What it SHOULD look like... Image courtesy of Schneiders Saddlery

As most of you know, Tiny has a severe allergy to gnat bites.  As a result, I’m always on the hunt for anything that will prevent a reaction and make her more comfortable.  So far, keeping her covered with a fly mask, neck cover, and fly sheet have done the trick and this summer was relatively itch-free for her.  In August, it was time to replace her neck cover and so I hit up Schneiders Saddlery for a good deal.  The neck cover I originally wanted was out of stock and so I chose another from the selection:  the Interlock Soft Mesh Neck Cover.  It seemed to fit the criteria:  light colored with UV protection to protect against the hot Florida sun, fine mesh to protect against those “no-see-ums” that torment Tiny, and 420 denier nylon mesh advertised as tough for turnout.  The price was right (about $15, plus shipping) so I gave it a shot. 

My reaction? Not impressed.  At all.  Upon arrival, I tried it on Tiny and she was swimming in it.  A size medium was advertised for her sheet size, but was extremely large on her and I had to rig it to close securely.  The mesh was fine, as promised, but the durability was horrible.  She had it for about a week before it was torn in several places – two weeks and it was destroyed.  Now I know that my horse is not the most dainty or gentle of creatures, but she had kept her previous neck cover for almost a year and the only reason it needed to be replaced was because the velcro stopped sticking.   A week?  Come on….

I can’t comment on Schneider’s customer service here.  The item did arrive promptly after I ordered it.  Although it was large when I got it, I did not try to return the product.  By the time it arrived, Tiny was already having a reaction to the bugs, had rubbed out half of her mane, and was developing itchy, raw sores on her neck.  I figured I could make it work for at least a few months until my first choice option was back in stock.  I was out of town for a week after she got the hood and by the time I got home, it was so filthy and trashed I didn’t even think it was worth the trouble to try to return it. 

What it DOES look like

Overall, I would not recommend the Interlock Soft Mesh products from Schneiders Saddlery (a matching mask and sheet are also available).  The material used is very soft and has no durability at all.  I’m not really sure what environment this product would be suitable for, as even rubbing on a wooden stall wall would tear it.  While the price can’t be beat, in this case the old adage fits:  you get what you pay for!

For those of you that don’t know Tiny, she has MAJOR issues with flies.  Poor thing has sensitivities to bug bites and has become a bit OCD about being bitten.  Until now, I have not found a fly spray that fit the bill by providing her protection and peace of mind.  That is, until my vet spritzed her with Toad Mist during an exam about a month ago.

This product is AMAZING.  In an instant, the flies were gone.  A few brave souls lingered on at first, but didn’t attempt a landing and soon headed off in search of another horse to bite.  Tiny immediately relaxed and did not move again during her exam. 

Just to make this product even more appealing, it is ALL NATURAL!!!  I am a big fan of using products that are non-toxic  and environmentally friendly.  This is the first natural fly spray that I have used that has been more effective than the typically found synthetic sprays.  And it smells great too.

I have purchased a bottle from my local tack store and it has continued to live up to the initial response.  Tiny can be turned out or ridden after being sprayed and does not seem perturbed by buzzing insects.  And it lasts for a long time too!  If you are looking for a fly spray that works, check this product out.  If it can take out the Florida summer bugs, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!  You can purchase it online or at select tack stores.  Check the website for  more details.