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!