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WeatherBeeta Fly Sheet Guide

Comparing WeatherBeeta's Fly Sheets:
Essential II, Airflow II, Ripshield, & Sweet Itch

By RW Crew | May 5, 2023

The RW Crew has tested many fly sheets over the years, so we understand the fly frustration and how challenging it can be to find the perfect fly sheet for your equine companion. A true pioneer in the equine industry, WeatherBeeta's designs are influenced by over forty years of equestrian experience. We stock brands like WeatherBeeta because we believe in their mission to craft high-quality products. No matter if you have an easy keeper or a horse with sensitive skin, a WeatherBeeta fly sheet will probably meet your horse's needs. Read on to learn more about the different WeatherBeeta fly sheet styles and get expert insight into why we love their products!

Horse wearing fly sheet cantering through a pasture

WeatherBeeta Fly Sheet Features

Fly sheets are a great physical barrier to protect your horse from harmful UV rays, external parasites, skin allergies, photosensitivity, and environmental effects. However, before purchasing a fly sheet, it is important to consider what features you want or need. Based on your region and your horse's sensitivity, you may need a neckpiece for additional protection from the flies and sun. On the other hand, you might want a fly sheet that has wide gussets to accommodate their shoulders, depending on your horse's build. These are just a couple of general considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a fly sheet. We encourage those unfamiliar with fly gear to visit our guide on Fly Masks, Sheets, & Boots for Horses: Types, Fitting, & Materials. You will learn more about the different types of fly sheets as well as how to fit them.

Provided below is a list of the fly sheet features WeatherBeeta offers; this information can help you decide what is most important to you and your horse. If you are looking to provide your equine pal more coverage, WeatherBeeta also has a variety of fly masks you can add to your fly protection ensemble!

Diagram on Weatherbeeta fly sheet features

WeatherBeeta Fly Sheet Comparison

All WeatherBeeta fly sheets provide your horse great coverage from any pests and sun rays; however, different styles offer different features. The main WeatherBeeta fly sheet styles are the Essential II, Airflow II, Ripshield, and Sweet Itch. Below is a quick comparison of these models:

Essential II Airflow II Ripshield Sweet Itch
Soft Mesh Outer Fine Weave Polyester Mesh Outer 1200 Denier Fine Polyester Cross Hatch Weave 600 Denier Ripstop Exterior
210T Nylon Lining 210T Nylon Lining 210T Nylon Lining 210T Nylon Lining
Combo Neck or Standard Detach-a-Neck or Standard Detach-a-Neck Combo Neck with Ear Hood
Traditional Side Gusset Traditional Side Gusset Traditional Side Gusset Traditional Side Gusset
Twin Adjustable Buckles Ezi-Clip Front Closure Twin Adjustable Buckles Ezi-Clip Front Closure
Twin Low Cross Surcingles Belly Wrap Belly Wrap Belly Wrap
Large Tail Flap Full Tail Wrap Full Tail Wrap Full Tail Wrap
Adjustable Leg Straps Elasticated, Adjustable Leg Straps Elasticated, Adjustable Leg Straps Adjustable Leg Straps
UV Block 65% UV Block 70% UV Block 20% UV Block 90%

Horse standing in a field wearing the Weatherbeeta Essential II Mesh Fly Sheet.

We like the classic style and great price of the Essential II fly sheet, making it a wonderful choice for horse owners seeking base-level fly protection. The mesh outer is soft, yet durable and best suited for horses that are relatively kind to their clothing. The combo or standard neck options offer versatility based on your horse's needs, while traditional features keep this fly sheet securely in place during turnout. WeatherBeeta releases the Essential II in annual prints; this year, show off your Western style with a colorful Navajo print!

Shop the ComfiTec Essential Mesh II Fly Sheets
Horse standing in a field wearing a detach-a-neck fly sheet

We favor the Airflow II for sun-sensitive equines, as this style offers a bit higher UV protection from harmful sun rays. Being highly breathable courtesy of the polyester mesh outer, this fly sheet is perfect for those living in hot, buggy areas like the southeast United States. The Airflow II boasts an Ezi-Clip front closure that is quick and easy to use, and other strategic features provide your equine companion maximum coverage!

Shop the ComfiTec Airflow II Fly Sheets
Horse standing in pasture wearing fly sheet with neckpiece and belly band

Made for our part-piranha horses that seem to destroy everything, the Ripshield is WeatherBeeta's most durable fly sheet. A fine mesh exterior is designed with a 1200-denier polyester cross-hatch weave, which helps prevent tears—even from the most playful of equines! A removable neck cover, extended belly band, and two-piece tail flap offer just the right amount of fly coverage. However, we want to note that the UV protection is much lower in this style.

Shop the ComfiTec Ripshield Fly Sheets
horse standing in pasture wearing a sweet-itch fly sheet

For our most sensitive of horses, the Sweet Itch fly sheet offers the ultimate head-to-tail protection. This broad-spectrum sheet provides 90% UV protection, which prevents sun bleaching and sunburn, while blocking irritations caused by pests and skin allergies like sweet itch. The 600-denier ripstop outer is both durable and breathable, so your favorite equine pal can remain comfortable all season long!

Shop the Sweet Itch Fly Sheet

WeatherBeeta Size Guide

Take your fly sheet selection a step further by taking your horse's measurements to ensure you choose just the right size for your equine:

  1. Measure body length from the center of the chest to the end of the rump.
  2. Measure the back seam from the wither to the top of the tail.
  3. Use those two measurements and refer to the WeatherBeeta Blanket Size Chart below to determine your horse's correct size.

WeatherBeeta fly sheets lean toward a generous fit for ample freedom of movement, so you might opt for the smaller of two size considerations if your horse is between sizes or expected to trim down in weight.

WeatherBeeta sizing chart

Closing Thoughts

WeatherBeeta's mission is to create products with high-quality construction and top-notch comfort. Each WeatherBeeta blanket is made with the horse in mind, so it can stand up to their demanding lifestyle. No matter the personality, type, or size of the horse, there is a WeatherBeeta option for every equine out there! If you have any lingering questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our customer service team at 1 (800) 620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com for assistance.

Shop All WeatherBeeta Fly Sheets

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Weatherbeeta ComFiTec Turnout Blankets Explained