Blanketing for Flies [Archive] - Baywind Farm Horse Forum

zoel_222

02-28-2009, 04:11 PM

Fly sheets work.... Whitney has bad allergies to fly bites and loses her hair and gets awful welts all over if she doesn't have some hardcore fly protection. They're not waterproof because since it's mesh the water will go right through the cracks and get them wet. Don't get the kind like this (http://www.123tack.com/winning/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=Centaur+Protective%2DFly+Sheet+with+Hood&pf_id=PAAAIABBOLNPLJFM&dept_id=3609) with the thin crappy laundry bag type mesh unless Pandora is stalled otherwise it'll get ripped to shreds. The tough plasticy mesh kind like this (http://www.horse.com/Defender-Deluxe-Fly-Sheet-with-Belly-Band-BUM30.html?scode=hfroogle) is what you need. I'm not sure what you mean by do anything to the horse's hair, but they've never done anything to my horses. If the sheet is ill-fitting it could rub etc but that happens with all blankets. Fly sheets won't keep your horse warm. If you look at the fabric they're basically like fishnets and don't keep any kind of weather out. The only thing they keep out is bugs.

Vick, I don't know about mosquitoes because I don't have them here. Sorry :(

pandorasmom

02-28-2009, 04:25 PM

Thanks Zoel! I'm glad they won't keep her warm as it gets pretty hot here, more humid then hot. We have awful humidity!!!

By messing up the hair I was meaning if it damages the growth of it,etc.

Pandora isn't stalled much in the summer. Depending on the weather she's normally in the pasture. If it's rainy she'll be in her stall, otherwise she's in the pasture where she's happiest. I didn't think it would be waterproof but I wanted to ask to make sure I got the best kind I could.

Pandora last year ended up with liquid filled spots on her stomach. I had asked about it on h.com. We ended up thinking it was from bites. So I was hoping if I got something like this it might help some, and I could still use the fly spray if needed too of course.

Vicky we have mosquitoes here too. I hope someone can answer about that.

Thanks so much Zoel! If anyone else wants to chime in feel free too. Zoel, if I find one, do you mind if I post it here to ask about it first? Also, do you recommend the kind with the neck thing or not?

pandorasmom

02-28-2009, 05:03 PM

What about something like this, is it the right material?
Size isn't what I need for Pandora but I'm sure I can find the right size. Everywheres I look for the Defender kind they don't have the size I need for Pandora. :( Trying to find one that is in her size that is the Defender kind or like it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nylon-Mesh-Horse-Fly-Sheet-w-Gusset-76-White-Blue-NEW_W0QQitemZ350163848233QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350163848233&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50#ebayphot ohosting

vicklynn

02-28-2009, 05:12 PM

Im sure there will be more ordered for the summer. Also, do a search for them. There are different types Im seeing, but after looking that the others, I like the one zoel showed you.

pandorasmom

02-28-2009, 05:15 PM

I typed it in to search for it and can't find one in Panda's size. Maybe I'm just not looking good enough?? lol :p Hence the reason I always say the cross of an Arab and TB is good for endurance,etc. but NOT for sizing things. Sooo many inbetween things with them. Who knew there was a difference?? LOL :hysterical:

vicklynn

02-28-2009, 05:17 PM

Ya, but its early, they will come out with more soon Im sure.

zoel_222

02-28-2009, 06:40 PM

No do NOT get that sheet! I got those exact ones last summer and they lasted less than a week. Don't get an off brand when it comes to fly sheets. They're delicate enough as it is. That's also the wrong material. That's the laundry bag stuff, what you want is the stuff that looks like woven plastic wire. If she's going to be out in the pasture, you don't want to turn her out even once in a flimsy sheet like that. In a stall where she's not going to be running and playing with other horses and rolling and rubbing against trees it's okay. What size is she? I'll see if I can find something that might work for you. :)

pandorasmom

02-28-2009, 07:21 PM

Okay I wasn't sure, that's why I asked. Another question have you used the leg wrap things to repel flys? Defender has them. As far as size her lightweight blanket (https://www.statelinetack.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=SLT723213%2068%20GRN)I have for her is a 68".

Here's a picture from last January 31 (08) when she was still underweight. The only problem I have with the blanket for her since she has such narrow withers, it is wants to lay behind her withers which makes it tighter on the front. It doesn't lay so perfect on her back like it does on that horse.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF5334.jpg

Like in this picture taken November 08:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF0354.jpg
See how it rides down her withers toward her rear?

