Top 10 Fly Sheets for Horses You Should Consider

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I’ve got the top 10 best fly sheets for horses in one place, so you don’t have to go looking!

We all know how annoying getting bit by flies or mosquitos is and your horse is no different.

Sometimes fly spray just isn’t enough to prevent insects from bothering your horse.

Using a flysheet is one of the best solutions.

Let’s start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.

READ MORE: What are the best fly boots for horses?

Fly Sheets for Horses Top Picks at a Glance

If you see the value in these products and choose to purchase via my referral links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

• Rambo Protector Fly Sheet (WINNER)
• Shires Sweet-Itch Combo Sheet
• WeatherBeeta Comfitec Essential
• HORZE Freja Durable Mesh Combo Fly Sheet
• Challenger Horse Mesh Summer Sheet

Don’t have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!

10 Best Horse Fly Sheet (Reviews)

While we can completely get rid of flies and other pesky bugs, we can greatly reduce how much they can irritate our horses.

Modern flysheets are much better than what was available many years ago. They have features that provide as much protection as possible and come in long-lasting fabrics.

Here are some of the best on the market from reputable brands.

#1 Rambo Protector Fly Sheet (WINNER)

Rambo is a top-of-the-range line from Horsewear. This line has a reputation for excellent quality that lasts for multiple seasons. Horsewear is always innovating with its blanket designs to makes the horse as comfortable as possible.

As Rambo is its premium line, you will always get the latest blanket designs and technology with these items. This, of course, includes this wonderful fly sheet.

It provides fantastic protection for your horse from those horrible biting insects. I love how it has a belly flap, as this area is often neglected with some fly sheets.

It is extra long in the leg area to help keep bugs off sensitive parts of the upper leg.

I really love how the tail flap is extra long. Many horses that get bitten by bugs in this area can get itchy and ruin their tail by scratching. Keeping incests off the tail will prevent this.

The front closure uses Horsewear’s V-front design. This reduces pressure across the chest when the horse is grazing. It is more comfortable for the horse and less likely to cause blanket rubs.

The neck cover uses a close contact fit that helps reduce the likelihood of flies getting under it without compromising the horse’s comfort.

This fly sheet has a nice mesh that is not too open but still very breathable. It does a good job of protecting horses in hot weather without them getting too warm.

Physical Attributes

• Belly guard
• V-Front closure
• Supersized tail flap
• Close contact hood
• Nylon lining at shoulders

Quantitative Measurements

• 65% UV protection
• Color is oatmeal with navy trim
• Lightweight Polyester & Polypropylene Outer Shell
• Sizes 63” to 87”

Benefits	Drawbacks
Extra-long tail flap and in the leg area for extra protection	Expensive
3 belly straps	Smaller sizes cost just as much as the larger
UV sun protection
Comfortable and durable
The V-front closure removes pressure

How it Compares to Others and Why

This Rambo fly sheet is one of the best fly sheets for horses available. It is well worth the price if your budget can cover it.

If you have a horse with very sensitive allergies or sweet itch, this is a good option, but a true sweat itch fly blanket is often the better choice than this one.

Expert Tips

To protect your horse’s face from flies, especially if they get irritating eyes, I suggest getting the matching fly mask.

Related: When Should I Blanket My Horse?

#2 Shires Sweet-Itch Combo Sheet

As I just mentioned, certain horses will usually need a special type of flysheet. This Shires product is one of the best horse fly sheet options for very sensitive horses or those with sweet itch.

The mesh on a sweet itch blanket has extremely small holes that prevent gnats from biting the horse. It is the saliva from these very annoying bugs that set off the terrible itch that horses with this condition.

This blanket has full coverage with a neck that fits over the ears. All you need to add is a fly mask.

Physical Attributes

• 600 denier ripstop fabric
• Stretch ears
• Anti-Rub lining
• Deep shoulder gussets
• Belly flap
• Adjustable surcingles

Quantitative Measurements

• White with navy trim
• Sizes 69” to “84

Benefits	Drawbacks
Keeps out the smallest of insects	Even though it is lightweight, some horses might get too hot in this during very high temperatures
Long tail flap
Breathable

How it Compares to Others and Why

Not every horse will need this type of flysheet.

It is designed for horses with specific conditions that might otherwise prevent them from enjoying time outside. The belly flap offers very good coverage and is a must for any flysheet.

Expert Tips

Just because you use a flysheet, does not mean you won’t need fly spray. It is particularly buggy, I like to spray the sheet as well as the horse.

