Fly sheets – the great shield for long summer days
When the sun rises, the flies appear. And with them, for many horses, begins a nerve-wracking battle that saps their strength, causes stress, and significantly disrupts their recovery in the pasture. Constant swishing, twitching, running – horses exposed to insect infestation without protection eat less, lose weight, and recover more slowly. A well-fitting fly sheet can end this cycle instantly. At IQ Horse, you'll find a carefully curated selection of fly sheets for every need, body shape, and budget.
What a good fly sheet must provide
Not all fly sheets are equally good – and the difference quickly becomes apparent in practice. A truly good fly sheet reliably protects the entire torso from insect bites, fits snugly so it doesn't slip, and is breathable enough that the horse doesn't sweat underneath. Particularly important is the area around the shoulder and shoulder joint, where poorly cut blankets can quickly rub. Models with anatomical shoulder gussets follow the horse's movement and reliably prevent these pressure points.
For horses with sweet itch – when ordinary protection isn't enough
Horses with sweet itch need more than a standard fly sheet. The allergic reaction to midge saliva requires particularly fine-meshed protection that keeps even the smallest insects away. Special sweet itch rugs made of denser fabric also cover the belly, neck, and often the head – the areas where midges prefer to attack. Anyone with a sweet itch horse knows: the right rug is not a matter of comfort; it's a medical necessity.
With or without neck piece – making the right choice
Depending on how much a horse suffers from insects, a fly sheet with or without an integrated neck piece may be recommended. A neck piece provides additional protection for the neck, which can be crucial, especially for sensitive horses or in insect-rich pastures. For those who want flexibility, models with a detachable neck piece are ideal – allowing the protection to be easily adapted to the specific situation.
Care & durability – to make the rug last
A fly sheet is worn daily in summer and is subject to corresponding wear and tear. Therefore, it's worth paying attention to high-quality seams, robust fastenings, and washable materials. Most models in our range can be easily washed at low temperatures and dry quickly – so the rug is ready for use again tomorrow when the flies return.
Discover all fly sheets for horses at IQ Horse now – for a summer where your horse can finally breathe easy.