Would a longer blanket help this?? I had measured her last year for like a 67(I THINK, it was something around there) or something so went with it larger.
I know in this pic below her blanket is crooked. I had took off the back leg straps which helps keep it inline. But you can atleast see how it is on her withers.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF0374.jpg

zoel_222

02-28-2009, 08:37 PM

I haven't used the leg protector things. The legs aren't a main place (at least for my horses) where the bugs like to get them. Fly spray does the trick there.

That blanket looks pretty small for her. The first picture is the only one where it was pulled up to where it should be on her withers. And in that one you could see how short it was on her off her back end. In all the other ones it's sitting way too far down in the front. I've never had that problem so I don't know if all blankets sit like that on her of if it's just that particular one that's too small. I would try a 70 or even a 72.

Here are some good sheets you might want to look at:
http://www.horse.com/Defender-Turnout-Fly-Sheet-BUM26.html
http://www.tackroominc.com/baker-fly-sheet-p-5612.html
http://www.tackwholesale.com/sheet-super-tough-extra-strong-hunter-beige-plaid-p-346.html
http://www.rods.com/product.aspx?display_id=7240&kc=Froogle09

These ones are an idea of what NOT to get. Not a bad brand, just not a durable material.
http://www.tackroominc.com/fly-sheets-and-masks-weatherbeeta-fly-sheets-c-95_159.html

You might want to measure her again from the center of her chest to the center of her tail to get her exact size. Have someone help you because measuring by yourself is pretty tricky if not darn near impossible ;)

HeartofSteel

02-28-2009, 09:04 PM

If the blanket is going behind her withers it is to large, try a small size and I'll bet it won't go behind them :)

IrisGreen

03-01-2009, 07:42 AM

I agree with you Zoel, She needs a 70 or 71 maybe. That blanket is too small for her. Also check the fly sheets and see if they have an adjustable front closure. Some have buckles you can tighten or extra D rings that you can clip too. That will help you make the front fit her better when you get a bigger size. Also make sure it has wool or some kind of soft material at the wither so it won't rub. Most good blankets or fly sheets have this on the wither.

I just got Muffin a fly sheet for this summer. I didn't use one last summer and just kept fly spray on him. But, since there cheap right now I went ahead and got one for him. Come summer time the price goes up.

He got the Defender deluxe. It has the belly band and tail flap. I hear that on some horses the belly band tends to make the blanket want to turn over. All the weight and buckls are on one side so this causes the blanket to want to roll to that side. So, If this is your first fly sheet I would go with the normal Defender from Horse.com that Zoel posted.

Here's Muffin in his new fly sheet :) I can't remember what size I got him...He has a 78 rain sheet so I got him an 80 fly sheet, I think. ETA: Because he is a growing boy, That's why I upsized the fly sheet :)
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b320/DesignersPet/TrailerRide046.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b320/DesignersPet/TrailerRide045.jpg

FatSpottedAppy

03-01-2009, 08:15 AM

This is the fly sheet I have and I really like it..

http://mandmtackshop.stores.yahoo.net/ceflyscsh.html

I don't have the money to get them all fly sheets but I hope that someday I will. :) But for now only Tyke has one.. In the summer, all the horses will be in the shed trying to get away from the bugs and Tyke will be out there grazing with his fly sheet on. My only complaint is the belly straps hang low, I had to tie them a few times then hook them.

IrisGreen

03-01-2009, 08:58 AM

ohhh, I like that one FatSappy! That would be a nice one for horses that would sun bleach and I bet it smooths the coat and keeps them cleaner too.

It gets so hot here, 110 dry heat that I had to make sure and get a very breathable fly sheet so his sweat would dry. If it wasn't so hot I would totally get one of those!

FredRock

03-01-2009, 09:49 AM

Pandora last year ended up with liquid filled spots on her stomach. I had asked about it on h.com. We ended up thinking it was from bites. So I was hoping if I got something like this it might help some, and I could still use the fly spray if needed too of course.

If it's what I'm thinking Fred had last year, a fly sheet will make it worse. Fred had bumps on his body, mainly starting on his neck, and they had some liquidy/pussy stuff that came out of them. They started before we went on vacation, so we went out and bought a top-of-the-line fly sheet (because it's all the tack store had :doh:), thinking it was because of the bugs. When we got back from vacation about a week later, the spots were all over his body, huge looking bumps with puss stuff. Both the BOs and I think that the sheet made him worse, because at that time we tought bugs flew up into the sheet to bite him, and then got trapped there.

It turned out that he was allergic to something, or at least that's what the vet thinks. I think it's a plant myself, because he used to be on dirt and moved to grass. (He's always had odd bumps in summer, but never itchy and pus-filled) We could have given him steroids to get rid of them quickly, but he's foundered so we tried antihistemine pills instead. After about a month they were completely gone, and decreased in size after a week.

You could try a fly sheet, of course, and it might help.

