Horseware Fly Sheet Guide

We understand wanting to keep our equine companions as comfortable as possible during the warm, buggy months. The physical barrier of a fly sheet can help relieve horse discomfort, such as dryness or skin sores caused by biting insects. Horseware Ireland fly sheets come in a variety of styles to accommodate every horse's size and shape, as well as each horse owner's budget. If you're trying to find the right Horseware sheet for you, we've created this guide to outline the key differences between the Amigo, Rambo, and Newmarket fly lines to better help your horse this summer!

All Horseware fly sheets provide your horse great coverage from any pests and sun rays; however, different styles offer different features. Read on for more details of each model.

No-Fly Zone: Insect Repellent Technology

Bound to Horseware's fabric, the innovative No-Fly Zone technology provides powerful and effective insect control. Although it does not prevent flies from landing, this quick-acting technology makes the sheet an uncomfortable place for them to be; flies instead abruptly leave and do not bite. A broad-spectrum anti-insect treatment that is kind to your horse's skin, the No-Fly Zone effects are long-lasting with working up to 25 washes.

Horseware's goal is to have a positive impact on the planet by reducing their carbon footprint. With using eco-friendly fabrics, it is their mission to make a better world for both horses and humans.

Recycled Polyester

Fly sheets of rPET fabric are made from recycled plastic bottles to give waste a second life. Billions of plastic bottles end up in landfills and oceans every year and pollute the earth, so Horseware recycles these bottles and turns them into fabric. Sustainable and eco-friendly, the fabric production requires less water, fewer chemicals, and produces 65% less greenhouse gas emissions than virgin polyester yarn productions.

Natural Hemp

Natural hemp is a highly sustainable crop that leaves no ecological footprint, making it a great choice of material for horse sheets. It boasts a wide range of benefits as it is naturally UV protective, biodegradable, thermodynamic, fast-drying, moisture-regulating, antibacterial, odor-resistant, and durable.

Organic Cotton

Naturally breathable and lightweight, organic cotton is soft against a horse's skin. No chemicals are used during the process of agricultural production, or in the process of creating the fabric. Horseware only sources cotton with OSC and GOTS certifications, to reinforce heritage and prove its traceability.

Front Closures

Classic Front Closure: The classic, straight-front closure is an easy, secure option that aligns with the point of the horse's shoulder. Two fasteners provide security and are backed with Velcro. The straight-front closure is a good choice for narrower-built horses.

V-Front Closure: The V-front closure is a fixed, non-swivel, trigger-hook fastening that is crafted from durable stainless steel for longevity. The fasteners are designed to sit facing the chest of the horse to prevent them from opening or catching on external matter. This type of closure is positioned to eliminate pressure on the shoulder and is beneficial for a variety of equine body shapes. Due to its positioning, it can be ideal for broader-built horses.

Disc-Front Closure: Horseware's Disc-Front closure is a revolutionary, patented design that is ergonomically shaped to mirror the contours of a horse's chest. This lightweight, flexible piece is crafted in a smooth form to prevent catching or hangups in the pasture.

Leg Arches

The patented Horseware Leg Arches offer advantages over traditional gussets, because their seamless, ergonomic construction is designed to relieve tension along the neck and shoulder—providing full freedom of movement for the front legs. The contoured cut behind the elbow prevents material from gathering behind the front leg, effectively eliminating unwanted rubbing or chafing during turnout. Leg Arches also help the fly sheet stay secure under the belly area while offering additional coverage from the elements.

Belly Surcingles

Horseware believes that the more belly surcingles on a blanket, the more secure the blanket's fit. All Horseware blankets and turnouts are made with either two or three surcingles, depending on the model. Three surcingles are most commonly found on Horseware products with two leg arches, while two surcingles are typically found on blankets with only one leg arch.

Tail Cord vs Tail Strap

By combining a tail strap with the positioning of the rear darts, Horseware blankets and fly sheets allow for a secure fit without the need for leg straps. This means easier application and removal for the owner, and it can also be beneficial for young horses or those sensitive about their hind legs.

Tail straps come in two versions: a wipe-clean tail cord or a webbed tail strap. The wipe-clean tail cord is a PVC-covered cord that is easier to clean and designed to break under extreme pressure, offering safety if the horse gets caught. The webbed tail strap is adjustable and can be extended or shortened to provide a customized fit.

Once you've selected the right fly sheet style for your horse, it's time to narrow down the right size. Fit is extremely important for your horse's overall comfort, in order to prevent rubbing and slipping. Since horses of the same height may have different conformations, it can be beneficial to take multiple measurements to determine blanket size.

Horseware suggests taking a soft tape measure and measuring from the center point of the chest, across the point of the shoulder, to the center of the tail. Once you have this measurement, subtract 4" and reference the size chart below to find your horse's sheet size. Please note that this chart is a guide only, and Horseware makes different style blankets to accommodate a variety of horse shapes and sizes.

Leading the charge in rug manufacturing for decades, Horseware Ireland continues to push boundaries by putting sustainability at the heart of their designs. By working to reduce their carbon "hoofprint" and create the highest quality fly gear on the market, Horseware ensures you can feel confident that your horse is wearing the very best fly protection!

Should you have any questions about Horseware and their products, our helpful customer service team is ready to assist! They may be reached over the phone at 1-800-620-9145 or via email at info@ridingwarehouse.com. Happy Riding!