Fly Sheets & Belly Guards
Flies don't just bother your horse's face and legs — they land on the back, belly, and flanks all day long. A fly sheet or belly guard gives your horse full-body relief so they can graze, rest, and stay calm instead of spending every hour in turnout swishing and stomping.
What Riders Are Actually Asking
Does my horse actually need a fly sheet or just a fly mask?
If your horse is losing weight, not settling to graze, or showing signs of sweet itch and skin irritation, a fly mask alone isn't enough. Fly sheets provide coverage for the back, sides, and barrel — the large surface areas that sprays wear off quickly. The Cashel Lightweight Fly Sheet with 70% UV protection is the most popular starting point, offering full-body coverage without adding heat on summer days.
What is a belly guard and when do I need one?
Belly guards target the underline — the area most exposed to biting flies and gnats that cause horses to kick at their belly or become cinchy. The Cashel Fly Sheet Belly Guard attaches to most fly sheets to extend coverage down the midline, and the Cashel Quiet Ride Belly Guard is designed specifically to be worn under saddle during rides, so your horse stays comfortable from warm-up to cool-down.
Will a fly sheet make my horse too hot?
Modern fly sheets are engineered for airflow, not insulation. The Cashel Econo Fly Sheet with Neck Guard uses breathable open-weave mesh that actually provides shade and reduces surface temperature compared to direct sun on a dark coat. Horses in fly sheets consistently show lower stress behaviors in summer than unprotected horses — the relief from constant biting outweighs any minor warmth from the material.
What about sweet itch — is there a specific sheet for that?
Yes. Sweet itch is caused by Culicoides midge bites along the mane, tail, and belly — a tighter mesh is essential to block these tiny insects that standard fly sheets miss. The Cashel Fly Sheet with Extra-Wide Belly Flap for Sweet Itch uses a denser weave and extended belly coverage specifically designed for horses with midge hypersensitivity. Paired with a fine-mesh fly mask with nose coverage, this combination addresses the most common sweet itch hot spots.
How to Choose the Right Fly Sheet or Belly Guard
- Measure accurately: Fly sheets are sized by back length from center of chest to tail. A sheet that's too long drags and tears; too short leaves the flanks exposed where flies congregate.
- Check the belly coverage: Standard sheets end at the barrel. If your horse is bothered underneath, choose a sheet with a built-in belly flap or add a separate belly guard attachment.
- Neck coverage for UV-sensitive horses: Grey, pinto, and Appaloosa horses benefit from a sheet with a detachable neck piece to protect the mane and crest area from sunburn and midges.
- Riding vs. turnout: Turnout sheets are built to handle rolling and movement in the field. Quiet Ride belly guards are designed to stay in place under tack — they're not interchangeable.
Brands Riders Trust
Cashel leads this category with the widest range of fly sheet and belly guard options on the market — from budget-friendly lightweight sheets to dedicated sweet itch protection. Shires rounds out the lineup with their Airflow Turnout Socks, a practical addition for horses that won't tolerate a full leg boot but still need lower-leg fly protection during turnout.
At Hooves and Paws, we carry fly body protection that holds up through a full summer — not just the first week. Whether your horse needs a lightweight drape for mild fly pressure or full sweet itch coverage, we have the right fit. Fast shipping, 30 years of equestrian experience, and a team that knows the difference between a horse that tolerates flies and one that truly needs relief.
