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CHRONOFHORSE.COM M AY/J U N E 2 015 27 >> When You Want… BEAUTY AND THE BEAST I don't think there's a flysheet on the market more fashionable and fun than the Kensington 533KPS Traditional Cut Protective Sheet. It comes in a variety of colors from a traditional navy or hunter plaid to the brighter blue ice or plum ice. And you can get a fly mask, neck cover and wraps in matching colors! It's made of 1000 x 2000 Denier SuperMesh Textilene fabric, which is super tough and won't snag or succumb to a pasture mate's teeth. It's specially formulated to withstand fading, fire, mildew, soiling and wear and tear, even in the most extreme weather conditions. And it's certainly tough enough to prevent flies from biting through it. You can even use it to protect wounds, as it won't stick or abrade. The material also molds to your horse as it warms up. Two adjustable front buckles combine with a single, removable elastic belly band and leg straps to keep the sheet in place. The shoulders are lined with a thin nylon to protect your horse's hair, but this is another blanket that probably won't work for a super thin-skinned charge. The tougher the fabric, almost inevitably the rougher it is on their coat. However, if you have a horse that's slow to shed, this sheet may help. The mesh removes old and dead hair, which makes it a great choice for spring. I'd also hesitate to use this sheet in very hot, humid climates, although it is 78 percent air permeable and 73 percent UV resistant. You can also wet it down with cold water to provide extra cooling. Available in sizes 68-86 and a variety of colors including English navy, deluxe black, plum ice, blue ice, deluxe red, citrus slate, black ice and patriot plaid. $149.99. Visit Kensingtonproducts.com to purchase. Kensington 533KPS Traditional Cut Protective Sheet >> When You Want… "NO-FLY ZONE" FEATURES ON A BUDGET Love the features of Horseware's fly sheets but hesitating at the price? Try SmartPak's Deluxe Fly Sheet with No-Fly Zone. It features fabric infused with the same odorless, EPA-registered insect repellent, which helps keep the bugs at bay and lasts more than 35 washings. A detachable, lined neck cover is useful for head-to-tail coverage (Smart- Pak advertises up to 95 percent UV protection), in addition to keeping your horse fly free. Two T-hook fasteners and Velcro close the sheet at the chest, and two crisscrossing belly surcingles fasten underneath. A tail cord keeps the sheet from blowing up in the wind or shifting. The shoulders and front are lined to help prevent rubs. The material absolutely keeps the bugs off and is cool enough for all but the hottest of summer days. The whole sheet fits in what I can only describe as a "drapey" fashion to provide maximum coverage. The neck is a bit large on my Thoroughbreds, but it would probably be perfect for a heftier breed. It also doesn't feature a shoulder gusset like some of its competitors, so thinner- skinned horses may experience some hair loss. The one complaint that shows up online about this sheet is its durability, and I experienced that problem myself. My horse had one of the belly surcingles completely ripped off within a week of beginning to wear this sheet. However, SmartPak offers top-notch customer service, and they had a new one shipped out to me immediately, which stood up to a summer's worth of use with no issue. Available in sizes 69-84; illusion blue. $147.95. Purchase from Smartpakequine.com. SmartPak Deluxe Fly Sheet with No-Fly Zone Locochee Farm is an extraordinary 95 acre equestrian property located in the heart of Middleburg, Virginia's hunt country. Property includes a renovated 4 BR, 4 1/2 BA stone main house, state-of-the-art 18 stall barn, 100'x200' indoor arena, 150'x180' outdoor ring, miles of trails, large&small paddocks w/run-ins, 4 car garage, 2 BR/BA apt, and cottage. Ideal opportunity for the professional equestrian. $3.1m Crosswinds Farm is a stunning 72 acre equestrian property located in Piedmont Virginia's hunt country. Incredible views and ride out, PJ Williams built 7 stall barn, office, tack room, wash stall, feed room, 1/2 bath and lots of storage. 5 large paddocks with run-in sheds. 100'x200' ring w excellent footing. Wonderful one bedroom/bath apt w/den; heart pine floors, top appliances, screened porch. Property has several potential home sites. $1.5m PLEASE CONTACT: Marci A. Welsh Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Middleburg, Virginia 20117 Cell: (703) 906-5802

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