What is a horse fly sheet?

If you've ever watched your horse stomping, tail-swishing, or pacing during turnout, you know how miserable biting insects can make them. A horse fly sheet offers a simple solution: a lightweight protective barrier that keeps bugs at bay while helping your horse stay comfortable in warm weather.

So what exactly is a fly sheet, and how do you choose the right one? This guide covers everything you need to know.

Understanding horse fly sheets

A horse fly sheet is a lightweight mesh blanket designed to protect your horse from biting insects and harmful UV rays. Unlike heavy turnout blankets used in winter, fly sheets are made from breathable materials that allow air to flow through while creating a physical barrier flies cannot penetrate.

Think of it as protective clothing for your horse. Just as you might wear a long-sleeved sun shirt on a hot day, a fly sheet gives your horse coverage without causing overheating. The mesh construction typically blocks 50% to 90% of UV rays depending on the fabric, making fly sheets useful even for horses who don't seem particularly bothered by bugs.

At Kensington Protective Products, we've spent over 70 years developing protective gear for horses. Our experience shows that the right fly sheet does more than just keep insects away. It reduces stress, prevents skin conditions, and can even help maintain your horse's coat color.

What does a horse fly sheet do for horses?

Insect protection

The primary purpose of a horse fly sheet is to stop biting insects from reaching your horse's skin. Flies, mosquitoes, and gnats can cause significant discomfort, leading to behaviors like excessive stomping, tail swishing, head tossing, and even frantic running. Some horses become so agitated they work themselves into a sweat, which only attracts more insects.

Beyond simple annoyance, insects pose real health risks. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus and other diseases. Biting flies can cause allergic reactions, skin infections, and open wounds that become infected. A quality fly sheet creates a physical barrier that prevents insects from landing and biting in the first place.

UV protection benefits

Sun exposure causes problems for many horses. Dark-colored horses (bay, black, and dark brown) often suffer from coat bleaching, where their rich color fades to a dull orange or reddish tone. This isn't just cosmetic. Sun damage can make the coat rough and brittle.

Light-colored horses and those with pink skin face an even bigger risk: sunburn. Just like humans, horses can burn, blister, and peel after too much sun exposure. Repeated sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer, particularly on the face and other areas with thin hair.

Fly sheets with UV protection block harmful rays while still allowing airflow. Protection levels vary by material:

Additional benefits

A horse fly sheet offers practical advantages beyond insect and sun protection. It keeps your horse cleaner by providing a layer between the coat and dust, mud, or manure. This means less grooming time for you and less dirt ground into the coat.

It also reduces your reliance on chemical fly sprays. While sprays work temporarily, they need frequent reapplication and some horses have sensitive skin that reacts to chemicals. A fly sheet provides 24/7 protection without repeated applications.

Types of horse fly sheet materials

Not all fly sheets are created equal. The material determines durability, breathability, and protection level. Here's what you need to know about the main options.

Standard mesh fly sheets

Standard mesh fly sheets use lightweight synthetic fabrics with an open weave. These sheets prioritize airflow, making them ideal for hot climates or horses that run warm. The trade-off is durability. Standard mesh can snag or tear if your horse plays rough or goes through brush.

Mesh size matters. Smaller holes provide better insect protection but reduce airflow slightly. Larger holes allow more air through but may let smaller insects (like no-see-ums) reach your horse's skin.

Durable and vinyl-coated mesh

For horses that play hard or live in rough terrain, heavier-duty materials make sense. Dura-Mesh and similar vinyl-coated fabrics use 1000-denier construction (referring to the thickness of the fibers) that resists tearing and abrasion.

These materials sacrifice some breathability for longevity. They're slightly heavier and less airy than standard mesh, but they hold up to the rigors of active pasture life. If your horse has a history of destroying blankets or plays rough with pasture mates, durability should be your priority.

Textilene® and specialty fabrics

Textilene® represents a different approach to horse fly sheet construction. Rather than a simple mesh, it's a woven PVC-coated polyester fabric originally developed for outdoor furniture. The tight weave blocks up to 73% of UV rays while maintaining 78% air permeability, an impressive combination.

At Kensington, we manufacture Textilene® in Alabama using a 1000 x 2000 denier construction. The fabric is formulated to resist fading, fire, mildew, and extreme weather. It won't absorb moisture, so it dries quickly after rain and won't get heavy or soggy.

