You can help your horse avoid the annoying effects of flies by using a combination of these items of horse clothing and topical treatments like horse fly repellent. For effective methods of reducing the fly population on your farm, refer to How to Control Flies on the Farm.
Fly sheets have an open weave mesh to keep bugs off a horse's body. Some models of fly sheet are coated with horse fly repellent for added protection.
Fly masks, sometimes called fly bonnets, are made of see-through mesh. They keep flies, which can be attracted to eye secretions, from landing in horses' eyes and causing infections. Fly masks come in a variety of styles, including those that cover the ears and that extend to the end of the nose. Some fly mask models are designed of very fine, lightweight mesh for use over bridles during riding, and others are made of sturdier mesh to stand up to the rigors of turnout and horseplay.
Ear nets, sometimes called fly hoods or fly bonnets, are a tool that some riders use to keep flies and other bugs from bothering a horse's ears during riding. Ear nets are usually made of crocheted yarn or a combination of crocheted yarn and fabric. They are designed to be worn over a horse's ears with a flap that goes under the browband. Fringe along the edges helps deter insects from bothering a horse's eyes.
Note: If you intend to compete with your horse wearing an ear net, be sure to check the rules and regulations regarding your classes. The use of ear nets may be prohibited except during warm-up and schooling.
Fly wraps are mesh leg coverings designed to keep flies off a horse's legs and may help reduce stomping.
Fly Collar, which is covered with horse fly repellent to ward off flies, mosquitoes and gnats from the horse's head and neck.
Fly Sprays, fly wipes and fly roll-ons are available in many all-natural and synthetic formulas that not only repel flies but gnats, mosquitoes, ticks and other insects as well. Active ingredients in horse fly repellent may include organic pyrethrin derived from the chrysanthemum plant or oils and essences that are naturally repellent to insects, such as cedar, citronella or peppermint. Or they may include synthetically derived permethrin, a strong deterrent to ticks, in an inert base. Horse fly repellents are designed to prevent insects from landing on your horse, but they do not kill them. Insecticides actually kill the bugs that come in contact with them. Some fly products combine the effects of both repellents and insecticides.
Dover Saddlery product advisors recommend that you test any new batch of fly spray on your horse prior to a full application to check for allergic reaction. For optimal performance, be sure to follow manufacturer's guidelines for any horse fly repellent, and apply it to a clean horse as directed on the label. Also, check the application rate recommended by the manufacturer. Some are designed to be sweat resistant and can be applied less frequently. Apply horse fly repellent or insecticide to your horse's face carefully by wiping it on or using a targeted product such as a roll-on to avoid his eyes.
Sweat, urine and manure stains make horses more attractive to flies. Be sure your horse is clean before applying your fly product to achieve the best results. Also, you should rotate between the types of fly sprays you use because over time, flies can become accustomed to the scent of a spray, making it less effective. However, bathing your horse between applications of different types of fly sprays is wise to prevent reaction between the active ingredients.
Note: When you're spraying fly repellents and insecticides on your horse, remember that the over-spray may kill any fly predators in the immediate area.
Spot On Treatments such as Farnam Equispot and Freedom 45 Spot On Fly Control are also available for use to control and kill flies and other insects that bother horses and carry disease. These treatments are applied less frequently than other topical treatments, so you should be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions for application.
Swat is a thick cream that is mixed with a natural horse fly repellent. It is designed to be used near open wounds and sensitive areas such as the belly line to ward of infection-causing flies.
For proper fly control and to reduce the fly population in a horse barn and barnyard, you have to have the right tools in your arsenal. There are many methods of winning your war against flies, and your horses will love you for your efforts!
To prepare for battle, here are some key fly control weapons designed to kill flies at their various life stages.
Traps do a great job of catching adult flies. Two basic types of traps exist on the market, each designed to attract a different kind of fly. Stable flies are attracted to their traps visually. House flies are attracted to their traps by odor, which can be fairly offensive to humans. Both types should be hung outside, away from your barn, near potential fly breeding locations. If you hang traps inside your barn, you'll actually invite flies in. Generally, traps should be hung less than four feet from the ground, but be sure to follow manufacturer's recommendations for your trap to achieve the best results. You may also want to test various sites on your property to see which locations capture the most flies.
Note: Sticky traps and tapes without lures catch flies when they land to rest. These can be hung successfully inside a stable, but be aware that you may also inadvertently catch small birds, bats and beneficial insects such as dragonflies.
Misters and space sprays, such as the Country Vet Dispenser, provide quick knockdown of flies and other insects within your barn. This battery-operated dispenser is inexpensive and easy to install, and it releases insect killing insecticide according to a built-in timer.
Any insecticide that kills stable and house flies may also kill your fly predators.
You may find it necessary to rotate different products throughout your fly season. A trap or spray that works in one area during the spring may not be as effective in the same area in late summer.
Actions to Take to Reduce Fly Populations In addition to the products you can purchase for fly control around your property, you can also take these significant steps to create an unfriendly environment for them.