KCandAllegro'sMom

03-01-2009, 10:32 AM

I usually buy my fly sheets from Schneiders sstack.com They have turnout fly sheets that are pretty sturdy.

I also use the fly boots and love them. My boys are big babies when it comes to flies so I try to keep them covered as much as possible. I think I will have to make my own fly boots for Allegro though because I can't find a place that sells them big enough for him.

Pinky

03-01-2009, 11:05 AM

Sam had a mesh fly sheet that had one of the belly-bands and it worked really well.
However, if it rained, he got wet.
And it got muddy very quickly. It keeps off mosquitos/bot flies/all other random misc flies.
Sams didn't really do anything to his hair - just put small bits of mud on rather than big bits :D.
His came with a neck cover, but we never put it on because he hated it - the bugs never really got his neck anyway. (?)
(Taken from v.far away)
http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s321/SammyAike/My%20Horse%20Pics/DSCI0007-1.jpg

On the right..
http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s321/SammyAike/My%20Horse%20Pics/DSCI0085.jpg

A bit closer..(not much)
http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s321/SammyAike/My%20Horse%20Pics/DSCI0086.jpg

Lynn_70

03-01-2009, 11:32 AM

I highly recommend a good fly sheet for any horse with sensitivity to bugs- including knats and mosquitos. It's been the only thing to keep my gelding from getting bad allergy reactions and that actually works. The key is to start using it at the beginning of the season if they are allergic- keeps them from getting itchy in the first place, otherwise they tend to rub on everything and wreck the sheets.
I also got the hood and mask to keep the knats off his mane area. works great.
LC

HeavensEast

03-01-2009, 11:57 AM

The mosquitoes were so bad last year from heavy rains (then the flies came :doh:) that my TB gelding had to wear a fly sheet with a neck, four fly boots, and a full fly mask. I really liked the fly boots because before I got them he was stomping so much he was stomping his feet so much he was chipping them.

I bought an Amigo fly sheet (78?"). It worked really nice. Hopefully all I will need this year will be fly spray.. stupid bugs :mad:

Before I bought that, I tried buying a cheap one.. yeah.. it was awful. It slipped all over the place and I ended up paying 89.95 for the Amigo. But it is wonderful.

pandorasmom

03-01-2009, 12:35 PM

Thank you ALL for all the comments! Keep them coming. :D I really appreciate it.

I do really like the Defender one, but I don't want to order from h.com LOL :p And nope it's because of the forum. It's because last time I ordered from them it took 6 years and a decade to get it here.Although I have to say I think most of it was because of USPS. Maybe I'll give them a try again.
Iris, that sheet looks great on Muffin. I remember seeing those pics now. :p I too want a breathable fly sheet for her, because it does get very humid here. I will be sure to measure her again. I wondered if it maybe to small
Another question for anyone who's used them, do you see a difference in the amount of fly spray you have to use and don't?? I was going through a TON last year with Pandora because the flies were so bad. The main thing they seem to bother is her legs,belly and chest. The horseflies like to bite her hips, other then that they(flies in general) aren't as bad on her back area.

I know she was doing some tail rubbing last year. She ended up stopping, but why she was doing it in the first place I don't know. She was on a regular deworming schedule,etc.

Pinky

03-01-2009, 12:41 PM

do you see a difference in the amount of fly spray you have to use and don't??
Yes. :)
We used this pot of stinky gel/gunk stuff (NAF maybe?) and only used a quarter - apparently the owner got through 3 pots the year before. However, it stank of garlic - and I resorted to using on myself because I was tired of being followed by horseflies. The horses smelt like lasagne :D

zoel_222

03-01-2009, 12:56 PM

Another question for anyone who's used them, do you see a difference in the amount of fly spray you have to use and don't??

Yes!! I usually would use 3-5 of those aresol cans of Pyranha, but last year I only used 2. Keep in mind that's for all four of my horses. :)

dustys_girlly

03-01-2009, 01:38 PM

i have to blanket dusty because he is allergic to buy bite. i have had her covered from head to toe and that is the only thing that seems to really help her. here is a pic of her with a new set of fly stuff one summer. i have a fly neck sheet for her as well.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/lostinmehead/Dusty/DCP_0997.jpg
dont mind the straps, i just put it on her to try out everything.

as Zoel said make sure you get the strong plastic woven blankets. if you get the soft mesh they rip really easy, even if your horse is stalled 24/7. tried one once and it riped within a week.

