Horses tend to attract flies as they move around their pasture throughout the day, especially during the hot summer months. Therefore, it is important to protect them with a quality fly sheet. This can keep flies and other insects from biting your horse and protect them from the harmful ultraviolet rays that they are exposed to when spending time in direct sunlight.
Many different horse fly sheets are on the market, most of which will provide your horse with all the protection that they need inside and outside the barn. However, it can be tough to know which options are the best.
So, we went through the variety of horse fly sheets available and put together a list of reviews of our favorites.
This fly sheet is made of knitted polyester for optimal protection and comfort, and it has UV reflection to keep your horse safe from sun damage. The patented front leg arches are designed to ensure a proper fit that stays in place without sacrificing comfort. The neck cover stays upright, so you do not have to worry about the cover falling to your horse’s shoulders. With plenty of room for movement, your horse should never feel constricted and should be able to perform all their daily activities with ease.
The fly sheet is surprisingly lightweight and easy to work with. It also compacts tightly for easy storage when it is not being used. It is also extremely durable and should hold up well to wear and tear as time goes on. The best part about the Amigo Mio Combo fly sheet is that it is completely breathable, which means that your horse will not sweat or overheat during the summer months. One thing to be aware of is that because the material is so lightweight, it can rip when it gets washed in a machine. We recommend hand washing it.
Pros
Lightweight and easy to work with
Completely breathable
Patented leg arches help the sheet stay in place
Offers enough room for comfortable movement
Cons
Can rip in the washing machine — handwashing is suggested
The TuffRider comfy mesh fly sheet is super soft and breathable. It has a stainless-steel buckle in the front to ensure that it stays secure while on your horse’s back. The shoulder area is lined with soft, non-friction fabric that works to prevent chaffing. We think that this is one of the best fly sheets for horses for the money because of the affordable price tag and the leg straps, which are both removable and adjustable for a custom, comfortable fit. This fly sheet can block up to 50% of the ultraviolet rays that the sun expels, yet it will not overheat your horse when it is being worn on a hot day.
This is a machine-washable option that is durable and will hold up to wear from the sun and your horse’s activities as time goes on. It can be put in the dryer, but only without heat. Otherwise, it should be hung up to dry. The TuffRider is available in both pony and horse sizes, making it easy to find a perfect fit for your equestrian pet. The reason we did not choose this fly sheet as the first pick on this list is that it does not include a neck cover.
This fly sheet is a premium choice for several reasons. First, it is made of a 1200-denier-polyester material that features a cross-hatched weave, meant to resist the development of holes and tears. Also, it features neck and belly wraps that are removable, so you can customize the type of coverage that your horse gets depending on the day and situation. The thick, nylon lining helps ensure that the sheet does not rub against your horse and damages their coat or skin.
The Weatherbeeta WB ComFiTec Ripshield is designed with a side gusset, which enables natural movement. The included tail flap will help keep every inch of your horse dry when it rains outside. The two front buckles are adjustable and the leg straps are removable to ensure a snug, secure fit. The full-wrap design provides insecure horses with extra security so they can accomplish their activities with more confidence.
Pros
Designed to resist ripping
Feature adjustable leg straps
Comes with detachable components for a custom fit
Cons
The sheet is heavy and harder to work with than other options on this list
This is a nylon mesh fly sheet designed to provide optimal air circulation so your horse stays cool under the hot sun, even if they are particularly sensitive to heat. The single belly surcingles make the Tough 1 Deluxe Miniature fly scrim sheet easy to put on fussy horses that are not thrilled about getting dressed. The buckles under the belly and the straps under the tail help ensure that the sheet stays firmly in place and does not end up dragging behind your horse on the ground while they walk or gallop.
Unlike the other horse fly sheets on this reviews list, this one is made just for ponies and is sized accurately, so you can order online with confidence, knowing that the size you choose will not end up being bigger or smaller than expected. That said, this one does not come with a neck or tail cover. It also tends to become misshapen during machine washing, so it is best to handwash the sheet to optimize longevity.
This basic fly sheet gets the job done but does not have that many bells and whistles. It does offer free movement and comprehensive protection from flies and UV rays. All the pressure points are reinforced to minimize the risk of seam splits and rips around the legs, where most movement and friction tend to take place.
The front buckles are not as sturdy as many other options on this reviews list, so this mesh fly sheet is best suited for horses with low activity levels. Horses that do a great deal of running and jumping may put too much strain on the buckles and cause them to fail prematurely. The lightweight material is easy to handle and clean, but even though this is a mesh fly sheet, it may be too hot to wear during the summer months for horses that are susceptible to heatstroke.
