6 Best Mesh Fly Sheets For Horses In Hot Weather That Actually Last
Choosing a fly sheet? We review the 6 best durable mesh options for hot weather, comparing breathability, UV protection, and overall longevity.
There’s no sound more frustrating on a quiet summer day than the constant, rhythmic stomp, stomp, stomp of a horse tormented by flies. A good fly sheet is a non-negotiable piece of equipment, but finding one that survives the heat and a horse’s best efforts to destroy it can feel impossible. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about preventing skin irritations, stress, and potential injury from constant stomping.
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What Makes a Hot Weather Fly Sheet Last?
The central challenge of a summer fly sheet is balancing durability with breathability. A sheet made of armor-like material will last forever, but your horse will cook in it. A sheet as light as air will be comfortable but will likely be in shreds by the end of the week.
The secret is in the material and the weave. Look for polyester or poly/vinyl blends with a ripstop grid—that pattern of tiny squares in the fabric that stops a small tear from becoming a pasture-wide disaster. The material’s strength is often measured in denier, but for mesh sheets, the type of mesh is more telling. A softer, finer mesh is more breathable but less snag-resistant than a stiffer, PVC-coated mesh.
Don’t just look at the fabric. The points of failure are almost always the hardware and stitching. Check for sturdy, non-rusting buckles and clips. Run your hand over the seams—are they double- or triple-stitched, especially around the chest, shoulders, and surcingles? A cheap sheet with flimsy plastic clips and single-stitched seams is a disposable sheet, no matter how tough the fabric claims to be.
Rambo Protector: The Ultimate in Durability
If you have a horse that views its clothing as a personal challenge, the Rambo Protector is your answer. This sheet is the gold standard for a reason. It’s built with a unique, patented polyester and polypropylene fabric that is incredibly tough yet surprisingly soft.
What sets it apart is the construction. It’s not just a sheet; it’s an engineered piece of equipment. The V-front closure system eliminates pressure on the shoulder, allowing for better movement and preventing rubs. The leg arches and three-surcingle design keep the sheet securely in place without restricting the horse’s stride. This is a sheet designed by people who clearly understand how horses move and live.
Of course, the biggest consideration is the price. It’s a significant investment upfront. But if you’re replacing a $100 sheet every single season, the Rambo often pays for itself in two to three years. It’s the definition of "buy it once, cry once."
WeatherBeeta Ripshield Plus: Lightweight Toughness
The WeatherBeeta Ripshield Plus hits a sweet spot between being tough and being lightweight enough for the hottest days. It’s a fantastic option for horses that are generally well-behaved with their blankets but still live in a real-world pasture environment with trees, fences, and playful herd mates.
Its main feature is a strong 1200 denier cross-hatch weave that does an excellent job of stopping rips in their tracks. The material feels lighter and more breathable than some of the ultra-heavy-duty options. It also incorporates traditional side gussets, which provide solid freedom of movement for the average horse.
This is a great workhorse sheet for most situations. It provides good UV protection and airflow without the premium cost of a Rambo. If your horse isn’t a known blanket destroyer but you need something that will reliably make it through a season or two of regular use, the Ripshield is a very safe bet.
Kensington Surefit: Superior UV Protection
For horses with dark coats that bleach in the sun or those with sensitive, pink skin, UV protection is just as important as fly protection. This is where Kensington’s line of Textilene mesh sheets truly shines. They consistently offer some of the highest levels of UV blocking available.
The signature Textilene fabric is a PVC-coated mesh, which has a few distinct characteristics. It’s incredibly durable against rubbing and fading, and it holds its shape well, preventing sagging. The tradeoff is that it can feel a bit stiffer out of the package compared to softer polyester sheets, though it does soften with use.
Kensington’s "Surefit" cut is designed to accommodate a wide range of horse builds, from narrower thoroughbreds to stockier quarter horses. The contoured fit and padded wither help prevent rubs, making it a comfortable choice for horses living out 24/7. This is the go-to sheet for sun-sensitive horses in high-UV environments.
