On Sunday 29th November Nettex’s Veterinary Technical Manager and experienced equine Vet Becky Lees will be appearing on Countryfile.

Nettex Vet Becky Lees explains: “It all started when we were contacted by Karla McKechnie from the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society (DLPS) who asked if we were able to produce a reflective paint that could be painted on livestock so that they become visible to car drivers at night. On Dartmoor there is a big problem with horses, cattle and sheep being hit by cars in the dark. So far this year 74 animals have already been killed on Dartmoor's roads. As a company Nettex produce a large range of marking sprays, crayons, pastes and fluids for sheep and livestock so we instantly thought this was something we would be able to help with.

Our Nettex Promark Branding Fluid is of a paint-like consistency, so it was the obvious choice, however it is formulated and tested for use on sheep’s fleece so we were not sure whether it would be suitable for the coats’ of horses and cattle. Nettex donated some Promark Branding Fluid so that testing could be carried out to check that the product would be durable enough. This trial has progressed well and has proved Nettex Promark Branding Fluid to be highly durable on horses’ coats.

We were starting the development process to produce a reflective version of Promark Branding Fluid when Countryfile got involved and wanted to feature us on their programme. We formulated a prototype product which we tested during filming, which as you can see looked fantastic. Further development work is still in progress, however when we finish the development process we will release a commercial product to the market. We hope that this can then be rolled out to other moorland livestock to improve road safety for many horses, cattle and sheep.”

Nettex are committed to promoting the road safety of both horses and riders. As part of the launch of Nettex’s successful ‘Try It Club’ Nettex gave new members a free high vis to help their members be seen and stay safe while out riding. Nettex have now taken this a step further to help horses roaming on Dartmoor be seen and stay safe.