Miracle Whip

03-01-2009, 02:58 PM

Put up some bat houses. Feed the birds. I was told these are 2 good ways to fight mosquitoes. Try a bug zapper or two.

offgridgirl

03-01-2009, 05:35 PM

Chickens eat flies and will help. We have hungary Eagles here so the chickens don't last

IrisGreen

03-02-2009, 06:35 AM

The flys go after Muffin in the same areas (belly, chest, legs). I really thought about getting those fly boots for him but haven't yet.

What kind of fly spray are you using? I switched to Tri Tek 14 and it works really well for me and Muffin is fine with it (no allergic reaction, like he gets with some other sprays).

Miracle Whip

03-02-2009, 06:53 AM

Apple Cider Vinegar, I just spray it on them straight. I only have one fly spray for horse shows, the rest of the time they use their tails. Ever see the buddy buddy fly system? Works pretty well and its cheap. Plus I have a bug zapper. There are feed thru products also that have Diachamaceous earth which is supposed to stop the fly cycle.

cloedoll

03-02-2009, 07:39 AM

Another question have you used the leg wrap things to repel flys?

When I was visiting Taylor in Florida, she bought them for Laredo and yes, they work great. =] I believe she bought the Cashel brand.

Flies are horrid here, too. I normally buy Absorbine's UltraShield EX (http://absorbine.com/products.html?catid=flycontrol&pageid=39)and it works better than anything I've tried, but I'm considering a few things this year. Either a fly sheet, insect control supplement, or fly predators...not too sure yet.

IrisGreen

03-02-2009, 07:52 AM

Just a note about fly predators. They don't work if you have neighbors with horses or cattle close by that are not using them as well.

I tried fly predators for a year and they didn't make a dent in my fly problem BUT the reason way was because I have neighbors with horses that were not using the fly predators as well. So there flys would breed and multiply at there house then end up at my house bugging my horse or me.

So, if you have neighbors with in a mile that have horses, cows or lot's of dogs. Fly predators won't help much unless they are using them too to kill the fly eggs before they hatch. In My case I live in a neighborhood that has lots of horses in a rather close proximity to one another so the fly predators just could not contend with everyone else's flys constantly breeding and ending up on my property.

pandorasmom

03-02-2009, 04:49 PM

Thanks y'all!! I also wondered about the fly predators. I received a phamplet about them once.
We have neighbors that are down the road from us. There's woods between us. It's probably 750-1000 ft. from us. Is that far enough?? I can't say for sure how far as I've never measured it, I'm purely guessing here. lol

As far as kind of fly spray, whatever kind TSC has in stock that's good. *sighs* Last year I switched 3 or 4 times because the kind I would get would be gone and have none in stock and I'd have to have more. Then that kind would run out and this happened 3 or 4 times. I think that I used the Bronco kind for the majority though. Does the ACV work? I've heard somethings about it but ain't 100% sure.

I'm wondering if I should try the fly sheet and the leg wraps. I'm hoping someplace gets the leg wraps in and all before the price goes up. SLT has front and rear leg wraps in two different colors. Sighs, and they don't have the Defender blanket Zoe suggested either, I don't believe.
I want to get it while the price is down, but want them to get what I need in. :(

elevenelevenxo

03-02-2009, 05:27 PM

dustys_girlly

03-02-2009, 05:40 PM

my horse has been blanketed sense i have known her, so about 6 years, and she has never had a problem with getting a nice coat. most blanketed horses dont look like they have a heavy coat because it is slicked down but if you take the blanket off they will fluff right up most of the time. and there is nothing to a fly sheet. it is just like wearing fish nets, they dont help with the wind or cold.

pandorasmom

03-02-2009, 05:52 PM

Not trying to hijack Pandora's thread here, but I have a question, although it might be a silly one.... :p

Are fly sheets thin enough to not interfere with growing the coat out in the fall getting ready for winter?

Np, this is the question I was trying to ask earlier but couldn't clarify it as well as you did. LOL :p

zoel_222

03-02-2009, 06:24 PM

Not trying to hijack Pandora's thread here, but I have a question, although it might be a silly one.... :p

Are fly sheets thin enough to not interfere with growing the coat out in the fall getting ready for winter?

Their coats actually grow based on the length of days. Whether your horse is blanketed (or fly-sheeted :D) or not has no affect on their coat. It only seems that way because the blanket presses the fur down so it's not as fuzzy looking.

elevenelevenxo

03-02-2009, 06:50 PM

Really? I've always heard that if you begin blanketing too soon, the horse won't grow out its coat properly for winter, so you'll have to blanket all winter long. :huh:

zoel_222

03-02-2009, 07:07 PM

Really? I've always heard that if you begin blanketing too soon, the horse won't grow out its coat properly for winter, so you'll have to blanket all winter long. :huh:

Yeah, a lot of people think that for some reason, but it's just a wives tale I guess.

