It’s summer and fly season is here. What are you doing to protect your horse from flies?
As far as horse clothing is concerned, you can in essence cover your horse almost entirely in sheets, neck covers, masks, and boots.
Some horses are more bothered by them than others. Mine, for example, seems to only mind when they are on her legs, whereas another at my barn can be bit up and down his legs to the point of bleeding (he bleeds extremely easily) and doesn’t seem to notice. I go back and forth considering a whole suite of fly protective clothing for Huayra to add when I’m not there to fly spray her, but have to weigh the negatives. It is extremely hot here in Texas, and even though fly sheets are porous and light, it still would trap heat and she would probably rip it off. She does have a fly mask that she is ok with, but the flies don’t really go for her face. It is her legs I want to protect.
A search brings up a few options for fly boots. Here are the main options (with no favoritism to any retailer and I try to link to the brand whenever possible):
Smartpak has a couple in-house options from their Deluxe line ($39.95, also available in their Deluxe fly bundle which includes a sheet, mask and ) and their Rockin’ SP line (cut for stock horse types, only available in a bundle for $187.95, but also includes a neck cover unlike the Deluxe). They are the same Deluxe boots, but the different packs give you more options.
Kensington Equine carries their own extensive line of fly boots ($29-44.99), with extra options for drafts, ponies, minis.
Cashel has a Crusader Fly boot ($29.99) that comes in mini, weanling/small pony, yearling/large pony, small horse, horse, warmblood, and draft size, in 4 colors.
Weatherbeeta has a couple options, one on their website called the Comfitec Airflow Mesh Wraps ($34.99), and another I found on ValleyVet called the Insect Shield Repellant Fly Leg Wraps (on sale for $30.80)
Flywraps can be found on their website and a few retailers for $37.95.
Schneiders carries 3 different options; the DuraMesh Fitted Fly Boot ($24.99), a Mosquito Mesh Fly Boot ($29.99 and kind of looks like leg warmers from the 80’s), and a Fitted Mosquito Mesh Fly Boot ($24.99)
ShooFly Leggins by Stone Manufacturing come in 5 sizes and 3 colors according to the manufacturer. The first link is to ValleyVet, who actually sells the product but it is probably sold in more places.
Horsewear Amigo sells a fly boot from $40.00.
Shire’s has their Airflow Fly Boot ($24.99)
Tough 1 has 3 options, a Contoured Fly Boot ($30.88), Mini Fly Boot ($27.88), and a fun Zebra Mesh Fly Boot ($30.88).
Dover has their in-house brand Fly Wraps ($36.95)
Professional’s Choice has a heavy duty fleece-lined Fly Boot ($40.95)
ToughRider makes a Fly Boot ($26.95), link is to the retailer ToughRider lists as their website.
Centaur has a couple options, their Got Flies? ® Fly Wraps ($37.95) and their SuperFly Wraps ($49.99)
Make sure when fitting them, pay close attention to your horses legs for the first few days to make sure they aren’t rubbing them. Also consider getting a brightly colored wrap, so when your horse does find a way to get them of in the pasture, you will have an easier time finding it.
-Charnae
*Prices may change from date of publication
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