Where flies still bite: the fly coverage map
A fly sheet is the foundation of summer protection -- but it can't cover everything. Here is exactly what your sheet guards, where flies still get through, and the gear that closes each gap.
Flies are relentless and opportunistic. The moment a sheet ends, they move to the nearest patch of skin -- almost always the same three places. Map them once and you can protect your horse head to hoof.
Covered by the sheet
- Back & topline
- Barrel & sides
- Shoulders & hindquarters
- Tail (with a tail flap)
Still exposed
- Eyes & face
- Ears
- Neck & crest
- Lower legs
- Belly & underside (partly)
The sheet covers the body -- the red zones are where flies still get through.
Each one is more than an annoyance -- left unprotected, they lead to real health and soundness problems.
Biting flies cluster at the eyes and muzzle, where they spread bacteria and cause runny, weepy eyes, conjunctivitis, and painful summer sores. Pink noses and light faces also burn in summer sun.
The fix: A fly mask shields the eyes, face, and nose from flies and UV -- the single most important add-on for most horses.
Shop Fly Masks
Gnats and midges target the ears, one of the few places a horse can't swat. The result is itching, ear plaques, and head-shaking that can make a horse hard to handle and ride.
The fix: A mask with ears (or a fly bonnet under tack) keeps the ears covered and your horse calm.
Shop Masks with Ears
Flies and gnats swarm the neck and crest, where the mane offers little cover and a horse can't twist to swat them -- leading to rubbing, broken mane hair, and constant head-tossing.
The fix: A fly neck cover, attached or add-on, extends the sheet's protection right up to the poll.
Shop Neck Covers
Flies swarm the lower legs, and the constant stomping that follows stresses joints and tendons, loosens shoes, and damages hoof walls. Fly-bite sensitivity can also leave scabs and sores along the legs.
The fix: Fly boots cover the legs and stop the stomp before it starts -- protecting joints, shoes, and skin.
Shop Fly BootsWant a layer for everywhere gear can't reach? A good fly spray is the invisible barrier for the belly and in-between spots -- and some even add UV protection.
Covered head to hoof.
Add a fly mask, a neck cover, and fly boots to the sheet your horse already wears, and you have closed every gap -- nose to tail, poll to hoof. Not sure what fits? The Finder matches your horse in about a minute.