Because flies need warm, moist breeding grounds in which to lay their eggs, remove all decaying organic matter from your property. Piles of rotting leaves, grass clippings, decaying fruit or vegetables from gardens all provide an attractive environment in which eggs can be laid.
For the same reason, maximize heat in your manure compost pile by keeping it piled vertically as much as possible rather than spread horizontally. Turn your pile to introduce oxygen, which is necessary for decomposition. Add lime to speed up decomposition, and make sure your manure pile stays slightly damp. Increased heat makes your manure pile a less attractive breeding area for flies. If it becomes hot enough, all but the outer edge of your manure pile will be too hot to allow flies to lay eggs. You can also cover the manure piles with black plastic to further increase heat.
If you spread your manure on your property, do it thinly (less than 1/2 inch thick) so that the matter dries quickly before it can become a fly breeding ground.
Remove fly resting areas near your barn and pastures by keeping grass and weeds cut short. Flies rest on long grass to escape direct sunlight.
Solve any drainage problems on your property. Remove moisture and debris that accumulates around watering troughs and level areas where puddles occur. Make sure your hoses and pumps don't drip as the moisture there will attract flies.
Clean feed tubs, mangers and areas where horses eat to avoid accumulating crumbs and moist, decaying food waste that becomes attractive to flies.
Use ceiling and portable fans in your barn to keep the air moving. Circulating air is difficult for flies to navigate and it inhibits their ability to land on your horse. Stall fan holders enable you to mount a portable box fan at the top of a stall at a 45 degree angle so that the air streams down over your horse.
Keep stalls free of manure and urine as the odors are attractive to bothersome house flies. Products such as Odor-No-More and Stable Fresh can help you keep your stalls even fresher and more odor-free than regular mucking alone.
Encourage natural insect predators —birds and bats— to set up residence on your property by hanging bird and bat houses.
You’ve selected a blanket or sheet for your horse, but now you’re wondering how all the buckles and straps should be fastened. Follow these steps to learn how to properly adjust the blanket to ensure his comfort. To view our entire collection of horse sheets and blankets online, click here.
Horse Blanket Prep
The best way to put a sheet or blanket on your horse is to tie or cross-tie him or have someone hold him so that his movements are limited. Fasten closures by working from the front to the back, starting at the chest closure and working toward the belly surcingles and finally the leg straps. By fastening in this order, the blanket will be more stable should your horse suddenly move. For the same reason, the best way to unfasten a blanket is to start at the back and work your way to the front.
Now You're Ready
1. Place the garment on your horse and fasten the chest closure. A well-fitting blanket allows fabric at the chest to overlap, and the fastener to be adjusted near the middle. When the chest closure is fastened appropriately, the tail seam should sit at the point where you want the clothing to end. This point corresponds to the measurement you took as described in the article How to Measure Your Horse for a Blanket.
2. If your horse’s blanket fits well, you can slide your hand under the blanket all around the neck and over the withers with your horse’s head in a grazing position and when raised. If the opening is too large, your horse could get a foot caught, and it may rub your horse’s shoulders. If the opening is too small, the blanket will pull or rub the withers, mane or points of the shoulders or tug at the base of the neck.
3. Belly surcingles should be adjusted next. Your blanket may have a belly band, two bias (angled) surcingles that should cross under the belly, or one or two straight surcingles. No matter what type you have, these straps should be adjusted so that you can slide only one flat hand between the strap and your horse’s belly. Looser straps can allow a horse’s leg to get tangled while lying down or rolling; tight straps can make the blanket rub.
4. If the blanket has a tail strap, it should be adjusted so that you have about a hand’s width between the strap and the horse.
5. If the blanket has leg straps, pass the left strap through the horse’s hind legs and clip it to the d-ring on the left side of the blanket. Cross the right leg strap through the left leg strap and clip it to the d-ring on the right side. These straps should be adjusted so that you can fit only one hand’s width between the strap and the inside of the horse’s leg. If they are too long and hang down to the horse’s hocks, then a leg can become entangled. If the straps are too short, they may inhibit movement and chafe the tender insides of the gaskin or groin area.
6. With fastenings done, stand back and look at the overall effect of the clothing on your horse. The shoulders of the blanket should not be stretched or tight over your horse’s shoulders, yet the blanket should not appear to sag or look too large either. The hem should not hang at or below the horse’s knees.
Tips for Fighting Flies Flies and insects can cause quite a bit of irritation to your horse around the stable, in the paddock and while being ridden. Use these tips for fighting flies to decrease the pests at your barn. - Capture adult flies with assorted traps - Repel or kill flies with sprays and topical treatments - Shield horses with fly masks and fly sheets - Clear your property and stable of debris where flies lay eggs - Enhance your habitat for beneficial birds and bats which eat flies and other insects
We are proud to offer quality fly control and fly protection including fly sheets, masks, ear nets and fly leg wraps. Shop fly sheets from your favorite brands, including Rambo, Amigo, Rider's International, Weatherbeeta and more! In a variety of styles & colors, we're sure to have the right fly sheet to fit your needs.
