Looking for recommendations for fly boots to help stop the stomping. Looking online at Cashel, Kensington, SmartPak, Amigo, Roma, etc. and would appreciate any feedback on which ones work and which ones to avoid. Seems like the all the brands have both lovers and haters. 
Thanks!
Beth in MA/CT
The first sets of fly boots I purchased for my own horses were Kensingtons. I chose them because they seemed to have a highest number of positive reviews at the time. I’ve been quite happy with them. Mine are in their 3rd summer and have done their job perfectly.
I do like the Kensingtons a lot. They can only wear them about 12 hours a day, though, not for 24/7 turnout, without getting rubs, at least on my farm. I try to decide when bugs will be worst and use the boots then. All the others seem to slide. I did like the old Rambo ones too.
This is our second season with Kensingtons on our two geldings. They are still serviceable although there are starting to be some tears. We use them during the day and remove them at night. They romp and run when they have them on, and I have never had one come off.
My Smartpak ones died in less than a week. I had them tight but could not keep them up.
We’ve used the Cashels for years. They hold up very well and I like how they fit.
the kensingtons rubbed both of my boys fetlocks raw after a few days of using for 8 hours/night. They tend to run and play pretty hard though.
I have the Got Flies? Fly boots (I think they were the first company to come out with fly boots). 4 years and going strong on my geriatric gelding who must have sugar-water for blood the way the flies attack his poor legs 
I have been using Summer Whinnys on my mini donkey for the last week or so. They definitely provide a good fly barrier but I have had some slippage issues with them so it’s still a work in progress. I was really hoping for something to protect his knees and hocks, which most fly boots cannot do. The flies really love the poor guy.
Cashels, which were only slightly less expensive, slipped down on him immediately. For a TB I had several years back, Cashels worked okay and remained functional for two summers.
Another non-traditional brand I considered was Shoo Fly. If I had been able to get them locally in a mini size, I definitely would have tried them.
LOVE my Kensingtons. Durable, and work well. I have not had rubs from them yet, however I do not turn out in them. Thin skinned TBs also.
I’ve been using Kensingtons. They seem to hold their shape well and stay up. There is a plastic stay along the height of the boot which probably helps with that. I have had no issues with rubbing. They are also really easy to clean, and the velcro stays nice and grippy. I like how they contour for the fetlock/pastern, have not had any rubs. Other boots I have seen at our barn are just too soft and floppy, and slip down. .
I tried the Summer Whinnys as well. Loved the idea, but they were so labor intensive as they never stayed up. Best ones so far have been the Kensington Natural Collection from Valley Vet. They have stayed up the best so far. Still have to dump the shavings out daily, but I find that easier than the sock management. I was pulling socks up in morning and when I was back at 3 pm they were around the fetlock in a ball. Dang.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
