The Three Best Fly Sheets of 2018, and One to Avoid (This Will Surprise You!)

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Does my horse need a fly sheet? If so, which is the best one?

I grew up in Colorado where the climate is dry, the temperatures are mild, and flies are not an issue, so I vaguely knew what a fly sheet was, but never had the chance to use one until I went to college in Montana. If you live in a buggy climate and your horse is prone to welts and discomfort, definitely invest in a good fly sheet. Your horse will be much more comfortable.
 
Choosing the right fly sheet is extremely important. An ill-fitting sheet or a low-quality one can get tangled around your horse’s legs and cause injuries. The wrong fabric can make your horse too hot and lead to heat stroke. I owned a horse blanket repair business for four years in Montana, and I had the opportunity to repair many different fly sheet brands. Some are far superior to others. These are my top three picks and one fly sheet to avoid completely.
 
Rambo Fly Buster Vamoose No-Fly Zone
 
When it comes to quality, Rambo beats all the rest. I purchased my first Rambo fly sheet in Summer 2009, and my horses still wear it. I’ve had to make a few repairs over the years, but it has held up amazingly. You can see in the pictures it needs a few minor repairs this year, but is still very functional. A few patches and it will be good to go.
 
Rambo’s current top-of-the-line fly sheet is the Fly Buster Vamoose No-Fly Zone, and it is just as high-quality as my version. I like this one even better because this one is made of soft, breathable mesh rather than the heavy, thick plastic mesh of previous versions.
 
Other features I love:

• The neck cover is detachable. This makes the sheet easy to wash and repair.
• V front closure. Rambo has used this for years, and it is the only closure that does not cause pressure points on my wide-based stock horses’ chests. Rambo uses amazingly durable snaps, and I have never had to replace one on any of my Rambo sheets or blankets.
• UV protection. So important in the Arizona sunshine, especially for dark colored horses.
• Full protection for the horse’s belly means no biting flies in sensitive areas!
• Rambo’s three-surcingle system pared with a tail cord keeps this sheet firmly in place. My Rambo sheets and blankets stay on better than any other brand.

 
The negative:

• Because Rambo switched to the softer material, you need to attach the top of the neck cover to a halter to keep it from slipping down. Halters and turnout do not mix well, so be sure to use a leather halter to prevent tragedies. Leather will snap of the horse becomes trapped. For a budget-friendly turnout halter, I recommend the Tough-1 Royal King Leather Track Halter. It is not made from high quality leather and will snap if caught on something. Buy it here.

 
Rambo Fly Buster Vamoose No-Fly Zone fly sheet is my #1 pick. The positives far outweigh the negative. You can Buy It Here.

Kensington Platinum SureFit Fly Sheet
 
Kensington is a lesser-known brand but high-quality and durable. This fly sheet is manufactured in Southern California and quality checked so you can be assured that you are getting just what you ordered.

Other features I love:

• The colors. Kensington fly sheets are available in plaid patterns in a variety of colors. If matching is your thing (or if you are like me and every horse has a different assigned color), Kensington also sells winter blankets, fly masks, and fly boots in the same patterns.
  
• The mesh fabric is non-heat transferring (super important in the Arizona summers) and 78 percent air-permeable, according to the company. This means that your horse will stay cool even in the hottest climates.
  
• Blocks 73 percent of UV rays, making this the perfect sheet for dark-colored horses prone to sun bleaching.
• Fade resistant fabric means this will be a beautiful fly sheet for many seasons.
• The chest closure includes two snaps with buckles, so this is adjustable for wide-chested or narrow-based horses.

 
The negatives:

• No neck cover.
• The chest buckles are cheaper and prone to breaking or seizing up. However, they are easy to replace.
• Cheap snaps on the surcingle straps that must be replaced.
• Sizes increase by three inches, so if your horse is between sizes you may find that one size is too big while the next is too small.

 
Kensington goes cheap on the snaps, but otherwise this is a quality fly sheet. I am crazy about anything that comes in bright colors (bonus if you like matching accessories!). Again, the positives far outweigh this small design flaw. You can Buy It Here.

For the matching accessories, buy the fly boots here and the fly mask here.
 
Amigo Bug Rug Fly Sheet
 
Another Horseware product for the win! The Amigo line is almost as high-quality as the Rambo but without the higher price. If your horse is generally gentle on his fly sheets (no rambunctious pasture mates) then the Amigo Bug Rug Fly Sheet is a good choice, especially if you live in a hot climate. This fly sheet is breathable and protects the coat against sun damage.
 
Other features I love:

• Removable neck cover, again, making this sheet easy to wash or repair.
• V front closure that I love for my wide-based horses.
• Silver color reflects sunlight, protecting the horse’s coat.
• The mane, shoulder, and tail are satin-lined, preventing rubbing.

 
The negatives:

• Again, like the Rambo, you need to attach the neck cover to a halter, which can be dangerous during turnout. Using a leather halter reduces this risk. You can buy one here.
  
• Not durable for rough pasture play, but as a positive, this fabric takes repairs really well, so this sheet can last several seasons.
• Available in two colors (light blue and mint) and both are somewhat feminine. This may not appeal to gelding and stallion owners.
  

 
For a budget-friendly Horseware fly sheet, I recommend the Amigo Bug Rug Fly Sheet. You can Buy It Here.

The One to Avoid: Weatherbeeta ConFiTec Riphield Plus DetachNeck

I owned a horse blanket repair business in Montana for four years, and Weatherbeetas were by far my least favorite blankets and sheets to work on. They do not wash well, they do not take repairs well, and they do not fit wide-based horses well. I watched several Weatherbeeta winter blankets disintegrate in the washing machine, and the fly sheets are the same low-quality.

Weatherbeeta uses cheap hardware that often breaks and needs replacing. The straps are not well attached and frequently lost. This is a complete deal breaker for me. A sheet without secure straps is prone to slipping and tangling around the horse’s legs, which can lead to serious, life-threatening injuries.

This fly sheet is not as breathable as other brands, so sweat collects at the shoulder and tail. This is not an appropriate sheet for humid climates with low wind speeds. The belly band does not cover the entire belly and leaves a gap where flies can bite the sensitive area inside the horse’s back legs.

On a positive note, this fly sheet is budget-friendly and includes a neck cover.

I recommend AVOIDING the Weatherbeeta ConFiTec Ripshield Plus DetachNeck. Spend your money on a fly sheet that fits better and will last you longer.

The Best Protection

The best fly sheet for your horse is the one that fits him properly and is as durable as you need it to be. A quiet older horse alone in the pasture can use a softer fly sheet versus a rowdy youngster turned out with like-minded friends. My experience with Horseware flysheets has been overwhelmingly positive, and I highly recommend them. Kensington is a good budget-friendly option, especially if you like unique colors and do not need a neck cover.

Which are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below!