Horse Fly Sheets

UV Mesh Fly Sheets for Horses — Insect Defense, Sun Protection & Cool Comfort All Summer

• Breathable mesh construction: Open-weave mesh fabric allows airflow so your horse stays cool even in peak summer heat — not a barrier that bakes.
• UV ray blocking: Mesh panels reduce UV exposure on the coat and skin, helping prevent sun bleaching on dark-coated horses during long turnout hours.
• Full-body insect barrier: Designed to block flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and other biting insects across the barrel, back, and shoulder — reducing skin irritation and stress-related behavior.
• Adjustable belly surcingles: Cross surcingles visible across the underside keep the sheet anchored during movement without rubbing the girth area.
• Wide size range: Available from 66" through 84" to fit ponies, average horses, and larger breeds.
• Western-styled print options: Select sheets feature Aztec and southwestern prints — barn-approved style that holds up to daily wear.

How to Choose the Right Horse Fly Sheet

Fabric Type — Mesh vs. Poly

Mesh fly sheets are the go-to for hot, sunny climates — the open weave lets heat escape while still blocking insects. Poly fly sheets offer a tighter weave that adds a light layer of wind resistance alongside bug protection, making them a practical choice in regions with cooler evenings or stronger breezes. Neither is a turnout blanket — fly sheets are purpose-built for insect and UV defense, not warmth.

Fit & Sizing

Horse sheets are sized by body length measured from the center of the chest to the point of the buttock. A sheet that sits too short will gap at the haunches, leaving skin exposed to insects. Too long and it drags, creating a tripping hazard. Hilason fly sheets run from 66" to 84" — always measure your horse before selecting.

Use Case — Turnout vs. Stall

Fly sheets work in both pasture turnout and stall environments where insects enter through open windows or barn doors. For active turnout horses that roll or move at speed, look for reinforced seams and secure surcingle attachments. Stall-kept horses benefit from the UV blocking on sunny afternoons when direct light enters the barn.

Common Mistakes When Buying a Horse Fly Sheet

The most frequent buyer error is ordering by weight or fill — fly sheets have no fill; they are zero-fill insect and UV barriers, not warmth layers. Confusing a fly sheet with a turnout blanket leads to an overheated horse in summer. The second common mistake is guessing size from breed alone — always tape-measure body length, as horses of the same breed can vary by 6" or more.

Why Fly Sheets and Turnout Blankets Are Not the Same Thing

This distinction matters for your horse's welfare. A fly sheet is an open-mesh or lightweight poly barrier designed purely for warm-weather insect management and UV protection — it adds no meaningful warmth and should never be used as a cold-weather layer. A turnout blanket, by contrast, is a waterproof, filled outer layer built for cold and wet conditions. Putting a blanket on in July or a fly sheet on in January solves the wrong problem entirely. If you need cold-weather coverage, browse the Turnout Blankets collection separately.

Mesh vs. Poly Fly Sheets — Which Is Right for Your Horse?

UV Mesh Fly Sheets

Open-weave mesh construction maximizes airflow, making these the strongest choice for hot summer climates, intense sun exposure, and horses that run warm. The mesh allows sweat to evaporate quickly while creating a physical barrier against flies, mosquitoes, and gnats. Best for: summer turnout in warm-weather states, sun-sensitive horses, and horses prone to sweet itch from biting insects.

Poly Fly Sheets

Poly fabric offers a slightly denser weave, adding modest wind resistance alongside insect defense. Hilason poly fly sheets are crafted from top-grade poly known for durability and light weight. Best for: spring and early fall when temperatures are variable, breezy barn environments, and horses that need a touch more coverage without the bulk of a blanket.

Stand your horse square on level ground. Using a soft tape measure, measure from the center of the chest (where the neck meets the breast) in a straight horizontal line along the side of the body to the point of the buttock. That measurement in inches is your horse's sheet size. For example, a horse measuring 72" chest to buttock wears a size 72 fly sheet.

A fly sheet is a zero-fill, breathable mesh or poly layer designed for warm-weather insect and UV protection only — it adds no warmth. A turnout blanket is a waterproof, filled outer layer built to keep horses warm and dry in cold, wet conditions. They solve completely different problems and should not be used interchangeably.

Mesh fly sheets are not waterproof and are not designed to keep a horse dry in heavy rain. Light summer showers generally pass through the mesh without harm to the horse, and the open weave dries quickly. However, for prolonged wet weather or cold rain, remove the fly sheet and use appropriate waterproof gear. A wet fly sheet in cold temperatures can draw heat from the body.

Yes — a properly fitted fly sheet creates a physical barrier that prevents flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and other biting insects from reaching the horse's skin across the covered areas (back, barrel, shoulders, and hindquarters). They work best as part of an overall insect management plan that may also include fly masks for the face. Pair your fly sheet with a fly mask for full-body coverage.

A properly fitted mesh fly sheet should not overheat a horse in summer. The open-weave mesh construction allows heat and moisture vapor to escape, and studies of horse behavior consistently show that horses in well-fitting fly sheets experience less agitation and physical effort from stomping, swishing, and fleeing insects — which itself generates body heat. Ensure the sheet fits correctly and is not trapping air against the back.

Shake off loose debris and rinse with a garden hose before machine washing on a gentle cold cycle. Use a mild, non-detergent soap — avoid fabric softeners, which can clog mesh weave and reduce airflow. Hang to air dry completely before storing; machine drying can degrade stitching and elastic components over time. Store clean and dry at season end to prevent mildew and fabric breakdown.