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Fly Protection for Horses | Rugs, Masks, Spray & Skin Care | Emmers Equestrian
Everything you need to protect your horse through fly season, shop the complete horse fly protection range at Emmers Equestrian, available in-store and online with worldwide shipping. Flies, midges, and biting insects are one of the most persistent challenges of horse ownership, causing genuine stress, discomfort, and in some cases serious skin conditions that can affect a horse's wellbeing and performance throughout the summer months. At Emmers Equestrian we stock a comprehensive range of equestrian fly protection products so that every horse, whatever their sensitivity, breed, or management routine, can be kept comfortable from the first warm day of spring to the last bite of autumn.
Our horse fly protection range covers four essential categories. Fly sheets provide full-body mesh protection during turnout, shielding your horse's coat and skin from biting insects while allowing air to circulate freely, lightweight enough to wear on the warmest summer days while offering valuable UV protection for sensitive coats. Horse fly masks protect the face, eyes, and ears - the areas most targeted by flies and the most distressing for horses to have irritated with soft, breathable mesh and secure fastenings that stay in place throughout the day in the field. Together, a fly rug and fly mask combination gives your horse complete head-to-tail protection during turnout.
Fly spray for horses complements physical barriers by repelling insects from exposed areas of skin, particularly useful on the legs, belly, and any parts not covered by a rug, and for horses who are worked and ridden during fly season. For horses that suffer from the effects of insect bites, whether sweet itch, general skin irritation, or the mane and tail rubbing that makes summer miserable for so many horses, our range of itchy skin and sweet itch treatment products provides targeted soothing relief and support for damaged, sensitive skin. For horses with more severe reactions, we also stock eczema rugs: specialist rugs designed with finer mesh, extended coverage across the belly, neck, and hindquarters, and a closer, more secure fit specifically developed to minimise midge access for horses prone to eczema and sweet itch. Used alongside fly spray and skin care treatments, an eczema rug forms a critical part of a complete management plan for the most sensitive horses.
Shop the full fly protection range for horses at Emmers Equestrian online with worldwide delivery, or visit one of our stores in Belgium or the Netherlands where our knowledgeable team can help you build the right fly protection plan for your horse's individual needs, breed, and management routine.
Frequently Asked Questions - Fly Protection for Horses
What is the best fly protection for horses?
The most effective fly protection combines multiple approaches: a fly sheet (fly rug) for full-body protection during turnout, a fly mask to protect the face, eyes, and ears, fly spray applied to exposed areas not covered by a rug, and appropriate skin treatments for horses that suffer from itching or irritation caused by insect bites. No single product covers all scenarios, the best results come from layering physical barriers with topical repellents and soothing skin care. Emmers Equestrian stocks all four categories in-store and online to help you build a complete fly protection plan for your horse.
What is the difference between a fly blanket and a fly mask?
A fly blanket is a lightweight mesh turnout rug designed to protect the horse's body from flies and insects without adding warmth. A fly mask is a separate accessory that covers the horse's face, eyes, and ears. The two products work together: a fly mask protects the head while a fly blanket covers the body, giving complete head-to-tail protection during turnout. For most horses, using both during peak fly season provides the most comprehensive protection available.
How do I protect my horse from sweet itch?
Sweet itch is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of Culicoides midges. Managing it effectively requires a multi-layered approach: an eczema rug with fine mesh and extended belly, neck, and hindquarter coverage to physically block midges from the most vulnerable areas; a fly mask for facial and ear protection; fly spray applied to exposed skin especially at dawn and dusk when midges are most active; and soothing skin care products to relieve itching and repair damaged skin on affected areas such as the mane, tail, and belly. Standard fly sheets offer useful protection for mildly sensitive horses, but horses with confirmed sweet itch typically benefit most from a dedicated eczema rug designed specifically for this condition, as the finer mesh and more complete body coverage significantly reduces midge access compared to a standard fly rug. Stabling during peak midge activity, dawn and dusk, is also recommended where possible. Emmers Equestrian stocks eczema rugs, fly masks, fly spray, and itchy skin treatments, our team can help you build a complete sweet itch management routine for your horse.
When should I start using fly protection for my horse?
Fly protection should ideally begin before fly and midge populations peak, typically from early spring (March to April in Belgium and the Netherlands) when temperatures start to rise and insects become active. Starting early prevents horses from becoming stressed or irritated before their protection is in place, and allows time to find the right fit for fly masks and rugs before the busiest part of the season. For horses with sweet itch, beginning fly protection as early as possible in the season is especially important, as the allergic reaction can worsen with repeated exposure.
How long does horse fly spray last?
The duration of horse fly spray varies by product formulation, most quality fly sprays provide protection for between 4 and 8 hours under normal conditions, though this can be reduced by sweating, rain, or very high insect pressure. For horses being ridden or worked, re-applying fly spray before exercise is recommended. Fly spray is most effective when used in combination with physical protection such as fly rugs and masks, which provide continuous protection without the need for repeated application.
Can I use fly spray under a fly rug?
Yes, fly spray can be applied to a horse's skin before putting on a fly rug, which can provide additional protection on the legs, belly, and any areas where the rug's coverage is less complete. This is particularly useful for horses with sweet itch or in environments with very high midge pressure. Apply the spray, allow it to dry briefly, then fit the rug as normal. Always check the fly spray's instructions for any guidance on use with rugs or other equipment.
What products help with itchy skin and sweet itch in horses?
For horses that suffer from itchy skin, sweet itch, or insect bite reactions, a range of topical products can provide meaningful relief alongside physical fly protection. Soothing creams and lotions help calm inflamed, irritated skin and support the skin's natural barrier function. Some products contain natural anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial ingredients that help prevent secondary skin infections caused by rubbing and scratching. Emmers Equestrian stocks a selection of itchy skin and sweet itch treatment products — our team can advise on the right product for your horse's specific condition and skin type.
Can I buy fly protection for horses online with worldwide delivery?
Yes, Emmers Equestrian offers the complete horse fly protection range online with worldwide shipping, including fly sheets, fly masks, fly spray, and itchy skin treatment products. Riders and horse owners anywhere in the world can browse and order directly through the Emmers Equestrian website for delivery to their door. In-store purchase is also available at our shops in Belgium and the Netherlands, where our team can provide personalised advice on building the right fly protection plan for your horse.