For your horse's comfort, any sheet or horse blanket he wears must fit him appropriately. You can measure your horse to determine the overall size you want, and then choose from a variety of cuts and manufacturers to find the optimal fit. To view our entire selection of horse blankets and sheets online, click here.
This picture above, shows how a manufacturer determines a blanket or sheet sizing. The horse blanket is placed flat out with all fastenings undone and the fabric spread smooth. If the blanket has gussets or darts, they should be spread flat too. A soft fabric tape measure with inch measurements runs from front binding to back binding, and it sits at the base of the neck opening.
Follow these steps to determine the size blanket or sheet your horse needs:
1. Decide where you want the sheet or blanket to end. Some people prefer the tail portion to be long enough to form a “tent” over the top of the horse’s tail, especially for turnout coverings. Others prefer to have horse sheets and blankets stop just short of the tail.
2. Stand your horse squarely on level ground.
3. Measure from the center of your horse’s chest (where the base of the neck meets the chest) over the point of his shoulder, to the point at which you want the sheet or blanket to end. A soft fabric tape measure with inch increments works well for this. The diagram provided here shows that the horse’s tail will be covered by the blanket, because the tape measure is stretched to the center of the tail (dock).
4. The inches measurement translates to the blanket size you should try on your horse.
Putting On and Removing Horse Clothing:
Work from front to rear as you fasten closures of a blanket: chest closures, then surcingles and finally the leg or tail straps. Doing so makes the blanket more stable should your horse suddenly move, and almost ensures that you won’t forget a strap.
Likewise, work from the rear to the front when you’re removing the item.
The Easiest and Best Guarantee in The Business
Shop with 100% confidence at Dressage Extensions. If something doesn’t fit you or your horse, return your original purchase within a year, and we’ll make it right with a refund, exchange or replacement.
Our experience as riders and horse owners ourselves is that in most situations a year’s time is fair enough to evaluate proper fit and function. PLUS: For manufacturer’s defects, we’ll extend the manufacturer’s warranty to a maximum of 24 months, regardless of their individual policies. (AND: Manufacturer warranties longer than 24 months will be honored and supported by us as well up to the length of those warranties).
Exceptions: Safety items such as helmets and protective vests may only be returned within 30 days, with their original tags intact. Saddles and riding boots may be returned within the one year period, but are subject to a prorated refund based on usage. Used saddles may be returned for 30 days only. For everyone’s protection, treats and vet meds which have been opened are not returnable, and returned blankets must clean and free of debris.
Special Conditions
To protect all customers and ensure that every return or exchange is handled fairly, we may require a receipt or decline a return in these situations:
• Item was not purchased directly from Dressage Extensions. (It was purchased at a used tack sale or from a retailer or online seller other than Dressage Extensions.)
• Item is missing a label or has been defaced.
• No receipt and no valid identification in our stores.
• Item is wet, dirty or contaminated, or until it has been cleaned. (For health and safety reasons, we cannot accept returns on used, defective or poorly fitting blankets if they are UNWASHED.)
• Item has been lost, stolen, damaged, or misused.
• On rare occasions, based on the nature of prior transactions.
• Supplements have been opened or used.
• Multiple returns of the same item.
• Personalized items may not be returned unless defective.
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Our Secure Order Guarantee means that you will never have to pay any money related to unauthorized charges to your credit card account, as long as those charges are a direct result from a transaction on DressageExtensions.com.
How it works: If you experience credit card fraud, the Fair Credit Act specifies that your credit card company can hold you liable for no more than $50.00 in fraudulent charges to your account. Our Secure Order Guarantee will reimburse you for any amount up to $50.00 billed to you by your credit card company for unauthorized charges to your account, if those charges result from an order you placed with DressageExtensions.com. For this protection you must promptly notify your credit card company of fraudulent charges and follow their procedures as outlined in your credit card agreement.
The Amigo® Camo Fly Sheet with removable neck cover by Horseware® Ireland features a fly-deterrent print inspired by the wings of the fly. The monochromatic pattern helps prevent flies from landing on your horse’s body. Layered black lines on a gray background create an optical illusion in the eye of a fly. It breaks up the shape of the horse, so insects struggle to identify it as a target.
The print is applied to lightweight knitted poly net offering both breathability and sun-reflective properties. A shine-enhancing lining at the shoulders, mane and tail flap protect hair.
The ergonomic, adjustable Disc Front Closure helps remove pressure in key areas, prevent rubbing and allows ease of use. Dual Leg Arches™ let the deeply cut sheet wrap closely to your horse’s belly without impinging on movement.
Tips for Fighting Flies Flies and insects can cause quite a bit of irritation to your horse around the stable, in the paddock and while being ridden. Use these tips for fighting flies to decrease the pests at your barn. - Capture adult flies with assorted traps - Repel or kill flies with sprays and topical treatments - Shield horses with fly masks and fly sheets - Clear your property and stable of debris where flies lay eggs - Enhance your habitat for beneficial birds and bats which eat flies and other insects 
