subject: Must Have Characteristics of a Quality Horse Fly Sheet [print this page] Must Have Characteristics of a Quality Horse Fly Sheet
As a horse owner, I'm sure you've had some unpleasant experiences dealing with the problem of flies, especially horse flies. They truly are the worst when it comes to annoying pests. I've found there is no simple way of eliminating the problem but I have learned how to manage it well enough through the use of horse fly sheets. You'd be surprised at how well they work.
These protective sheets shield the horse from flies through the use of special fabrics and new innovations designed to improve the fit of the sheet ensuring it stays put. Don't expect it to shield every part of your horse's body. However, they can come very close to it while also expelling annoying pests from large areas of sensitive skin. This allows you to use chemical fly repellent more selectively on the other exposed regions.
There are some must have traits and qualities you'll want to look for when buying horse a fly sheet. Here are just a few:
The first characteristic you'll want to be mindful of is the quality of the fabric. I recommend one which will prevent chafing while also providing maximum comfort for the horse over a long period of time. Many of the newer sheets are made from fabric woven or knitted with fibers such as nylon and polyester. Older sheets used to be constructed from vinyl-coated threads which are what gave these fabrics that rough, plastic feeling. There has also been an advance in darts, pleats and gussets are used as a means of providing additional room in the shoulder and chest regions of the horse. The added room allows for better movement.
Newer horse fly sheets are woven with small spaces among the fabric. This allows for better air circulation under the sheet while also preventing pesky insects from crawling through. These new sheets are more breathable and don't cause the horse to sweat, no matter how warm it is outside.
Be careful to remember that horse fly sheets are neither waterproof nor water-resistant; meaning water, rain, and moisture will go right through them and on the horse's body. On a positive note, these sheets dry almost immediately and will still guard your horse from pests after a small rain storm. There is another reason why horse owners prefer to use fly sheets over chemical insect repellents. Chemical repellants wash away when they come in contact with water so this is another benefit of using horse fly sheets.
