I’m in Colorado, a mile high closer to the sun. I have a black horse. While it is not humid here, the sun can be searing, and I’ve found that a fly sheet is better than none at all to keep a horse cool. Here’s a test: Hang a fly sheet on a hot day from up high and sit in the shade it makes–then decide. That said, I use a Rambo when it’s not to hot, with the neck, to keep my black horse blacker. I use a Saratoga summer turnout (super light weight) during the hotter months, without the neck… I think sometimes the stiffer sheet provide some air flow, as well as sun protection. If I were in a more humid climate, I would look at mosquito netting sheets.
If anybody wants a Kool Coat, I have a couple (sizes 78 and 80, some with the mesh sides some without, some with neck covers some without) that I’m happy to give away for just the cost of shipping. Send me a PM.
Blanket giveaway update - the 78 and 80s are spoken for, but apparently I also have a 75 Kool Coat so if anyone wants that shoot me a PM.
I cannot speak from experience myself, but I have a few friends who moved to Texas and they swear by the Turtle brand fly sheets to use in the heat.
Thank you so much, everyone! I appreciate the brand suggestions and different perspectives. My boy is so pampered, he definitely won’t be left to sweat and I’ll be mindful of the daily temp. Definitely interested in the turtle brand ( maybe that’s the Hawaii girl in me
) and the Kool coats. I keep him sprayed down for flies and will happily hose him down… it’s just hard to believe a very black coat wouldn’t be miserable
I would love to try out the 78! I’m going to message you now!
Anyone know how the Turtle sheets compare to the Rambo protectors? Or if they rub at all?
The Protectors I’ve had have held up great but always lead to shoulder rubs and are a bit heavy (literally, they just weigh more than I feel a fly sheet should lol).
Nothing will make it feel less hot in TX summer
I’m down north of Houston. I do use fly sheets, Rambos, for the bugs - but I still bring them all in to the fans and misters for the hottest hours at the peak of summer, because my dry lots have limited shade during those hours.
I like his breeding A LOT
@Heinz_57 I really love the people in Texas but the weather is questionable haha I’m going to take a chance and cover him with multiple hose downs. There’s quite a bit of shade and a lot of wind here so hopefully that’ll be more enjoyable during the summer vs winter
@Annie10 his movement is soooo fancy and effortless, his disposition is like a big toddler. I was really lucky to have found him at a great price because the gal couldn’t get his abscesses under control. He was also dropping weight. Knock on wood, haven’t dealt with an abscess since purchasing him and he’s heading to being plump I’m realizing more and more what a gem I’ve found!
I’m in the Virginia Beach area of VA and we get a lot of heat, humidity, and bugs so fly sheets are a godsend! I’ve been using the SmartPak Ultimate fly sheet on my two since they live with a rather rambunctious two year old. The fit isn’t the best, but the waranty is handy. It is a stiffer material and I feel like it does keep the horses cooler than the softer/clingier material as the temps/humidity get questionable. I tried the TurtleNeck sheets, but couldn’t get them to fit quite right. That being said, the horse was definitely less sweaty under it than he was under his SmartPak. Once I sell the two that are in my tack room, I’ll try a different size. Regardless, once the temps hit 90 it’s just too hot for them to be covered. Everyone gets hosed off nearly daily to rinse off sweat and help them cool off for a few minutes. Mine live out 24x7 but have good shade options and plenty of fresh water.
Unfortunately you’ll find the wind is only here when it’s not needed…. It is hardly ever windy like this in the hottest part of the year.
Just wanted to hop on and thank everyone for their suggestions and recommendations:)
@cbg was so kind to send me some goodies, including a Kool Coat! Today was 97 degrees (yay Texas) and I checked him throughout the day and he didn’t have a lick of sweat
Being black, I was concerned that he would draw in more heat but he’s really quite comfortable under the Kool Coat. I would be really interested in trying the turtle coat as well! I’m fortunate enough to check on him throughout the day to avoid having a horse overheat.
@Jo I’m going to need tx to do better about the wind timing
I can’t speak for TX, but from what I’ve heard, summers are similar there to what we have in South Georgia. In summer, it is simply too hot for any fly sheets here. I don’t think the light color of a fly sheet would outweigh the sheer temp extremes and the skin contact and sweating the sheet would still cause.