Horse Fly Mask & Fly Sheet

At Online for Equine we like to ensure that we that we house everything a rider may need. In the warmer months flies, midges and all sorts of biting irritants are attracted to your horse, a horse fly mask and fly sheet can help protect your horse against these critters. Fly masks and fly rugs come in many different styles and designs, but all serve the same purpose – keeping your horse free from insects and bites. Some horse fly sheets are made from a white mesh, which not only keeps your horse protected, but also reflects the sun's rays away – keeping them nice and cool in the summer heat. The vast majority of horse fly sheets are extremely light, more so than ever our lightweight turnout rugs so your horse doesn't feel restricted whilst feeling a lot cooler in the summer's sun.

What is Sweet Itch

The biggest benefit to owning a horse fly sheet or a fly mask is to avoid your horse getting sweet itch (which is why fly rugs are also sometimes known as sweet itch rugs). Sweet itch, for horses that suffer from it, is an awful medical reaction that is caused by the salvia of a type of midge called the Culicoides. In some severe cases it can lead to extreme inflammation and irritation that cannot be ridden throughout the midge season.

In addition to the protective sweet itch rugs we offer, a fly mask can be extremely helpful in preventing insects getting to your horse's sensitive ears and eyes, these bites can then lead to a secondary infection. We also recommend you have a good quality fly repellent to use alongside these fly/sweet itch rugs and fly masks. Prevention is better than a cure.