pandorasmom

03-03-2009, 08:28 PM

Would you go ahead and get the fly sheet from H.com, and then get the leg wraps later(if I get them)?? They don't have everything I need at one place. Oh and I'm going to try and measure Pandora, ASAP!! Before I order definitely. :)

zoel_222

03-03-2009, 08:37 PM

I'm actually ordering the same fly sheet from H.com this month for Whitney. I haven't had that exact sheet but I've had the fly masks that match and they were really good quality. I would do it if I were you :)

pandorasmom

03-04-2009, 09:06 AM

Alrighty, well I have a maroon/grey colored fly mask from last year that she wasn't fond of. LOL I was gonna go ahead and order a matching fly mask that matches the fly sheet, but alas, they don't have any, or if they do they are in pony or draft size and that won't fit Panda!!!! Can I cry a river now?

Another question just for my curiousness, does your horse have the kind with the nose piece or not? I've only used one without out it for Panda. Didn't know which was better, or if it was personal preference?

IrisGreen

03-04-2009, 09:48 AM

The ones with the nose piece are good for horses with pink noses or big white blazes that tend to get sun burnt. Other then that it's just a preference if you like the nose piece or feel you need it.

As for the fly Predators, I think if your closest neighbors live 1,000 feet away and it's only one neighbor then you could try the fly predators. You could also order one extra bag and ask if it's ok to spread them at your neighbors or ask if they would be willing to split the cost or something. I have heard really good things about fly predators working really well but only in situations where everyone with in a mile is using them and also not spraying pesticides on there manure piles (that kills the fly predators too).

On the blanketing issue. I do believe that blanketing a horse at the beginning of winter does keep them from growing in an extra heavy winter coat. Like with Muffin, last year he grew in a coat so think he was sweating in winter time (we have mild winters and he didn't' need that kind of this coat). So, this year I started putting a rain sheet on him just to take the chill off and keep him from going in to full winter coat. I think it helped a lot and this year he didn't' grow in such a heavy coat. I only blanketed him at night to keep him cozy and during the day had to take it off or he would sweat with it on. But, just keeping that chill off him at night helped keep him from going over board with a full winter coat. He did grow a coat but it suits are weather instead of what he had last year that was over kill and made him sweat all the time.

I think if you get bad winters or snow then you should hold off on blanketing until you really need it so the horse has a chance to adapt to the season and get that night chill to cause the thick winter coat to come in full. If you blanket in the beginning it will fool the horse into thinking it's not that cold yet so I don't need a full coat.

Same with dogs. House dogs that sleep inside and are kept cozy for the most part don't get as thick of coats as outside dogs do. Bring an outside dog inside and they start panting and getting hot with that thicker winter coat, put and inside dog out and you will eventually find them curled up in a ball at the patio trying to keep warm tell you let them back in. Put a blanket on both dogs and let them out side, I can bet you the outside dog starts to get hot while the inside dog is now fine with the extra insulation.

I think you just have to blanket for your type of winter and what you are trying to accomplish. With Muffin it was making him not grow that crazy thick winter coat so I blanketed early in the season and almost every night to keep his coat from growing in to thick. If you want a thick coat because the horse needs it then only blanket when it gets so cold the horse actually needs it.

pandorasmom

03-04-2009, 09:59 AM

If you want a thick coat because the horse needs it then only blanket when it gets so cold the horse actually needs it.

That's what I did this year with Panda. I've always heard not to blanket them to much or anything as it will cause the hair to not grow in enough. So I waited till it was actually cold enough she needed it and would let her wear it at night. She had and still has a pretty decent coat on her, though she's shedding. Her blanket isn't a big one anyways, just a lightweight one. Well you can see it in the pics. lol :p

So I just waited till we started having mostly cold weather and then used it. She doesn't seem to prefer one way or the other. Just my preference in knowing she's a little warmer with it on the nights it gets real cold. :)

FredRock

03-04-2009, 12:21 PM

Another question just for my curiousness, does your horse have the kind with the nose piece or not? I've only used one without out it for Panda. Didn't know which was better, or if it was personal preference?

It depends on the horse, too. I've found that horses that like to play halter tag or are rowdy in the field will lose a fly mask with a nose piece more easily than a "normal" mask. I might get one for Cheyenne this year though; she gets sunburned easily.

If your horse doesn't seem to like the mask, give a quick check and see if the mask isn't hitting her eyes on accident.