Pros
Basic yet effective
Reinforced pressure points
Cons
Strong and highly active horses may break the front buckles
May not breathe well enough for horses susceptible to heatstroke
Offering a comfortable yet secure fit, the Derby Originals fly sheet is durable, effective, and affordable. Soft fleece lines the neck to help prevent damage to the mane, and the crossed leg straps help keep the sheet in place without rubbing against the sensitive crotch area. Reflective trim is attached to the corners of the fly sheet to ensure visibility at night.
The shoulder gussets, chest straps, and belly band are all are completely adjustable, so you can give your horse the fit that they prefer, no matter how loose or snug. This is a machine-washable fly sheet, but the leg straps can get caught in the washing machine’s spinner if they are not removed beforehand. If your horse rubs on trees and posts or rolls on the ground frequently, this fly sheet can tear.
Pros
Comfortable and secure
Designed to prevent mane damage
Cons
Leg straps must be removed before washing
Can quickly get damaged from rubbing on trees and rolling on the ground
Buyer’s Guide
If you have never purchased a horse fly sheet before, you may feel a bit intimidated about the process. We are here to support you with this buyer’s guide, which you can use to have peace of mind and confidence in your final investment decision.
What Is the Weather Like in Your Area?
Before choosing a horse fly sheet to invest in, consider what the weather is like in your home area throughout the entire year. You may end up having to use the fly sheet during times of the year when flies and other insects are not expected. If the weather is too hot or too cold for the fly sheet that you have, your horse will suffer from either fly bites or discomfort.
If the weather stays warm throughout the year and gets hot during the summer, a breathable mesh option is your best bet. If the climate is mild and the weather gets uncomfortably cold during the winter, a thick fly sheet or one that can comfortably fit under a blanket is a good idea. If the weather gets extreme during the winter and summer, you should buy both a lightweight and a heavy fly sheet to ensure that you will always be prepared.
Understand the Available Features
There are two kinds of features to look for when choosing a new fly sheet for your horse to wear: key features and optional or “luxury” features. The key features are what any fly sheet should have, while the optional features are just that. However, some of the optional ones may seem critical to you, depending on the kind of protection and comfort that you want to provide your horse. Here are the features that you should know about.
The Key Features:
Chest and Belly Buckles — These help keep the fly sheet in place so it does not fall off during activity.
Shoulder and Leg Gussets — These allow for adjustments to create a custom fit for your horse that keeps them comfortable.
Anti-friction Lining — This ensures that your horse’s mane, coat, and skin do not get damaged from the fly sheet rubbing against their body.
UV Protection — Horses can get sunburns and develop skin conditions due to sun damage, just as humans can. Therefore, UV protection is a must when choosing a fly sheet to invest in.
The Optional Features:
Detachable Neck Sleeve — This will keep your horse warm when it is chilly out and better protect them when insects are worse than usual.
Tail Flap — Another option that provides extra protection for horses that are especially sensitive to insect bites.
Waterproof Surface — If your horse spends a great deal of time in the rain, a waterproof fly sheet will keep them dry.
Make a list of features that you want to see in your horse’s new fly sheet so you can use it as a guide when comparing options.
Measure Your Horse First
Even if a fly sheet is rated for large horses or ponies, it does not necessarily mean that it will fit your large horse or pony. You should take the time to properly measure your horse, including their height, neck, legs, belly, and chest width. This is especially important if you plan to order a fly sheet online. Any fly sheet that you look at should indicate the exact dimensions of the product. If it does not, you should look for another that does. Otherwise, you may end up ordering a fly sheet that is way too big or too snug. Either circumstance can lead to poor protection and discomfort for your horse.
Even after properly measuring and comparing your horse’s measurements to those of the fly sheets you’re considering, there is still a chance that the product will not fit your horse well. Therefore, you should make sure that you understand the return policy for the fly sheet that you will be buying. Find out how long you have to make a return, whether you will get your money back or store credit, and how long the return process will take. You should know exactly what to expect before purchasing a new fly sheet for your equestrian pet.
Conclusion
We love all the products on this horse fly sheet reviews list, but we are especially fond of the top pick, the Amigo Mio Combo fly sheet. It is lightweight and easy to work with and has patented leg arches that help keep the sheet in place without rubbing your horse the wrong way. Still, we feel that our second pick, the TuffRider comfy mesh fly sheet, offers the most bang for your buck because it is affordable, durable, and machine washable, just to name a few features.
That said, we highly recommend checking out each product to find out which one will best accommodate the unique needs of your horse. Just because one option works great for a particular horse does not mean that it will work out well for another horse.
Rachael has been a freelance writer since 2000, in which time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry in her spare time. As a vegan, Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need both in her community and anywhere in the world where she feels she can make a difference. Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about! She lives off the grid in Hawaii with her husband, her garden, and her rescue animals including 5 dogs, a cat, a goat, and dozens of chickens....Read more
