When protecting your horse’s neck and upper body, you’ve likely come across both horse hoods and fly neck covers. While they may seem similar, these two pieces of gear serve very different purposes, and choosing the right one depends on your horse’s needs and daily routine. This guide’ll break down the differences, when to use each, and how to find the best fit for your horse.
What is Horse Hood?
A horse hood is a versatile piece of horsewear designed to protect and manage the horse's head, neck, and shoulders. While many people associate hoods with mane protection, several types are available, each serving different purposes depending on your horse’s needs and environment.
The Lycra hood or slicker is the most common type, made from a soft, stretchy material that fits snugly over the horse’s head and neck, often with cutouts for ears and eyes. These hoods are perfect for:
- Keeping manes and forelocks clean and tangle-free
- Holding braids or bands in place before a show
- Preventing coat stains, especially for light-colored horses in stalls
Slickers come in various styles, including pull-on, full-zip, and partial-zip options, offering flexibility based on your grooming routine or your horse’s temperament.
There are also blanket hoods, which are typically made from waterproof blanket materials. These attach to compatible turnout or stable blankets and are designed for more rugged conditions, offering extended coverage and warmth in cooler weather or added protection during turnout.
Whether managing a show coat, dealing with messy stall habits, or adding coverage to a winter blanket, horse hoods are a valuable addition to your horse's wardrobe.
What Is a Fly Neck Cover?
A fly neck cover is made from breathable fly sheet material designed to shield your horse’s neck from biting insects like flies, mosquitoes, and gnats. Depending on the material, these covers offer essential protection during fly season and often provide 40–70% UV protection.
Fly neck covers can be:
- Integrated into the fly sheet
- Detachable as an add-on accessory
Each style has its benefits. An integrated cover is convenient for all-day turnout, while a detachable option gives you flexibility depending on weather or season. Some horses with unique conformation (e.g., a shorter neck and wider chest) may benefit from the custom fit a detachable fly neck cover can provide.
Fly neck covers come in a variety of materials such as:
- Ripstop mesh
- Mosquito mesh
- Interlock mesh
If your horse is sensitive to bug bites or prone to sunburn, a fly neck cover is a must-have for full-body comfort.
Horse Hoods vs Fly Neck Covers: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Blanket Hood | Slicker Hood (Lycra) | Fly Neck Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Added warmth or coverage with a blanket | Mane management, coat protection | Insect and UV protection during turnout |
| Material | Nylon, mesh, or poly-fill | Stretchy Lycra or spandex | Fly mesh (ripstop, mosquito, etc.) |
| Attachment | Integrated or detachable from blanket | Pull-on or zipper | Integrated or detachable from fly sheet |
| Coverage Area | Neck and upper shoulders | Face, neck, shoulders | Neck up to the poll |
| Seasonal Use | Fall/Winter (cool weather) | Year-round, especially show season | Spring/Summer (fly season) |
| Key Benefits | Full coverage with blanket; protects against rubs and cold | Keeps mane clean and braids in place | Shields from flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and UV rays |
| Best For | Turnout in cool/wet weather | Pre-show prep, stain prevention | Pasture use in buggy, sunny conditions |
Which One is Right for Your Horse?
Choosing the right gear comes down to your horse’s lifestyle, the season, and what you're trying to protect against.
- Choose a blanket hood if your horse needs extra coverage during cold or wet weather, or if you want added protection from rubs while blanketed. These hoods are ideal for fall and winter turnout or overnight use with stable blankets.
- Choose a slicker hood (Lycra hood) if you're preparing for a show, maintaining your horse’s braids or bands, or want to keep their coat clean and sleek. Slickers are great for stall use, pre-show grooming, and managing messy manes.
- Choose a fly neck cover if your horse is turned out in buggy or sunny conditions and needs protection from biting insects and UV rays. These mesh covers help reduce stomping, irritation, and sun exposure on the neck.
Each type of hood serves a unique purpose, and many horse owners keep more than one on hand to rotate through the seasons. The right choice depends on how your horse spends its time and how you want to keep it comfortable and protected.