#3 WeatherBeeta Comfitec Essential

WeatherBeeta is a  familiar equestrian brand know for making the best quality horse blankets. This fly sheet is excellent for someone that wants protection for their horse but doesn’t need a specialist design.

It has a belly flap, which I always feel is necessary as flies can really irritate a horse in this sensitive area. 

Physical Attributes

• Shoulder and tail nylon lining
• White with purple trim
• Belly flap
• Soft mesh
• Removable adjustable hind leg straps

Quantitative Measurements

• Attached neck

Benefits	Drawbacks
White helps reflect the sun, preventing overheating	Hook in buckles
Long tail flap
65% UV protection

How it Compares to Others and Why

I really like this flysheet and it is a good price for one with a belly band. The front closures are the traditional buckles that you hook in. While these are generally efficient, I prefer straps you close with a pin-type buckle as they are more adjustable.

This flysheet does not provide as much coverage as the Rambo or Shires, but it is still a very good option at a more reasonable price.

Expert Tips

Make sure you measure your horse for an accurate fit, especially for blankets that have the closures seen on this product.

#4 HORZE Freja Durable Mesh Combo Fly Sheet

HORZE always comes out with some great products for everyday equestrians. This is one of my favorite horse fly sheets with a belly band that comes from them.

It has a lovely soft mesh fabric that isn’t too heavy and has small holes.

Physical Attributes

• Bell flaps
• 3 Surginles
• 2 gussets on each side
• Light blue with navy trim

Quantitative Measurements

• Polyester mesh
• Sizes from 63” to 84”

Benefits	Drawbacks
UV radiation protection	Detachable neck might not stay in place as well as an attached one
Detachable belly guard
Detachable neck cover

How it Compares to Others and Why

This fly protection sheet is made with a very nice lightweight mesh. It is cheaper than the premium options but is still a great choice.

Expert Tips

If your horse gets reactions from bugs make sure to start using a flysheet in the spring before the fly season can set off itchiness or hives.

#5 Challenger Horse Mesh Summer Sheet

If you need something for your horse quickly but don’t have the budget to get something link the Rambo, this is one of the better lower-priced flysheets.

Each side has 3 gussets which allow for great freedom of movement.

Physical Attributes

• Belly flap
• Gussets
• Neck cover

Quantitative Measurements

• Sizes 60” to 84”

Benefits	Drawbacks
Good price for the budget-conscious	Short tail flap
No center seam	Some find the fabric a bit heavy
Belly flap

How it Compares to Others and Why

This is one of the cheapest options on my list. I wanted to make sure you had a decent choice that wasn’t too expensive. It’s not perfect as the tail flap could be longer but if you’re under pressure I’d suggest this option.

Expert Tips

If your horse stomps or kicks a lot due to the bugs, try using fly leg wraps. These are loose, mesh wraps that cover the lower legs.

#6 Loveson Zebra Fly Rug

At first glance, you might think this flysheet looks a bit crazy! I mean it is a zebra print, which is pretty out there. However, there is a reason behind using this particular print on a flysheet.

There are some theories that believe the zebra pattern confuses insects as they get close to the animal. This causes them to abort landing, thus protecting the zebra, or in the case of this flysheet, your horse.

Physical Attributes

• Belly cover
• Zebra pattern
• Neck hood
• Shoulder gusset
• Long tail flap
• Black and white

Quantitative Measurements

• 100% polyester
• Sizes 60” to 84”

Benefits	Drawbacks
Shoulder gusset	Shoulder gusset could be a bit longer
Lightweight
Good value
Extra-long tail cover

How it Compares to Others and Why

This is another great value flysheet that is less expensive than some of the others. It is more unique as it uses a zebra pattern to add even more protection from the bugs.

Expert Tips

If your horse is tough on blankets, you might find this flysheet isn’t as durable as some fabrics. Look for a material that is cool but extra strong for this type of horse.

#7 WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Ripshield

If your horse spends a lot of time outside or is hard on blankets, you will need something made with a touch fabric. That is exactly what WeatherBeeta’s Ripshield flysheet is aimed at.

It is made with extra strong fabric that resists tearing, yet remains light and breathable.

Physical Attributes

• Cross hatch weave
• Removable neck
• Shoulder, mane, and tail lining
• Belly flap
• White and blue or burgundy and white color options

Quantitative Measurements

• Sizes 66” to 84”
• 1200 denier

Benefits	Drawbacks
Durable	Some people might not like the stiffer material
Fine mesh screen	A bit on the pricy side (but not the most costly)
Deep shoulder gusset
Lond tail flap
Belly flap

How it Compares to Others and Why

This flysheet is one of the strongest and most durable on this list. It will last better than the soft mesh options. The mesh is fine, so it will keep out most insects.

