How to Choose the Best Horse Fly Sheet for Summer Turnout

Summer turnout comes with one unavoidable problem: flies. They stress horses, cause stomping that wears down hooves, and can spread disease. A quality horse fly sheet solves this without trapping heat — but with so many options on the market, choosing the right one takes more than picking the cheapest mesh blanket you can find.

This guide covers everything you need to make the right call for your horse's size, climate, and turnout situation.

What Is a Horse Fly Sheet?

A horse fly sheet (also called a fly rug or fly blanket) is a lightweight mesh sheet worn during turnout or stabling to protect horses from flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and other biting insects. Unlike turnout blankets, fly sheets have no fill — they're designed for warm weather where the goal is bug protection and UV coverage, not warmth.

Good fly sheets also block 70–80% of UV rays, reducing sun bleaching on dark coats and lowering the risk of photosensitivity reactions in horses on certain medications or pastures.

Fly Sheet vs Turnout Blanket: Key Differences

This is the question we get most often. Here's the short answer:

• Fly sheet — zero fill, open mesh weave, warm weather only. Purpose: bug and UV protection.
• Turnout blanket — filled or lined, waterproof outer shell, cooler weather. Purpose: warmth and rain protection.

Some horses need both throughout the year. In climates with hot summers and cold winters, a fly sheet handles turnout from late spring through early fall, and a turnout blanket takes over when temperatures drop. A medium-weight turnout is often used in the shoulder seasons.

If you're dealing with both heat and light rain, look for a fly sheet with a waterproof or water-resistant outer layer — these "combo" sheets handle both without the full weight of a turnout blanket.

Mesh Weight: What to Look For in Hot Weather

Mesh fly sheets come in two main weave types:

• Fine mesh — tighter weave, better bug protection, slightly less airflow. Best for horses in high-insect environments.
• Open mesh — looser weave, maximum airflow, good for horses prone to sweating. Bug protection is slightly reduced but still effective against most flying insects.

For horses living in hot, humid climates, open mesh is almost always the better call. The difference in bug protection is minimal, but the difference in heat load on a 95°F day is significant. Look for UV protection ratings — quality mesh fly sheets for hot weather should block at least 70% of UV radiation.

Sizing Horse Fly Sheets Correctly

Fly sheet sizing follows the same convention as other horse blankets — measured in inches from the center of the chest to the point of the buttock. Standard sizes run from 66" to 84" in 2-inch increments.

A few fitting tips:

• Neck openings matter. A sheet that gaps at the neck lets flies in around the shoulders — one of the highest-traffic areas for biting insects. Look for adjustable neck closures or fitted neck designs.
• Belly bands. Most quality fly sheets include a belly band that closes under the barrel. This keeps the sheet from flapping, which can spook horses, and prevents flies from getting underneath.
• Tail flap vs no tail flap. A tail flap provides coverage to the hindquarters and reduces the gap at the dock. Worth having for horses with thin tails or heavy insect pressure.
• Leg straps. Crossed rear leg straps prevent the sheet from shifting during turnout. They should be loose enough to avoid chafing — you should be able to fit a fist between the strap and the leg.

Browse our full range of horse fly sheets in sizes 66" through 84".

Features Worth Paying For

Not every feature on a fly sheet is worth the added cost. Here's what actually makes a difference:

• Reinforced withers. The withers area takes the most wear from movement and rubbing. Double-stitched or padded withers extend sheet life significantly.
• Ripstop mesh. Standard mesh tears easily when caught on fence posts or hooves. Ripstop weave is worth the extra cost for horses in rough-and-tumble pastures.
• Removable neck covers. Separate neck covers that attach to the sheet give you flexibility — use them on high-insect days, remove them when it's calmer.
• Machine washable construction. Fly sheets get dirty fast. Sheets that can go in a standard washing machine (not just hand-wash) are dramatically easier to maintain.

Fly Sheet Care and Longevity

A fly sheet that's cared for properly lasts 3–5 seasons. One that isn't may need replacement every year. The basics:

• Shake out loose debris before washing — grass and mud in the wash cycle accelerates mesh breakdown.
• Wash on a gentle cycle, cold water. Avoid fabric softener — it coats the mesh fibers and reduces breathability.
• Air dry flat or hang — machine drying weakens mesh and can warp the shape of the sheet.
• Inspect the leg straps, chest closures, and belly band before each season. Replace worn hardware before it fails during turnout.
• Store clean and dry in a breathable bag — plastic bags trap moisture and cause mildew.

Pairing Fly Sheets with Other Fly Control

Fly sheets work best as part of a layered approach. For horses with heavy insect pressure:

• Add a fly mask to protect the face, eyes, and ears — the areas a fly sheet doesn't cover.
• Use fly spray on the legs and lower belly where the sheet doesn't reach.
• Fly boots can protect lower legs from gnats and small biting flies, particularly in wet environments.

A horse wearing a fly sheet and fly mask will have 80–90% of its body protected from insects without any chemical application — a meaningful reduction in stress and stomping, especially on hot summer afternoons.

Bottom Line

The best horse fly sheet for summer turnout is the one that fits well, holds up in rough pasture conditions, and breathes adequately for your climate. For most horses in hot weather: open mesh weave, UV protection, reinforced withers, and a belly band are the non-negotiables. Size up if your horse is between sizes — a sheet that's slightly too large still offers coverage; one that's too small will cause rubbing and won't stay in place.

Shop our full selection of horse fly sheets, fly masks, and horse supply at Hilason.