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28 M AY/J U N E 2 015 UNTACKED What do you choose for the thin- skinned Thoroughbred who gets hot under his sheet, needs full coverage all summer long, and likes to play blanket tag? The Amigo Bug Buster Vamoose with No-Fly Zone. This sheet has all the features a sensitive pony could desire. The soft sun-reflecting knitted polyester fabric and additional shoulder protection ensured my gelding's hair stayed put rather than rubbing off throughout the summer, despite many hours of wear. The fabric is light enough that he didn't sweat under his sheet until we reached peak Virginia summer heat and humidity. But it's also sturdy such that it didn't disintegrate when it encountered a branch or another horse's teeth (a common occurrence at my farm). That same fabric includes No-Fly Zone Insect Control Technology—the material was treated with Permethrin, a common synthetic chemical used in many fly sprays—to help further reduce the flies. I can't swear that it works, but it's odorless and certainly doesn't hurt. The No-Fly Zone is supposed to remain effective for 70 washings. The sheet comes with a removable neck cover, important if you're trying to keep your horse's coat from fading. Velcro backs up the T-hook fasteners at every attachment point. Three straps under the stomach, a built-in belly band, and a tail strap under the extra-large tail flap keep the sheet in place. The sides are also very deep for extra coverage. While this sheet did show some signs of wear and tear after a full season's use, it held up well and will definitely be my go-to fly sheet in the future. Available in sizes 66-84; silver/navy. $155. Purchase or find a distributor near you on Horseware.com. >> If You Like… A COORDINATED ENSEMBLE Want an economical fly sheet that comes with fly wraps and a matching fly mask? Look no further than the Weatherbeeta Genero Bug Sac. This workmanlike model isn't fancy, but it has everything you need. A single buckle attaches in the front with a small strip of Velcro to keep it in place. Two crisscrossing belly surcingles feature T-hook fasteners, and sewn-in leg straps help keep the sheet in place. It's made of a sturdy but lightweight polyester mesh, so it keeps bugs off your horse, doesn't create excess heat, and provides up to 70 percent UV protection. The shoulders are lined, and there's fleece over the withers to enhance your horse's comfort. Weatherbeeta Genero Bug Sac Shires Sweet-Itch Combo Amigo Bug Buster Vamoose with No-Fly Zone >> If You Need… FULL-BODY COVERAGE I have to admit I chuckled when I removed my Shires Sweet-Itch Combo fly sheet from its packaging. The neck on this sheet goes all the way up and over the horse's poll and has ear holes to keep it from sliding down. But while it kind of reminds me of a superhero cape, it nicely solves the problem of the 3-4" of unprotected skin that usually occurs with most neck covers. I was a little concerned how my horse would tolerate wearing a sheet that attached to his ears, but it didn't seem to bother him at all. It's quite stretchy and has large shoulder gussets, so it didn't make it difficult for him to graze or move around. The fabric on the Sweet-Itch Combo is lightweight 600 denier ripstop, so it's not your typical mesh fly sheet. Four Velcro tabs attach under the neck, and the front closes with two metal buckles and nylon straps with Velcro back-up. A detachable belly band with three single straps keeps tummies protected as well, and you can either use leg straps in the back or convert to a tail cord, depending on your preference. One of the drawbacks of this sheet for me was the time it took to dress my horse in it. He was absolutely covered once I got everything done up, but it did take me a few extra minutes each morning. It was perfect for moderate days, but it got too hot for summer's peak in Virginia. This sheet is machine washable and seems very durable. In general, it's a great choice for complete protection from bugs and the sun's fading UV rays. Available in sizes 69-84; white with brown trim. $129.99. Visit Shiresequestrian.com to buy or find a retailer near you. TEST LAB R TOP PICK >> When You're Looking For… THE PERFECT ALL-ROUNDER This is a no-frills fly sheet with the quality of Weatherbeeta behind it. Available in sizes 66-84; white/ brown. $89.99. Visit Weatherbeeta. com to find a retailer near you.

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