E3laan Horse Blankets

Fly Scrim Sheet

Most of us are familiar with two basic horse rugs (horse blankets): turnout rugs for inclement weather, and stable rugs for the barn. But new uses for this versatile horse equipment are constantly being developed to make life easier for both horse and owner during every stage of equestrian activity.

Coolers/Anti-Sweat Rugs

When your horse sweats during work to bring his temperature down you don't want him to catch a chill in cold weather. Horse rugs with wicking properties prevent this.

Known as cooler rugs or anti-sweat rugs, they're made of non-absorbent material which draws the sweat away from the horse's skin. The moisture evaporates more quickly, keeping the horse warm while drying him.

Examples of material with wicking properties are polyester and microfiber-based fabrics. Fleece is excellent, because it has the qualities of wool without being so heavy.

Fleece horse rugs are useful not only for drying the equine athlete after exercise, but also for travelling, showing and as an under rug in the stable. Because they are light, they can be part of a two layer system which traps air for good thermal insulation, instead of one thick rug.

Cotton coolers are suitable in warm weather when less insulation is required. They take longer to dry than fleece and therefore won't keep your horse warm in cold temperatures.

If your horse is left unattended, make sure his rug has a fillet string under the tail to stop it from shifting or blowing over his back. For your horse's safety the rug should also be secured with surcingles under the belly, or an elastic one around the horse's girth.

Fly Sheets

Fly sheets are lightweight rugs made of mesh to protect the horse's body from irritating, biting bugs and come in different designs.

Regular fly sheets are a mesh version of normal horse rugs and used to turn the horse out in summer weather.It has a tail flap and surcingles which cross under the belly. If the sheet has leg straps it doesn't need a fillet string under the tail.

Another design has a mesh stomach flap. While this looks like a great idea, in my experience the flap actually traps the flies which then buzz around your horse's belly and make him really uncomfortable!

The smart version of the fly sheet, called a 'scrim sheet' in the States, is useful for horse shows. It usually has a tail cord but no surcingles. Once again, make sure the sheet is well secured by an elastic surcingle if you leave your horse unattended.

Additional Fly Protection

A mesh fly hood - with or without ear covers - is a useful piece of horse equipment for increased protection of the eyes against flying insects. This can be attached to a mesh neck cover, which in turn is connected to the fly sheets.

Anti-fly boots are available in the States, made of the same mesh as the sheets. They cover the leg from below the knee down to the hoof like travel boots: their Velcro fastenings and reinforced stays prevent them from slipping. These are useful to stop a horse from stamping his hooves constantly against the flies, a common reason for loss of shoes in the summer.

Exercise Rugs

Thankfully there are good products on the market for enabling us to continue working our horses even in bad weather.

For rainy days there's the ¾ waterproof exercise sheet which covers the horse from his hindquarters to the pommel of the saddle. It extends over the rider's legs to keep them dry during wet weather work.

If you need to keep your tacked up horse dry between rides at shows, clinics, lessons, etc. on wet days, use a waterproof rain sheet to cover the whole horse, including his neck, while he stands unmounted.

For really cold days, consider using a ¾ Newmarket rug made of wool, with the distinctive gold, black and red stripes. This fits under the saddle, with loops on either side for the girth to pass through, and keeps the horse's back and kidneys warm.

A lighter version of this is the ¾ exercise sheet with a nylon outer shell and lined with cotton. It's ideal for riding clipped horses in cool weather.

There is an innovative fleece rug in the U.K. designed specially for horses being exercised on horse walkers. The rug has thermal and wicking properties to keep the horse warm and dry. It is closeda round the horse's girth, which keeps it in place, and has cut-away shoulders to prevent rubbing and ensure freedom of movement.

Travelling

A lightweight rug made of breathable and easily washable material will typically be used to transport a horse. Depending on the weather this can be a summer sheet, fleece rug or cooler rugs. Make sure it's properly secured and won't come off en route.

Many owners like to individualize their horse rugs, for example with monograms or their stable's name.

Related Horse Equipment

However well your horse's rug may fit, it can still rub the hair off his shoulders. Use a Lycra shoulder guard or stretch vest to avoid this.

Some rugs come without leg straps or fillet strings. It's a good idea to have extra straps and strings for securing such rugs safely, and to replace broken ones.

For rugs with no attachments for leg straps or surcingles there are now clip-ons available in the U.K. They're easy to put on and can also be used to replace broken straps.

A rug chest expander is handy piece of horse equipment which allows you to use an existing rug that's too short instead of having to buy a new one.

Rugs are invaluable items of horse equipment with multiple uses for keeping our equine partners comfortable. Lookout for new types of rugs as they come onto the market: they're improving life for the rider all the time.

The author currently works for an EquestrianClearance.com an Online Equestrian Retail company selling lots of horse equipment and horse rugs. The company has vast experience and knowledge in the equestrian market. Please check out the company equestrian blog for information and guides about horses and all thing equestrian!

Centaur Super Fly Horse Scrim Sheet $43.95 UV and fly protection in glorious colors  Introducing the Centaur Super Fly Scrim.

Centaur Super Fly Scrim $54.95 The Centaur Super Fly Scrim provides lightweight insect and UV protection for your horse.  Throw it on while waiting in the wings at a horse show or use it for trailering.     The Centaur Super Fly Scrim features: Double front buckle closure Criss-Cross surcingles D-Rings for optional leg straps Nylon shoulder shields Fleece at withers Tail Cord Multiple sizes to allow custom like fit for almost any horse.  Please note:  This is a scrim sheet which means it is not intended for turnout.  It is cooler and lighter weight than a standard turnout fly sheet. Ideal for horse shows trailering or stalled horses.