The Different Types of
Fly Sheets
Anyone who owns horses knows that fly are a problem. Even barns
and horse owners with the tidiest stables, that haul their manure
away immediately and have nice dry sandy lots have to deal with fly
issues. Many horse owners attempt to control their fly population
by using a variety of methods including fly sprays, fly strips, bug
zappers, fly misters that mist the stabling area with fly sprays,
and a variety of wraps and collars that have been soaked in fly
spray. Mustangs will search for mud holes that they use to cover
themselves in mud to discourage fly bites. In an effort to keep
their horses bite free some owners try to keep them blanketed from
head to toe, but hot summer temperatures often force them to remove
the blankets during the hottest hours of the afternoon.
Several horse owners use fly sheets as a form of fly control.
The material used to make fly sheets is the same type of finely
woven mesh material used to make vinyl lawn furniture. The same
type that has been used since the 1960's. Fly sheets are
typically constructed of polyvinyl that is resistant to UV rays and
comes in a wide variety of colors (including blaze orange for horse
owner that live in the middle of a hunting region.) The polyvinyl
is normally designed in a loose weave pattern. Polyvinyl
damage is caused by dirt and oils.
Horse owners have two different types of fly sheets to select from,
a scrim sheet and a turnout fly sheet.
Fly sheets that are designed for turnout purposes are typically
made of a stiffer lightweight material then scrim fly sheets. When
outfitting a horse with a turnout fly sheet, owners should make
sure that the sheet fits well enough that the breast straps,
surcingles, and leg straps do not have to be tightened excessively
which can impede the horses movement. Owners should not cross the
leg straps of a turnout fly sheet. Leaving the leg straps uncrossed
will allow the horse to flap his under his belly without ensnaring
it in the straps. When purchasing a fly sheet for turnout owners
should look for one made of a lightweight mesh material that is
easy to clean. In the event of severe stains (manure and grass are
the most common) blanket owners can try using a stiff, sudsy brush
directly on the stain. this works especially well if the blanket is
laid on a concrete surface. A fly sheet made with polyvinyl will
typically dry within thirty minutes of being washed. Machine
washable is ideal. It is not a bad idea to purchase two turnout fly
sheets, that way if one gets dirty or tears owners have another one
available.
A well crafted turnout fly sheet will be designed to tear if the
horse gets it caught on something but should be designed in such a
way that the damage will be minimal.
Most horse owners prefer elastic leg straps on their turnout fly
sheets over the nylons variety.
Scrim flysheets are designed to be used while the horse is in a
stall, typically after a thorough grooming has removed all the
naturally protective dirt and oils from the horses coat. Scrim fly
sheets are designed to loosely cover the horses body. because of
the loose fit horses should never be turned loose while clothed in
a scrim fly sheet. Many owners also use scrim fly sheets as an
anti-sweat blanket.
The mesh design of fly sheets will not prevent the horse from
becoming dirty and dusty like solid blankets.
A fly sheet should help wick moisture away from the horses body
which will keep them cool and comfortable throughout the hot summer
months.
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