On blanketing for winter, I think if a horse has shown a decrease in coat production due to blanketing that it's probably because after a year the horse has become more adapted to the sun cycle. Usually we don't blanket until it's 30 or below up here, but that's more to let the horse's adapt to the cold and get their winter coat working like it should. I've found that this year, since I had to buy sheets for when it was raining but cold, that I've had more problems with riding in the cold because my horses aren't as well adapted to it.

pandorasmom

03-04-2009, 02:32 PM

Okay, I measured her the best I could with one of my sister's help, and from the center of her chest to about center of her tail it's about 73". This is measuring from center of chest, around middle part of shoulder, middle part of back leg(hip area) and to the center of rear, which is obviously center of her tail. LOL Whatcha think??

pandorasmom

03-04-2009, 02:37 PM

Here's a pic of approx. where I measured, hard to get it perfect on a PC. lol :p

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF0578-1.jpg

pandorasmom

03-04-2009, 02:39 PM

It depends on the horse, too. I've found that horses that like to play halter tag or are rowdy in the field will lose a fly mask with a nose piece more easily than a "normal" mask. I might get one for Cheyenne this year though; she gets sunburned easily.

If your horse doesn't seem to like the mask, give a quick check and see if the mask isn't hitting her eyes on accident.

Hey!

I don't have her with other horses so her only chance of getting it off is if she gets it caught on something. I do believe her kind is the breakaway too from what I remember the tag said. LOL I'm pretty sure it is.
I checked the mask over and it didn't seem to be hitting anywheres it shouldn't. Maybe I can put it back on her and take a pic with it to show y'all to make sure it does fit okay overall. This was last year also when she hadn't been with me as long and was still "iffy" we me, her surroundings,etc. IMO I think she was still trying to make sure she wasn't going to be dumped in another home. :(

IrisGreen

03-05-2009, 07:55 AM

Your blanket measurement sound much better! 73 sounds like that would suit her better. I just couldn't imagine her in the 60's for a blanket size. You did good! I would get her a 74" blanket and that should fit her well. Much better then her other blanket, poor girl had her hinny hanging out in the cold :p heehee :)

Some horses just don't like fly masks. So, it might not be the mask fitting wrong, it could just be her not liking it on because she's not used to it. I put my hand inside the mask to make sure it's not coming in to the eyes and I will feel around in there to make sure it's not touching the eyes. Tie her up when you do this. Muffin is used to it so he doesn't spook but just to be safe tie her up so she doesn't take off with your arm in her mask. Also, check the area around her ears and make sure it's not constricting. Some masks make the hole too narrow for some horses ears and it tend to pull there ears together and be uncomfortable. You want it to fit but not be so tight its always constricting the outside of the ears.

pandorasmom

03-05-2009, 08:08 AM

LOL thanks for the response!!! Another question, they have 72 or 75 in the defender blanket zoel posted on page 2, which do I get???? I'll double check the fly mask and will try and get a pic. I appreciate all your responses and continued help!!!! :)
Oh and thanks for the info on the fly predators, I really appreciate it. Gonna think on them and research more on them.

zoel_222

03-05-2009, 08:16 AM

Get the 75. Never get the next size down when it comes to blankets.

pandorasmom

03-05-2009, 08:36 AM

Okies, that's what I figured, but I just wanted to double check. :D

cloedoll

03-05-2009, 08:51 AM

Yep, I'd get the 75. :)

The ones with the nose piece are good for horses with pink noses or big white blazes that tend to get sun burnt. Other then that it's just a preference if you like the nose piece or feel you need it.

Yep, Cloe has a tiny bit of pink on her nosey:

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/cloedoll/Horses/Pasture/101007124-1.jpg

Luckily I don't have to worry, though, because she's stalled during the day and turned out at night...I mean sometimes she'll be out with the sun, but I've never had a problem. A LOT of horses do, though, but I don't think you have to worry about Pandora.

WP~Paint

03-05-2009, 05:23 PM

I too am looking at getting Yogi outfitted in fly clothing! How would this hold up you think, he does sometimes run through the trees from the bottom pasture up to the top pasture. I would imagine though that they have a path made. ok, I cant get the page to come up, but what about pro equine, do they make good stuff? Smith Brothers has one for a good price.

pandorasmom

03-05-2009, 06:34 PM

Yea Cloe, Panda has no pink on her nose, just white.

Question, what's the difference between these two and which should I get?

http://www.horse.com/Defender-Deluxe-Fly-Sheet-with-Belly-Band-BUM30.html

http://www.horse.com/Defender-Turnout-Fly-Sheet-BUM26.html

zoel_222

03-05-2009, 06:40 PM

One has a belly band and one does not. I've had bad experiences with belly bands. Every blanket I've ever used that had one fell over to one side. However, I've never used that sheet, and IrisGreen has and says it works fine for her. I've also seen some bad reviews so I'm not sure what to believe.

pandorasmom

03-05-2009, 06:41 PM

Hummmm......well I'm still puzzled. LOL :p I thought the only different was the belly band, but I ain't good with fly sheets as I've never used them or anything. You and Iris have so that's why I wanted to ask. :D :p

hummdeedum...what to do, what to do?

zoel_222

03-05-2009, 07:06 PM

The belly band is (supposedly) good because the flies can't bite their belly I guess. I've never had a fly sheet with a belly band, but I have had blankets and because the straps are on one side it pulls the blanket over and just doesn't work... I ended up selling them after only using them like 10 times because they sucked so bad.

