We are having a hard time finding a fly sheet for my Mom's horse that won't rub the mess out of his shoulders. He's a big guy at 17.2 with a thick build, very old school bred Holsteiner.
He needs an 86"/87", and I'm finding that size hard to come by. We've tried the Kensington and the Turtleneck fly sheets, and they both rubbed his shoulders. Does anybody have a thought as to what to try next?That is a big guy! A lot of brands do not make that size, so I would be hunting down brands that run large rather than true-to-size.
Weatherbeeta’s fly sheets run large, I know this for a fact: I have the Weatherbeeta RIPSHIELD Detacha-Neck for my big burly 17h guy who needs a generous 81/82 in Amigo/Rambo brands… he has the 81 and it is huge on him - as in almost a few sizes too big. He’s got a thick neck and even then the neck cover is absurdly massive on him. I’m convinced they sold me a tent and not a fly-sheet, that’s how big it is. My guy can get rubs and he hasn’t gotten any from the flysheet so far and has been wearing it for a few weeks, (wore it last summer too) - I’ll admit he’s been caught a few times in surprise rain-showers and no rubs.
I don’t think a Weatherbeeta 84 is going to work even though they do run bigger in the neck…and I don’t think they make an 87.
What about the Amigo XL?
https://www.performancehorseblankets.com/collections/size-87/products/amigo-xl-bug-rug-fly-sheet
Beowulf, that’s good to know because that’s actually one of the ones I was interested in!!
Ohhhh that might work!! Thanks for the suggestion!!
I also have a giant beast - he usually wears an 84 blanket. There was a Weatherbeeta Detach a Neck fly sheet for sale in a size 87 that was too good of a deal to pass up though I thought it might be a bit big. It’s a little big in the body for my guy and like Beowulf said the neck is HUGE. It’s kind of ridiculous actually. I might have a seamstress take it in a bit.
The mesh is super soft and he hasn’t had any rubs in it yet after wearing it basically 24/7 for the last couple weeks. And this horse gets rubs just looking at his winter blanket. I can’t believe I’ve become an owner who’s horse has to wear full body fly protection but he is just so sensitive and if he is subject to minor physical inconvenience, he has a full on meltdown. There is no denying that they work. As soon as I take that sheet off to tack up, the tail swishing and stomping increases immediately.
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You might try Saratoga Horseworks. http://www.horseworks.com/fly_sheets They make flysheets up to 86. My daughter has one for her mare in an 82, and it fits quite nicely in that I don’t think rubs would be an issue for you. Also, I believe they make their flysheets, so you could perhaps speak with them if you need something even larger than the 86.​​​​​​​
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More great suggestions!! Thanks guys!!
I have a very wide shouldered QH so I understand the rubbed shoulder problem. Currently, he is in this
https://www.horseloverz.com/horse-blankets-sheets-coolers/horse-sheets/fly-sheets-hoods/abrazo-hug-flysheet
No shoulder rubs. I wish it did come with a belly band though. The only other fly sheet that I’ve found that worked around his shoulders was the EOUS.
https://www.horseloverz.com/horse-blankets-sheets-coolers/horse-sheets/fly-sheets-hoods/eous-deluxe-action-fly-sheet?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&scid=scplp200-406523&sc_intid=200-406523&gclid=COCvhonvmtQCFReVfgod5nEHIw
Less chance of rubbing with the Hug IMO.
I highly recommend any WB fly sheet. They’re very roomy, and have gussets that give their shoulders more room. Careful of the Amigo sheets since they don’t have gussets - it’s more an issue if your guy has big shoulders!
The Weatherbeeta Airflow is a soft mesh that holds up well and I believe it comes in an 87". Otherwise, the 84" might work well they are super roomy. My draft x is a true 81" and his fly sheets are always extra roomy in that size.
The new WB Ripshields are great too! The duramesh is a little too heavy for my liking depending on how hot your summers get. But WB should work out for you!
lol! me too! :lol: My horse loves to take a nice lay down nap in his paddock, which is bordered by one of the paths to the arenas…and laying there in his full on fly armor, he spooks some of the horses going by! He has a frantic, bucking fit otherwise, so it’s what we’ve got to do :lol:
@IPEsq my boyfriend calls my horse The Prince. He would put the princess and the pea to shame. In some ways it is incredibly frustrating because he is such a gigantic baby. But in others it’s great because I never have to second guess if something is wrong with him. If he is in any minor physical discomfort, he will let you know about it immediately. I rode a horse before that was so stoic, it was damn near impossible to figure out if something was up with her.
Besides keeping flies away, I think the best thing about flysheets is that now most of them are made with UV blocking material and they really help to protect your horse’s coat.
I like the look of both of those!!
That’s exactly what has turned me away from the Amigo’s, which stinks because I love their blankets and sheets. We do also have to be careful of the fabric as we’re in mid/lower Alabama and the summers are scorchers down here regarding heat and humidity.
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I’d either go Rambo/Amigo XL line, or the Bucas Big Neck line. Both are cut more generously through the neck/shoulders.
Try the airflow then! It is very loose on the horses, especially in the neck which a lot of people complain about but I actually really like. It allows for freer airflow through the sheet and doesn’t stick as close to them, if that makes sense. The Ripshield is also light enough that I think it’d be okay. My horse is in SC so not quite the humidity you have down there but I have an airflow and ripshield for him and think they’re light enough for most days!
DH’s 17.2 full clyde fits great in an 87 weatherbeeta. They don’t break the bank either.
She’s got a typical, ginormous neck, and we’ve had no issues with shoulders rubbing.
Thanks everybody!! I’m so glad to have some new options to try!!
Schneiders Tack has the Big Fella line, which goes up to 94. I’m a fan of the mosquito mesh because I think it’s cooler.
http://www.sstack.com/horse-blankets…ree-fly-sheet/
