We all know how annoying flies and mosquitoes can be in the summer time. Imagine how irritating it’d be if you couldn’t protect yourself from them? This is sometimes the case for our equine companions, especially those with fly bite allergies. Though they have some protection with their swishing tails, manes and forelocks, sometimes insect bites can become stressfully overwhelming.
If you want to alleviate your horse from the constant twitching and itching that comes with the summer season, and also offer them UV protection, then its worth investing in a horse fly sheet. These sheets are lightweight, breathable and offer a layer of protection for your horse's body and neck against biting insects. There are many different styles and types of fly sheets on the market today. In this guide, we'll explore all the options to consider, in order to find the best fly sheets for horses.
What are the Benefits of Using a Fly Sheet?
The horse's long tail, thick mane and forelock do help with the flies, but sometimes we need to support them with their insect and UV protection. In some cases, a fly sheet might be an absolutely necessary piece of equipment, especially to provide coverage for sensitive horses or those with allergies.
Fly blankets for horses are a good investment for anyone living in an area with a heavy insect population. Mosquitoes can be a problem if your horse lives near water for example. If you own a white or cremello horse, UV protection is vital to protect their sensitive skin from sun damage. A fly sheet is also a good alternative to using strong chemicals found in repellent horse fly sprays, and you'll find it a cheaper alternative in the long run.
Some sensitive horses simply can't bear fly bites, even when they’re supposed to be exercising. The last thing you want is for your horse to be concentrating on flies and not you. Using a fly sheet specifically designed for riding can help to stop the flies stealing your horse's attention.
In the summer show season, it's worth investing in a fly sheet and neck cover to keep your horse clean during turnout in the paddock, as well as keeping the flies and dust off between show classes.
How to Measure for a Fly Sheet
Fitting a fly sheet is the same as fitting any other horse sheet or rug, and buying one that fits correctly is very important. A poorly fitting rug will not only cause your horse discomfort, it can potentially be very dangerous too.
To ensure you buy the right one, you need to measure your horse with a tape measure. It's worth noting that for wider breeds such as quarter horses, you may want to get a size or two bigger for extra comfort and to avoid rubbing.
Before you start, make sure your horse is standing up straight on a level surface. You'll be measuring the length of your horse's body. Starting at the center of the chest, where the neck joins with the head, bring the tape around the point of the shoulder, continuing in a straight line across the torso until you reach the tail.
The measurement should be read in feet or inches. Bear in mind that a 6’6 rug (feet) is totally different from a 66’ (inch) rug. You don't want to end up with a miniature size when you have a draft horse!
A sheet that fits well, shouldn’t be too loose so that it slips, or too tight so that it restricts movement and causes pressure rubbings. The same is to be said for all straps and surcingles. If they're too tight they can restrict movement, if they're too loose then there's a chance that your horse could get its hoof through them when it’s laying or rolling.
One way of checking is to see if you can fit your hand widthways, comfortably through the strap when its fastened.
Choosing the Right Fly Sheet
Let's take a look at the things you need to consider before buying a fly sheet. By taking all of these points into account, you’ll be sure to find the best horse fly sheet for your horse's needs.
Your Horse's Environment
Where your horse lives is an important thing to consider when choosing a sheet.
If your horse lives in a place with little shade then you may want to use a horse fly blanket and neck cover with UV protection.
Or if your horse lives in a place with a big biting insect population, you may want to use one with a mosquito mesh fly sheet.
If your horse stays in a very warm environment then buy only the lightest fly sheet, and if you live in a temperamental climate then it's worth investing in a heavier, waterproof one.
Special Needs and Allergies
For many horse owners, fly bite allergies such as sweet itch, can become a huge problem during the summer time. Bad reactions to bites can cause discomfort to your horse, and in some cases, they'll completely rub away their mane and tail hair.
With severe cases, a standard fly sheet won't offer enough protection. The best fly sheets for sweet itch are ones that offer extra coverage such as a hood, neck covers, and belly coverage.
Extra Security
No matter how small the mesh is on a sheet, sometimes insects will still get through. Recently, scientists have discovered color and patterns, particularly zebra print, can confuse insects and stop them landing on the horse.
There are several brands who produce sheets with material that has insect repellent fabric woven into it. Buying a patterned sheet, particularly Zebra print, or a "repellent" infused sheet will provide a lot of extra security against insect bites.
Material and Durability
To find the most durable sheet and neck cover for your needs, you should ask yourself, when will your horse mostly use it?
For everyday turnout, it’s better to pick one that's hard-wearing, durable, and that can be washed and maintained easily. With the summertime being the show season, you might be looking for something lighter and more elegant.
To protect sensitive horses during exercise, choose a fly sheet for riding. These are specially designed for exercise and are adapted to fit your horse's movement and also the tack.
Hard vs Soft
Horse fly sheets generally come in two types of materials known as “hard” and “soft”.