Expert Tips

For horses with pink noses that get sunburnt, use a full face mask with UV protection.

#8 Horseware Ireland Amigo Flyrider

While you can’t ride in a standard flysheet, you can buy one designed for this purpose. These are great for horses that get really agitated by flies or if you plan on going on a trail ride through buggy areas.

The Amigo Flyrider is one option and is a full-coverage riding flysheet. It covers the neck and has a long tail flap. The sides are cut so that the rider and still use their leg without getting caught in the sheet.

It also fits around the saddle, so you don’t have to worry about rubs or pressure points.

Physical Attributes

• Long tail flap
• Neck cover
• No surcingles
• Tail strap
• Comes in blue

Quantitative Measurements

• Sizes range from small to extra large

Benefits	Drawbacks
Maximum cover for riding	The neck might rub the mane
Detachable hood	Slow delivery
Lightweight
Good length tail cover
Fits around the saddle

How it Compares to Others and Why

This flysheet is not like the others in that it is designed for riding. You can’t use this as an everyday blanket for out in the paddock as it is shorter on the sides and has no surcingles.

Expert Tips

This blanket is great for light riding or trails but I suggest using a different type of fly cover for more intensive riding.

#9 Harrison Howard Climax Horse Fly Rug

If you want some light protection or something suitable for heavier schooling, take a look at this fly rug. It is the same idea as a quarter sheet that many riders use in the winter, but instead of wool or fleece, it is made with soft mesh.

Physical Attributes

• Comes in blue, red, or purple
• Ultra soft mesh
• Reflective strips
• Fits around saddle
• Tail protection

Quantitative Measurements

• Sizes small to extra large

Benefits	Drawbacks
Very soft and flexible	Only suitable for riding not turnout
Inexpensive
Loops around the saddle
Lightweight

Benefits

• Very soft and flexible
• Lightweight
• Loops around the saddle
• Inexpensive

Drawbacks

• Only suitable for riding not turnout

How it Compares to Others and Why

This is a riding-only flysheet, unlike some of the others that are made for use in the paddock. However, if you need one of each, this sheet is a very good price.

Expert Tips

If your horse shakes its head when riding, consider using a fly bonnet. These are designed specifically for fitting under the bridle and cover the horse’s ears.

#10 Amigo Evolution Fly Sheet

Like the zebra print flysheet, this blanket also uses color and patterns to help deter fly bites. Not only does it incorporate those features, but it also has an extra long tail flap and sides.

Physical Attributes

• Knitted polyester net
• Adjustable Belly wrap
• Velco stomach closures
• Attached neck
• Disc-front closure

Quantitative Measurements

• Sizes 66” to 84”

Benefits	Drawbacks
Lightweight sheet	Not the best choice for rough playful horses
Uses modern technology	Expensive shipping
Uses colors that deter insects
Breathable fly sheet
Mane and shoulder lining

How it Compares to Others and Why

The unique color combination of orange and aqua used in this flysheet is thought to be hard to see to insects, thus not attracting them. The other sheets on my list do not have this feature and instead stick to traditional light colors.

Expert Tips

If you live in an area that gets lots of bugs, it is a good idea to provide your horse shelter in the form of a shed or stable that they can retreat to. This gives them a place they can go where they can escape constant irritation from insects.

Things to Consider Before Buying Horse Fly Sheets

There are a lot of horse fly sheets available, which makes choosing one pretty confusing. Before you make a purchase consider the following so that you get the best horse fly sheet possible for your needs.

Durability and Quality

Buying a flysheet can be expensive. Consider the environment your horse will be living in. If it is spending a lot of time outside, you will want a more durable fabric with good-quality straps and closures.

Fabric and Coverage

The type of fabric and how much of your horse it covers are also important features to consider.

Horse fly sheets with a belly band are an absolute must in my opinion. This usually means spending a bit more but I think it’s worth it for a happy, comfortable horse.

The more breathable the fabric, the better. Try to avoid mesh that is too heavy as this can increase the likelihood of your horse getting too hot.

Check out these great cooling blankets for horses!

FAQs

Conclusion

Owning a decent flysheet is something every horse owner should have in their gear collection.

I’ve put this list together to show you some of the best options available in a variety of price ranges. I hope you’ve found it helpful!

Final Recommendation

Rambo, my winner is my first choice for how much protection it provides and its quality. If it is out of your budget, I’ve included what I think are some of the best flysheets at a more affordable price.

What is your pick for the best fly sheets for horses? Let us know in the comments below!