I know I'm going to order the regular fly sheet. I have black listed belly bands. Terrible inventions. I know the regular sheet would work out just fine for you without the belly coverage. *If* the belly band stayed where it's supposed to it would be really nice, but it doesn't.... At least not for or any of the poor horses at my barn.

alittleoffkey

03-05-2009, 07:22 PM

I'm a little afraid of fly sheets. We have lots of red wasps and japanese hornets (the ones that hit the bug zapper, catch on fire and fall to the ground - catching the grass on fire :doh:) around here, and I'm petrified one would crawl inside a fly sheet, get stuck and just sting the poop out of my horses. Or a yellow jacket, then all the other yellow jackets would come... *shudders* I have enough issues worrying about them flying into my shirt.

Then again, I'm pretty paranoid about flying insects who sting. :rolleyes: :D

pandorasmom

03-05-2009, 07:33 PM

Then again, I'm pretty paranoid about flying insects who sting. :rolleyes: :D

LOL. Yea I get a lil' iffy around them too. :p I don't think we have anything more then yellow jackets,wasps, hornets and bees. Not to bad, huh?? Lol :p They never seem to bother Panda any.

Well I may just try without the belly band for now and see. Who knows? :p

cloedoll

03-05-2009, 07:51 PM

Do you notice Pandora itching her belly or having bug bites on her tummy? If so, a fly sheet with a belly band would be a good choice. Keidas would get his poor belly eaten up, break out in hives, etc. and I ended up lathering him up in the wipe version of the fly spray I bought because I never got around to buying a fly sheet. Cloe on the other hand never had that issue. SO it really depends on the horse, but I can't see having a belly band be a bad thing.

pandorasmom

03-05-2009, 08:01 PM

Well, last year she got sores on her stomach. They wouldn't fill with pus, but with a liquid like sappy stuff.

Here's a few pics I had taken of them, though they aren't the best pics.

They would start like this:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF2101-1.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF2111.jpg

And end up like this before the scab would come off:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF2252-1.jpg

I'm just as lost as a goose in a snowstorm, and I don't know for Pandora which would be better, ya know?

cloedoll

03-05-2009, 08:12 PM

Ouch! I don't know what that is, I'd say you should get the one with the belly band, though...maybe wait to see what others think? Sorry, I'm not much of help xD

IrisGreen

03-06-2009, 07:04 AM

I have a belly band on Muffins blanket but the huge difference is Muffin is a tank. His hips and butt are rather large so it fills in the "darts" on the rear of the blanket and helps keep it in place. I can't say it would be the same on a smaller horse that was more narrow.

So, If I were you I would go for the one with out the belly band. No since in ordering a fly sheet that might not stay on properly. With Muffin I took that chance because he is so wide he fills in a blanket nice and it stays in place better on him with his big hips and wide back.

The blanket is made well and the mesh is nice and hardy. I think it's was a good guy and there a good price right now so pick one up before the prices go up. :)

I like the belly band (so far) but I won't recommend it because I have no idea if it will stay in place on a narrow horse like it does on Muffins big butt:p

Palogal

03-06-2009, 07:07 AM

zoel_222

03-06-2009, 08:34 AM

There was a horse at a barn I worked at that had a full sly sheet complete with the neck part and a full fly mask with ears. He looked like Darth Vader. :hysterical: I think it helped him, but he sure looked funny! I do not use fly sheets on my horses but none of them have bad skin allergies either.

I was trail riding last summer and passed a boarding stable, and there was a horse turned out in a fly sheet with the neck thing, a mask with ears and leg wraps. My horse spooked so bad of him! :D

I don't have fly sheets for my other three because they don't have allergies and fly spray works fine for them. Not only does Whitney have allergies, but she must have sweet blood because she gets like 20x more bugs on her then the other ones.

pandorasmom

03-06-2009, 12:52 PM

pandorasmom

03-06-2009, 04:26 PM

Well they only have 72 or 81 in the Belly Band one, the one without is the 72 or 75. Was just fixing to order the belly band one and well, now what do I do?? Wait??

cloedoll

03-06-2009, 05:21 PM

Someone I read about said they use acv to put in food/water for it to get in the bloodstream. Kinda like Kinds like garlic in dogs. Anyone know if this helps? I'll just order the one without for now,bc Panda isn't chunky at all. Way toooooo narrow! LOL

I'm not familiar with acv, but you can find insect control supplements a lot of places and the main ingredient is garlic (or at least in most of them it is). You have to start supplementing the horse a few months before the flies come so it can get in their system, though. Here are some on SmartPak: http://smartpakequine.com/ProductCompare.aspx?CATID=19

I was considering trying them with Cloe, people on another forum claim they helped their horse A LOT...I think it might be more economical than using fly spray constantly and I was considering trying it with Cloe, but I dunno if it's too late to start her on it.

