Fly Sheet Shopping

Even though its the middle of winter in New Jersey, I'm going fly sheet shopping. My mom wanted to get my horse a fly sheet for christmas but there just wasn't enough time. I did some browsing online and there are so many i'm just so confused. What is the best type of fly sheet for a horse that is out for a good part of the day? Last summer she did get a little sun bleached, but I didn't mind. How safe are hoods if she's either turned out alone, or turned out with a group? Are belly bands the better choice?

If someone can answer anything, I would so greatly appreciate it. Thanks a lot!

I think a hood is okay unless she rubs a lot. And overall I think belly bands are best! Just so the horse doesn't get its legs caught and all that. I know this didn't help a lot but I hope it helped some! :-D

It did help. I don't think I'll get her a hood, but maybe something with a higher neck line to protect her a little more. What about those leg fly wraps. Has anyone used them?

I don't care for them. I don't think they help much and they aren't very big! I just use flyspray on Blu's legs and he's usually fine. The only thing that worries me is the flies on his sensitive pink and blue skin. Especially around his eyes. He always wears a flymask in the warmer months and has sunscreen applied to his face and other sensitive areas twice daily. That's what I get for having an "albino"! Good Luck with your shopping!

But be careful. I got a flysheet without a belly band and Blu tore it all up! So we had to get a new one. The fly stuff has helped a lot with Blu's skin.

The mare that my horse used to live with always wore a Kensington fly sheet. I could not believe the quality! She wore it 24/7 and my boy tried to groom her through it all the time. It held up very well to his chewing and biting (she had it for years). It was made out of a mesh similar to a fly mask, but more durable. They do run around $100 though. And I don't think they have belly guards.

I just started my fly sheet shopping this winter too. Trying to see if I can catch a deal. I've been enjoying my horse's clean coat this winter and am thinking maybe a fly sheet will keep him cleaner in the summer.

As for the fly leg wraps, I think they're ridiculous! They don't seem to provide much protection and I bet they twist around and rub a lot. My boy gets his legs nice and muddy anyways...natural fly protection!

That's what I was thinking about the leg wraps, but I wasnt too sure. There are just so many fly sheets advertised online that its hard to know the feel (obviously) and just the look I guess. Thank you very much!!

I always flysheet my big girl in the summer. Her first flysheet was a weatherbeeta. It was called the airlflow mesh or something like that. It was a good blanket but it kept trying to slip off of her rump (I think it was too small though :( ). Needless to say, this sheet is no longer in use. However, it did do a good job.

I then invested some money into a Horseware Amigo Bugbuster. It's got built in flyspray. This is a GREAT sheet. The blanket stayed in place and worked very well. She rolled all the time and it didn't phase the sheet. I really like it!! The flys couldn't touch her and it kept her all nice and clean. The sheet itself is funny looking but it does its job very well. However, it is $$$

Thanks for the info on the Amigo. It's on horseloverz.com for $130...not too bad for such a high-rated sheet. Is the neck cover included? Is it detachable? It didn't really mention it in the text, but it is shown in the photo.

I saw both the bugbuster and the airflow by weatherbeeta. I was leaning more towards the bugbuster because of the built in bug spray. I just didn't want to leave the hood on all the time, or i'd like to have the option to take it off.

Yes, the sheet comes with a matching hood. Yes, the hood comes off and on with not too much hassle at all. I personally had my mare wear the hood all summer but I took it off later.

What I really like about the amigo is the front attachment. It isn't a normal buckle. It's a funny 'v' type and it gives the horse a lot more freedom of movement compared to the regular strap buckle fronts. Also, the 'flaps' on the sheet move and act like 'a horse's tail' to whip away flys.

I've noticed that horseware blankets tend to measure bigger than others so if you decide on a horseware sheet, make sure you measure using their guide :)