{"id":13729,"date":"2022-09-07T12:44:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-07T16:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/?p=13729"},"modified":"2022-10-24T19:59:53","modified_gmt":"2022-10-24T23:59:53","slug":"best-fly-sheets-for-horses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/best-fly-sheets-for-horses\/","title":{"rendered":"The 6 Best Fly Sheets for Horses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For years, I had always owned a few hardy crossbreed horses or mustangs. So when I purchased my first thin-skinned thoroughbred filly, I had to step up my game and dive into the world of fly sheets for horses<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Far from being like a simple fly mask<\/a>, a fly sheet has some very particular requirements to ensure it offers your horse the best protection against flies and other elements that may burn or sting their skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So in this article, we’ll talk about what to look for in the best fly sheets for horses, and then give you our recommended brands!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Oh and by the way, if you’re looking for advice on other types of horse blankets, check out this article<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Table of Contents<\/div>
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    This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. We only give honest recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Is a Fly Sheet?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A fly sheet is a thin blanket that covers the horse, protecting them against flies, mosquitoes, and other flying insects that may irritate their skin. Fly sheets protect horses from insect bites that can cause painful sores and itchy skin, resulting in rubbing and eventually hair loss.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some fly sheets also double as a day sheet, protecting the horse from UV exposure that can lead to their coats bleaching and dulling or a sarcoid forming<\/u><\/a>. There are many different types of fly sheets for horses, and each offers its own unique properties that may make it more or less suitable for your horse’s particular needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When to Use a Fly Sheet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Fly sheets are ideal for when your horse is exposed to large swarms of biting insects. Fitting a fly mask<\/a> and fly sheet helps protect your horse’s body, face, and legs from insects landing on exposed body parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Summer is one of the main times of the year when fly sheets are appropriate to use to keep biting insects from your horse. Fly sheets should be fitted correctly when the horse is turned out in the paddock during the day or is in an area where there is hot sun. Horses can also wear fly sheets at night when insects swarm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shopping for a Fly Sheet: What You Should Know<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There are many different fly sheets available for horses. Some are heavy duty<\/strong> for those harsh fly-seasons when insect biting is at the maximum. Other sheets are more<\/strong> lightweight<\/strong> and geared toward comfort and UV protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The shape, design, and fastenings all determine whether a fly sheet will be suitable for your horse. Here are a few aspects to keep in mind when choosing your horse’s fly sheet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fitment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    No horse will tolerate a blanket of any kind when that blanket or sheet fits uncomfortably. Ensure the fly sheet will fit with the same dimensions as a regular stable blanket<\/a>. You should be able to slide a finger between the neckpiece and the horse’s shoulders. Check that the neck cover doesn’t slide down or bulge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The belly band, if the fly sheet has one, should fit comfortably and attach securely with Velcro fasteners or cross-over straps to ensure the sheet doesn’t slip around the horse’s barrel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A well-fitting fly sheet should have a traditional side gusset on each side or a set of shoulder gussets, with a tail flap to ensure natural movement. Taking the horse’s measurements accurately is important when ordering online.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Material Comfort<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    When choosing the best fly sheets for horses, it is important to choose a material that is durable and breathable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Horses have somewhat sensitive skin, so a scratchy fly sheet will not be comfortable for them. A soft interlocking mesh is best for a fly sheet, but you also want a durable sheet that won’t rip easily or hook on fences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    UV Protection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The density of the fly sheet will determine how much UV protection a fly sheet offers to your horse. Bug bites are not the only thing to protect your horse from, as high heat and harsh sunlight can cause fading and burnt pink skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With a quality fly sheet, you can stop the sun bleaching your horse’s coat, which is essential for most horses, but especially for black horses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Specialized Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Many horses spends their whole day out in the sun. If there is little to no shade, having a sheet with a high sun protection factor is vital to keep your horse safe in hot weather. Extra protection can be achieved with a neck cover and fly mask combination. Neck protection will also stop their mane from becoming brittle or rubbing through fences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A breathable fly sheet will also keep your horse cool, and when the weather is milder, you can remove the detachable neck cover. For cool weather, you can use a fly rug<\/a> (which is heavier than a regular sheet) to keep your horse warmer if they have been clipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is even the option of using a zebra pattern<\/a> on your fly sheet to keep pesky insects away. The theory is that insects don’t like high-contrast material, such as bright prints, so this may add an extra layer of repelling power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In order for it to properly defend against bugs, you’ll want to make sure your horse’s fly sheet fits properly. To learn how to properly measure your horse for a fly sheet, check out this guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Best Fly Sheets for Horses Options<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    With so many great fly sheets available, it can be challenging to choose the best ones for your horse. Here are some of my favorite choices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Most Durable Fly Sheet<\/strong>: WB ComFiTec Ripshield Plus DetachNeck<\/u><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"best<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    The WB ComFiTec Ripshield Plus DetachNeck<\/u><\/a> from WeatherBeeta is a highly durable fly sheet that suits most horses. It comes with rave reviews, and when I tried it on my horse, I was instantly sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n