ETA: With my luck acv is an insect control supp. haha, so sorry if I sound stupid..I just dont know what acv is

pandorasmom

03-06-2009, 05:27 PM

ACV = Apple Cider Vinegar :D

cloedoll

03-06-2009, 05:30 PM

AH! Thank ya, lol. I'm sure it's the same thing, it's just which one is more effective...I can look around/research for you...I'm pretty interested in this myself. I'll let you know what I come up with. =)

pandorasmom

03-06-2009, 06:00 PM

Please do let me know whatcha find!

Zoel/Iris = Should I just wait on the blanket for now, until they get her size in the belly band kind? Sorry to be such a pest, *LOL* about this but I just want to make sure I get what she needs. :D

cloedoll

03-06-2009, 06:50 PM

After what Iris posted, I'm thinking maybe you should go ahead and go with the one w/o belly bands. Does the one w/ belly bands have a return policy? If so, I'd say try that out and if it fits, yay! I think it's best to have as much area covered as possible, I mean, you are paying for it...get the most bang for your buck. ;) If there isn't a return policy, then I'd go with the one w/o belly bands

pandorasmom

03-06-2009, 06:58 PM

I'm sucha idiot! I just realized I was going to get the one without the belly band anyways, and was worrying about sizes of the one with the belly band. Dadburnit am stupid or what?

zoel_222

03-06-2009, 07:05 PM

Well if I were you I wouldn't get the belly band, I'd get the other one. If you're worried about her tummy, smear some SWAT on there and fly spray it. If you really want that one wait till it's in her size or shop around on the web and see if you could find one.

I feed ACV every summer to my horses and there is a noticable difference. It's good stuff :)

pandorasmom

03-06-2009, 07:13 PM

Thanks Zoel! After what you and Iris said I had decided on the one without it. But then somewheres in my ever forgetful mind I was panicing they didn't have the size in the belly band one, that I needed. When all along I wasn't going to get it anyways after what y'all said. I can make something confusing,huh?
Sorry!

pandorasmom

03-06-2009, 07:26 PM

Okay It's ordered!!! WOOT WOOT!!! Aren't y'all happy?? :p

zoel_222

03-06-2009, 09:16 PM

woo hoo!! :banana:

cloedoll

03-08-2009, 11:42 AM

So I've been looking around for the insect control supplements vs. acv and couldn't find any comparisons neccessarily, but I'd try the acv...I found more articles with that in it. :)

dustys_girlly

03-08-2009, 01:26 PM

i dont think there is anything wrong with the ones with the belly band. Dusty's has one and i have never had a problem with it sliding or moving on her. but acv really helps and i have a friend that uses corral dust on her horses belly and she says it really helps. she puts some on a brush and then brushes it on.

pandorasmom

03-13-2009, 05:33 PM

Forgot to thank you Cloe for doing the research. I might give the ACV a try and see. Can't hurt? :p

Also, got the fly sheet in today, expect pics. I need input!

pandorasmom

03-13-2009, 06:15 PM

Here's the pics, so can you fly sheet pros tell me what's wrong, give it a whirl and list me what's wrong.
I'll say what I think about this and ask some questions:

The black back leg straps are as small as they can go. Are they hanging down to much? Are they suppose to be criss crossed or not? I've done both in the pics so you can see. Pandora doesn't care either way.
The belly straps IMO need to go tighter, what do you think?
Does the front stay snug, or loose? I don't like things tight/snug on her throat as she seems bothered when reaching down to eat. I think that's the only questions for now that I can think of.
What say y'all?

Her neck was turned in this pic hence the reason for the "fold" of skin laying across the top:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF1560.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF1553.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF1558.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF1564.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF1565.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF1572.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF1573.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF1555.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF1554.jpg

My poor less then impressed horse:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/summershadowfarm/DSCF1570.jpg

Also, it was a rainy day today here and Pandora wasn't sure why in the world I was coming to her stall with sucha heavy and stupid blanket. The flies weren't out or anything. Needless to say she wasn't very thrilled!!