Hard rugs are made from fabrics coated with PVC for extra protection and endurance against rips and tears. The harder types are the best fly sheet for horses in hot weather. They're the coolest fly sheet for horses because they make less contact with your horse, allowing more air flow.
Because of their durability, they’re also a good one to choose for everyday use, especially if your pony loves to run, frolic and roll (find out why horses like to roll).
Softer fabrics such as cotton, nylon and polyester are used for the soft sheets and generally have a finer mesh. These fabrics are more comfortable on your horse's coat and have a better fit, however, they’re less durable and less suited to very hot climates.
As a rule, large mesh and loose straps on horse fly sheets are cooler than those with finer mesh and tight straps. If you have a fair-skinned horse then the best fly sheet to buy is one with UV protection.
Cleaning Your Fly Sheet
The great thing about horse and pony fly sheets and neck covers, is that they're lightweight and can easily fit into a washing machine. It's a good idea to wash them in a mesh bag or pillowcase to keep the straps from banging around the drum, and always follow manufactures instructions.
Because fly sheets are used in the summer, It’s very easy to give them a hose down at the yard then draped over a fence for quick drying.
The 5 Best Horse Fly Sheets
1. Kensington Platinum Sure Fit Protective Fly Sheet
Kensington is a trusted American brand and their sheets are made with a unique textline fabric that’s super strong and almost impossible to tear. They’re lightweight but provide a strong shield for your horse against insects. These equine fly sheets are so tough, they can be used in the winter on top of a turnout rug for an extra layer of protection.
Available in a range of colors, the Kensington fly protectors are UV protective, made with humidity resistant material, they're 78 per cent air-permeable, and securely fitted with their unique “sure fit/no rubs” design. The “Self Grooming” fabric of the sheet will clean your horse and improve the condition of its coat while it's wearing it.
There's also the option to buy extras like a neck cover, and they make fly sheets for ponies too. Kensington is so confident about the quality of their products that they come with a life time guarantee.
2. TuffRider Comfy Mesh Fly Sheet
The Tuffrider is a reasonably priced, all-round rug, making it a best seller on the marketplace. It's made with a polyester mesh that reflects the suns rays providing 50 per cent UV protection. The fabric is breathable with comfortable shoulder fittings and it’s machine washable. It comes with adjustable, low cross surcingles, and removable leg straps.
TuffRider also offers a neck cover that can be purchased separately and they have a mini horse fly sheet for the smallest of horses available too. This is the best fly sheet to buy on a budget.
3. Horseware Rambo Flybuster Vamoose
Made with Vamoose technology, that provides extra protection with it’s odorless and invisible, insect repellant material, lasting for 70 washes. The Flybuster comes with: a supersized tail flap, leg straps, extra length over the legs, full belly coverage, and also a detachable neck cover.
It’s made with a durable, breathable, and UV protective material, making it a great all-round sheet. Rambo is a trusted company whose products are always made to a high standard.
4. Tough 1 Zebra Mesh Fly Sheet
Because recent scientific studies have shown that patterns and colors confuse insects, you may want to choose a Zebra print sheet. The Tough 1 Zebra Fly Sheet features a lightweight, polyester/nylon mesh, designed to promote airflow.
It has a comfortable double buckle at the front with a single belly band, as well as leg straps. The Tough 1 sheet is machine washable making it easy to maintain. It’s made with a durable, waterproof, breathable material that's great for everyday use.
5. Amigo Evolution Fly Sheet
The bright aqua/orange colors of the Amigo Evolution Fly Sheet works on the same scientific basis as the Zebra pattern. It confuses insects and stops them landing on your horse.
This lightweight, durable rug has two layers. The body layer is made with sweat absorbing, strong knitted polyester, covered with a lightweight, breathable, upper mesh layer. As well as having a super-sized tail flap, it also has long sides to protect the legs, a belly band for complete coverage underneath, and a neck cover. It’s disk front closure system, gives it a high tech, light, flexible cut design, and the silky mane and shoulder lining prevents rubbing.
Top Choice
There’s no horse fly sheet that offers more than the Kensington. It has everything you need to provide your horse with good coverage and fly protection. It's one of the more expensive sheets on the market but you really do get your money's worth.
It looks great and is hard-wearing and especially appealing with its lifetime guarantee. This truly is the best fly sheet and buying one is a lifetime investment.
Conclusion
Though fly traps for horses and chemical bug sprays provide more comprehensive coverage for fly protection, good quality ones can be expensive. Investing in a fly sheet will save you money in the long run. Using spray together with a sheet and neck cover can optimize protection.
In some cases, a fly sheet is a vital part of summer wear for your horse, in others, it’s just another extra luxury for our equine friends. Hopefully, this guide has provided all the information you need so that you can confidently purchase only the best fly sheets for horses.
