HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FLYSHEET?

Summer is great in many ways! Long bright and warm days but unfortunately summer also comes with those pesky insects.
Here's some help on how to choose the right fly rug for your horse from the wide Horseware fly rug range.

Why use a fly rug on your horse?

• It helps horses stay calm and happy when they might otherwise be irritated and upset by flies & insects.
• Almost all fly rugs offer UV protection for protection from the sun
• Helps manage skin sensitivities, such as itching and eczema.

How to choose the right fly rug for your horse?

With so many different fly rugs available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your horse. It's important to consider not only the features of each rug but also your horse's individual needs. The location of your stable can affect the type of flies and insects that can bother your horse, as well as the weather and UV levels. If your horse is out in the paddock 24/7, it may also require more to protect them from flies than a horse stabled during the nights. Some horses are more sensitive to flies and insects than others. Pay attention to how your horse is when it is let out. Is it unbothered by flies and just wags its tail a little? Or is it clearly upset, stressed and anxious?

It's not just the horse's behavior you should be aware of, but also the skin. Some horses may react to insect bites; for example, itching is caused as a reaction to the saliva of mosquitoes. Signs of itching include rubbing or scratching, broken skin and hair loss/ bald patches. Prevention in good time is better than starting treatment when problems have already started. It is therefore important to deal with this early using various fly repellent products.

Once you've thought about what your horse needs from a fly rug, you can start looking at the different options available. Unlike outdoor rugs and stable rugs which vary by weight, fly rugs don't have any filling as they are designed for use in warmer weather. Instead, you compare fly rugs by type of fabric and fit.

Which front button should you & your horse have?
Inthe link below you can see a video where we explain a little more about the different front buttons and exactly which one could fit your horse!
https://www.tiktok.com/@stromsbergsgards/video/7496429657739283734

Self-repairing Rambo® Protector

If you're looking for a durable flysheet, the Rambo® Protector is a great choice. The unique mesh fabric is self-repairing - sounds like magic, right? It will reform to its original structure if damaged by abrasion or wear. It provides maximum protection against flies while withstanding your horse scratching surfaces, making it a popular option for horses with itching. Available with V-Front and Discfront (Fieldsafe), can be purchased with fixed neck, without neck and removable neck!

AmECO

The AmECO line is expanding from turnout blankets to include fly sheets too. The Amigo® AmECO Bug Buster Fly Sheet is created from 149 recycled plastic bottles, and 114 plastic bottles are recycled to make each Amigo® AmECO Bug Rug Fly Sheet.

This process uses less water and chemicals, plus it produces 65% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the production of virgin polyester yarns. So, if you’re looking to reduce your carbon hoofprint then check out these environmentally conscious fly sheets.

Waterproof Fly Sheets

Rain showers in spring or summer can make it tricky to know whether to put a lite weight turnout blanket on or a fly sheet. Solve your predicament with a hybrid fly sheet like the Amigo® 3-in-1 CamoFly Fly Sheet. This combines a waterproof top and sides with mesh panels for breathability.

A hybrid fly sheet is particularly useful between seasons when the weather can be unpredictable. With this style of fly sheet, you can rest assured that your horse will be protected from both the rain and flies without overheating

Fly Accessories for Your Horse

While Horseware Ireland’s fly sheets do offer excellent coverage and protection of your horse’s body against irritating insects, the head and legs are left uncovered. There are a number of fly accessories, such as masks and boots, that can help provide protection. Fly sprays are also a good way to protect those hard-to-reach places or offer protection when your horse isn’t wearing a fly sheet.

Fly masks not only prevent flies from landing on the horse’s face and eyes but offer good UV protection too. The Amigo® Fly Mask is a bestseller thanks to its soft fleece padding and contoured fit. For optimum eye protection and comfort, the Rambo® Plus Fly Mask has been designed to stand well clear of the horse’s eyes. This not only protects against flies but sunlight too.

For full fly coverage complete the look with a set of fly boots. These are made from breathable fabric to maintain good airflow while still offering fly and UV protection.

As annoying as flies are they don’t need to get in the way of your spring or summer plans. With the right management and fly protection products, your horse will be safe and happy all season long.