, a frustrating and usually incurable condition, but some treatments can help alleviate his misery. Daily intake of omega-3 supplements tended to reduce swelling slightly, but not enough to prevent any itching. His paddock is cleaned every day or every other day to reduce fly exposure. A fan was installed in his run-in shed, and he now only grazes in the early mornings or late evenings, when the flies are least active.

While each of these remedies provides some relief, Elara was still disappointed by the fly gear's complete inability to perform its role, or, in other words, its defeat in war. Every day, Elara sat outside his paddock gate, watching him swish his tail and stomp in frustration, wishing she could explain to him that she was doing her best. Elara wasn't prepared to give up. She needed to find something that would finally work.