Rosemary as a fly repellent?

I've used natural fly repellents before and some of them have rosemary oil in them. I was watching my colt stomping AFTER I sprayed him with Endure fly spray today. While I was pruning my rosemary shrubs the thought occurred to me that fresh rosemary might help. I took a big sprig down and started rubbing his legs, chest and neck with it. He LOVED being scratched for one thing but I noticed when I was feeding that there were very few flies around his legs while the other gelding had flies landing on him. Has anyone ever used fresh rosemary on their horses? This would certainly be a cheaper solution than the fly spray I've been buying!!

Hmm . . .that sounds like it could work I'll have to do my own experiments with it.
It would definitely be cheaer!

I think I'll prune my rosemary tomorrow and give it a try. I may boil some to make a spray and try that too.

That sounds pretty neat, just might try it!

The heck with rubbing it on the horses legs, send me some. I love the stuff :) You are so lucky to live someplace where it is hardy.