The key advantage of Textilene® is the balance of protection and breathability. While standard mesh might offer 50-70% UV protection with good airflow, Textilene® nearly doubles the UV blocking without sacrificing comfort. For horses with light coats, pink skin, or uveitis (a painful eye condition aggravated by UV light), this extra protection matters.

Choosing the right horse fly sheet for your horse

Measuring for proper fit

A horse fly sheet only works if it fits correctly. Too tight and it will rub, causing sores and hair loss. Too loose and it will shift, twist, or slip, leaving areas unprotected and potentially creating a safety hazard.

Measuring is straightforward. Stand your horse squarely on level ground. Using a soft measuring tape, measure from the center of the chest (where the neck meets the chest) straight back along the widest part of the shoulder and hindquarters to the very edge of the tail. The number of inches equals your horse's blanket size.

Most manufacturers size fly sheets in three-inch increments (69", 72", 75", etc.). If your horse falls between sizes, round up to the next size. A slightly larger sheet is better than one that's too small.

Horse-specific considerations

Different horses have different needs. Consider your horse's temperament, coat color, and any existing health conditions when choosing a fly sheet.

Agitated or thin-skinned horses: Some horses seem to feel every insect landing on them. These "thin-skinned" horses benefit from full-coverage fly sheets with belly bands and neck covers. The more complete the coverage, the less opportunity for insects to find a spot to bite.

Sweet itch sufferers: Sweet itch is an allergic reaction to midge bites, causing intense itching, hair loss, and skin thickening along the mane, tail, and belly. Horses with sweet itch need fly sheets with fine mesh that blocks even tiny insects, plus attached neck covers to protect the mane area.

Dark coat horses: Bay, black, and dark brown horses prone to coat bleaching should prioritize UV protection over maximum breathability. A sheet that blocks 80-90% of UV rays will keep that dark coat rich and glossy through the summer months.

Light coat and pink skin horses: Maximum UV protection is essential. These horses burn easily and may develop skin cancer with repeated sun damage. Look for sheets with the highest UV rating you can find, and consider adding a fly mask for face protection.

Rough players: If your horse plays hard with pasture mates or tends to destroy blankets, durability trumps all other features. Look for 1000-denier construction, reinforced surcingles, and ripstop materials.

Climate and seasonal factors

Your local climate should influence your horse fly sheet choice. In hot, humid regions, breathability becomes critical. A heavy sheet can cause overheating and excessive sweating, potentially leading to dehydration. Lightweight mesh with maximum airflow makes sense here.

In variable climates with occasional rain, consider how the sheet handles moisture. Mesh fly sheets are not waterproof, they allow rain to pass through rather than soaking it up. This means your horse will get wet in a downpour, but the sheet won't become waterlogged and heavy. Some materials, like Textilene®, shed water quickly and dry fast.

Timing matters too. Most horse owners put fly sheets on when insects become active in spring and remove them when cold weather arrives in fall. Watch the weather and your horse's comfort level. If temperatures drop unexpectedly, remove the sheet to prevent chilling.

Horse fly sheet features explained

Neck coverage options

Horse fly sheets come with three main neck styles:

• Standard neck: Covers just the body, leaving the neck exposed. Good for horses who don't need neck protection or who overheat easily.

• Attached neck cover: The neck is permanently sewn to the sheet, providing seamless coverage. Best for horses with sweet itch or those who need maximum protection.

• Detachable neck: The neck cover attaches with Velcro, zippers, or buckles, allowing you to add or remove it as needed. Offers flexibility for changing weather conditions.

You can also explore our protective neck pieces for additional coverage options.

Belly protection

The belly is a prime target for insects, but it's also an area where sheets tend to gap. Belly bands (wide straps that wrap around the belly) provide better coverage than simple surcingles (straps that cross underneath). For horses with sensitive midlines or those in high-insect areas, belly protection is worth the extra cost.

Consider adding a belly band for enhanced midline coverage.

Closure systems

Front closures keep the sheet secure across the chest. Options include:

• Buckle front: Adjustable buckles allow you to customize the fit across the chest. More secure but takes longer to put on and remove.

• Closed front: The sheet slips over the head like a pullover. Faster to put on but offers less adjustability and can be tricky with horses who don't like things going over their heads.

Look for double-locking closures that prevent the sheet from coming undone if the horse rolls or plays. 

