TACK & GEAR
Protect your horse from flies in garments that keep him covered.
Under wraps
“I’ve had a good bump round; my little horse Refused the brook first time, Then jumped it prime; And ran out at the double, But of course There’s always trouble at a double.” ---Siegfried Sassoon, “What the Captain Said at the Point-to-Point”
The lightweight, breathable Fine Mesh Fly Sheet and Neck (suggested retail, $129.99), from Shires Equestrian Products, offers double chest straps, a triple-strapped ergonomic bellyband and a large tail flap. The detachable neck has loops that can be attached to a halter for added stability. The chest is lined to prevent rubbing. In white, with orange-and-navy trim, in sizes 66 to 84 inches. Visit shop.shiresequestrian.com.
Your horse will stand out when he wears the Tough 1 Deluxe Mesh Fly Sheet in Tough Timber Print (suggested retail, $92.88), from JT International, which is made of a strong, breathable mesh in solid orange edged with a printed nylon fabric. The sheet protects against ultraviolet radiation as well as flies, and it features fleece wither protection; double buckle front closures; adjustable cross surcingles at the belly; elasticized, adjustable and replaceable leg straps; and a tail flap. Available in sizes 72 to 81 inches. Call 888-JTI-HORSE or visit www.tough1.com.
For added protection against flies, the Amigo Bug Buster Vamoose with No-Fly Zone (suggested retail, $165), from Horseware Ireland, is treated with an odorless repellent and is long enough to cover the upper legs. Made of soft and absorbent knitted polyester, the sheet has a supersized tail flap, three straight surcingles, belly protection, shoulder and mane lining, and a removable neck cover. Available in silver, with purple-and-mint or navy trim, in sizes 66 to 84 inches. Call 800-887-6688 or visit www.horseware.com.
Designed to protect your horse from the sun as well as flies, the SmartPak Deluxe Fly Sheet (suggested retail, $79.95), from SmartPak Equine, is made of a lightweight, breathable mesh material that blocks up to 70 percent of ultraviolet rays. Other features include a removable neck cover, a large tail flap and a bellyband for extra coverage. Available in silver with navy trim; customized monograms and other embroidered lettering can also be ordered. Sizes run from 69 to 84 in three-inch increments. A stock-horse cut is also available. Call 800-461-8898 or visit www.SmartPak.com.
Now available in a new lavender mint plaid, the Signature Collection Platinum Protective Fly Sheet, Surefit Cut (suggested retail, $179.99), from Kensington Protective Products, combines elements of traditional and European styles to fit a wide range of horses. The sheet is made of durable Textilene mesh designed to allow airflow but protect against dirt, flies and ultraviolet radiation. Also available in eight other plaids, in sizes 69 to 87 inches. Call 909-469-1240 or visit www.kensingtonproducts.com.
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Airflow Standard Neck Fly Sheet (suggested retail, $99.99), from Weatherbeeta, is made with a soft but durable polyester outer mesh that keeps your horse cool while protecting against insects. Other features include an elasticized, adjustable belly wrap, a full tail flap, and elasticized, adjustable and removable leg straps. Also available in a detach-a-neck style ($109.99). In white, with green-and-coral trim, in sizes 48 to 84 inches; or in gray, with blue-and-gray trim, in sizes 69 to 84 inches. Visit www.weatherbeeta.com.