Schneiders Dura-Mesh for High-Wear Horses
Schneiders has built a reputation on creating gear for horses with "personalities," and their Dura-Mesh sheet is aimed squarely at the high-wear horse. If you have a youngster who plays hard or a dominant horse that’s always in the middle of things, this sheet is built to take a beating.
The 1000D PVC-coated Dura-Mesh is one of the toughest materials on the market. It’s designed to resist snags from branches and bites from pasture mates. The stiffness of the mesh also helps it stand off the horse’s coat slightly, which can improve airflow despite its heavy-duty nature.
They also focus heavily on fit to prevent rubbing, which is a common failure point. Their patented V-Free wither design relieves pressure, and the Adjusta-Fit system at the neck allows for a more customized fit. The Dura-Mesh is a fantastic value for its incredible toughness, but be mindful that it may be too much sheet for a delicate horse in a sweltering, humid climate.
Amigo Bug Buster: Built-In Insect Repellent
Sometimes a physical barrier isn’t enough. For horses that are magnets for the tiniest, most irritating insects like gnats and no-see-ums (culicoides), the Amigo Bug Buster offers a two-pronged attack. It combines a physical mesh barrier with fabric treated with insect-repelling permethrin.
The No-Fly Zone™ technology bonds the repellent to the fabric fibers, creating a halo effect that deters insects from even landing on the sheet. This can be a lifesaver for horses with sweet itch or severe insect-bite hypersensitivity. The treatment is long-lasting and remains effective through dozens of washes.
Made by Horseware, the company behind Rambo, the Bug Buster features the same smart design elements like a detachable neck cover, leg arches for movement, and a large tail flap. The only real tradeoff is the finite life of the repellent treatment. However, for a horse suffering from intense allergic reactions, the relief it provides makes it an invaluable tool.
SmartPak Rockin’ SP: Great Fit and Coverage
SmartPak’s house brand sheets are known for being thoughtfully designed based on thousands of customer reviews, and the Rockin’ SP fly sheet is a perfect example. It excels in providing excellent coverage and a secure fit, which are crucial for keeping determined flies out.
The design often includes a high-neck or combo-neck style, an extra-large tail flap, and a belly band for comprehensive protection. These features close the gaps that standard sheets leave open. The fit is enhanced with deep shoulder gussets and an adjustable front closure system to prevent rubbing and shifting.
The material is a durable poly/vinyl mesh that finds a good middle ground between the super-soft and the ultra-stiff options. It offers good airflow and durability for the price. Backed by SmartPak’s guarantee, it’s a reliable, well-rounded choice that fits a wide variety of horses without breaking the bank.
Care Tips to Extend Your Fly Sheet’s Life
You can buy the toughest sheet in the world, but it won’t last if you don’t care for it. The single most important thing you can do is keep it clean. Caked-on mud and manure not only trap heat but the grit acts like sandpaper, breaking down the fabric fibers over time. Use a gentle, blanket-safe wash—never use standard laundry detergent, which can damage waterproofing and irritate your horse’s skin.
Address damage immediately. A tiny snag from a fence post can become a gaping hole after one good roll. Keep a fly sheet repair kit handy and patch small tears as soon as you see them. This five-minute fix can save you from having to replace the entire sheet.
Finally, ensure the sheet fits properly and consider owning two. A poorly fitting sheet will pull and stretch at the seams, causing premature failure. Having a spare allows you to rotate them for cleaning and repairs, meaning your horse is never unprotected and each sheet gets half the wear. This simple strategy can easily double the functional life of your investment.
Ultimately, the best fly sheet is the one that fits your horse, your climate, and your budget. A durable, well-fitting sheet is more than a convenience; it’s a key part of keeping your horse healthy and comfortable through the long, hot days of summer. Making a smart investment now will save you money and give you peace of mind later.