Additional features

Tail covers: A flap or sleeve that covers the top of the tail protects this sensitive area from insects and sun. Particularly useful for horses with sweet itch. Check out our tail cover option.

Leg straps: Straps that loop around the hind legs keep the sheet from shifting backward. Use with caution and check frequently, as leg ties can become a hazard if they break or tangle. We offer replacement adjustable leg straps when needed.

Reflective elements: Stripes or patches of reflective material increase visibility if your horse gets loose near roads or if you check on them after dark.

Caring for your horse fly sheet

Proper maintenance extends the life of your horse fly sheet and keeps it working effectively. Most fly sheets can be cleaned by hosing off dirt and debris, then hanging to dry. For deeper cleaning, use mild soap and cold water. Avoid harsh detergents, which can break down water-resistant coatings and UV treatments.

Check your fly sheet regularly for tears, loose stitching, or damaged hardware. Small rips can often be repaired with patch kits designed for outdoor fabrics. Replace the sheet when it no longer provides adequate coverage or protection.

Store fly sheets clean and dry during the off-season. Hanging them in a barn or tack room works well, or fold and store in a breathable container. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and encourage mildew.

For more care tips, read our guide on how to inspect and maintain your horse blankets and fly sheets.

Protect your horse with the right fly sheet

A quality horse fly sheet offers simple, effective protection against the two biggest summer threats to your horse's comfort: biting insects and UV damage. By choosing the right material, fit, and features for your horse's specific needs, you can reduce stress, prevent skin conditions, and help your horse enjoy turnout time.

The best fly sheet is one your horse will actually wear. Look for breathable materials that won't cause overheating, a fit that allows free movement without rubbing, and features that address your horse's particular vulnerabilities. Whether that means maximum UV protection for a pink-skinned pony or heavy-duty construction for a rough-playing pasture bully, the right sheet is out there.

At Kensington Protective Products, we've built our reputation on creating protective gear that works as hard as you do. Our Textilene® fly sheets offer up to 90% UV protection with 78% air permeability, backed by a lifetime guarantee. Explore our collection to find the protection your horse deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a horse fly sheet make my horse too hot in summer?

A properly chosen horse fly sheet should not cause overheating. Lightweight mesh materials are specifically designed to allow airflow while blocking insects. Look for breathable fabrics with high air permeability ratings (70% or higher). If your horse starts sweating excessively under the sheet, consider a lighter material or remove it during the hottest parts of the day.

Can I leave a horse fly sheet on in the rain?

Yes, you can leave a horse fly sheet on in the rain, but understand that most fly sheets are not waterproof. Mesh materials allow rain to pass through rather than soaking it up, so your horse will get wet. The advantage is that the sheet won't become waterlogged and heavy. Some materials, like Textilene®, shed water quickly and dry rapidly after the rain stops.

How do I know what size horse fly sheet to buy?

Measure your horse from the center of the chest (where the neck meets the chest) straight back along the widest part of the shoulder and hindquarters to the very edge of the tail. The measurement in inches equals your horse's blanket size. Most fly sheets come in two-inch increments. If your horse falls between sizes, round up to the next size for a better fit.

What is a horse fly sheet made of, and which material is best?

Horse fly sheets are typically made from synthetic mesh materials like polyester or PVC-coated fabrics. Standard mesh offers maximum breathability but less durability. Vinyl-coated meshes like Dura-Mesh provide better durability for rough-playing horses. Textilene®, a woven PVC-coated polyester, offers the best UV protection (up to 90%) while maintaining good airflow. The best material depends on your horse's needs and your climate.

How is a horse fly sheet different from a turnout blanket?

A horse fly sheet is much lighter and more breathable than a turnout blanket. Turnout blankets are designed for warmth and weather protection, using insulated, waterproof materials. Fly sheets use open mesh construction to block insects and UV rays without trapping heat. Fly sheets are for warm weather use, while turnout blankets are for cold, wet conditions.

Can a horse fly sheet help with sweet itch?

Yes, a horse fly sheet can significantly help manage sweet itch, an allergic reaction to midge bites. Look for fly sheets with fine mesh that blocks tiny insects, attached neck covers to protect the mane area, and belly bands for midline coverage. While a fly sheet won't cure sweet itch, it can reduce exposure to the insects that trigger the allergic response, minimizing symptoms.