This flysheet has survived more than a year of abuse at this time and is still holding up very well.

 Schneiders advertises this product line as “protecting against the smallest biting insects as well as large flies; shaping to the horse; allowing maximum air flow; staying cool in sun; providing 60% UV protection; and durable for turnout.”  I can tell you that these claims have proven accurate for me.  Tiny has gone through numerous fly protection products throughout the years and this one is by far the best.  I opted for the bellyband style to help protect her midline, where the majority of her sores were found.  I like Schneiders products because they have a unique Adjusta-Fit system that allows you to customize the shoulder fit for each horse.  Other nice features include fleece lined wither protection and a breathable nylon lining in the shoulder area to prevent rubbing.  I was worried that this lining might be too hot in the Florida sun, but Tiny doesn’t seem to be bothered by it.  In fact, it does a great job of polishing her coat and bringing out a deep shine!  The light color does a great job of reflecting the sun and doesn’t absorb much heat.

The fine mesh window screen fabric holds up very well to the abuses of turnout.  I would rate this durability as “excellent” although Schneiders claims the sheet is “very good” for turnout conditions.  I believe I’ve gone through about 3 of these sheets since I started using them 4 years ago.  I generally buy one per year because they do eventually get beat up; but remember, this is a horse that LIVES in these things.  The only time she gets them off is when she’s being ridden or groomed.  Year round.  Given that, I think my claim of excellent durability is solid, especially when this product is compared to others like it. 

There are only a couple of negative features that I would comment on.  The first is that the nylon lining in the shoulder area serves to increase UV protection for that area.  Therefore, I have noticed that she does get a bit bleached out on other parts of her body and she often has a “tan line” from the nylon lining.  It’s not terribly obvious, but if I were showing her in halter or showmanship it would be an issue.  Although most show horses aren’t turned out all day in the sun, either.  The second (and most troublesome) flaw is the difficulty I’ve had in ordering this product.  Every time I’ve tried to order it, it’s been on backorder for months.  Apparently EVERYONE loves this product as much as I do (it’s received 5 stars on Schneiders’ rating system) and they’ve had trouble keeping it – and the matching accessories – in stock.  I just checked the website and the product line seems to be well stocked at this time, so maybe they have increased production to meet demand. 

Tiny is so much happier now that we've found the Mosquito Mesh flysheet!

In summary, if you have a horse that is bothered by gnats, mosquitos,  and no-see-ums, consider using the Schneiders Mosquito Mesh fly protection line.  It has lived up to all of its claims and more and is well worth the $70 price tag.

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!