The flies are bad here - really bad. They're so bad that it was time to put a fly sheet on Whisper to help reduce the welts that she was so frequently coming in with. The Upland Basic Turnout Fly Sheet seemed like an affordable yet not too cheap option. So we gave it a try.

All in all, I've been very pleased with this fly sheet. It's now held up the entire season, which is a true testament to its durability. Sure, it will never again be the brilliant white that it was when I first removed it from the package (Whisper saw to that within about ten minutes of my having put it on her), but it still does the job.

The fly sheet features belly surcingles which fasten tightly and securely. They're also easily adjustable, and the surcingles themselves are soft. The front closure has two buckles so that you can adjust it for the best fit, and the metal hardware has held up well.

I particularly like the fleece padding up by the withers, since Whisper has been rubbed there by other blankets before. The fly sheet is cut in a way that it does put some pressure on the withers, but the padding helps to lift and shift that pressure, and Whisper wasn't ever rubbed by it.

I had a bit of difficulty with the neck closure - something about the cut just didn't fit Whisper right and the neck kept sliding down and back. Once I'd adjusted it to the smallest setting, the sliding was reduced, but I still needed to go shift the sheet around at least a few times a day. It's not a sheet I'd recommend to use if you can't be there to take it off or reposition it at least once a day, unless the sheet fits your horse better than it did Whisper.

Lightweight and soft, this sheet helped to lessen the amount of flies that bothered Whisper. It's an affordable option and is one that I'd consider buying again. You can order the Upland Basic Turnout Fly Sheet from Dover Saddlery.

The flies are out, so it's time for the fly masks to go to work. I picked up the Crusader Fly Mask Standard with Ears because it looked to be a comfortable mask that would fit Whisper well. It also offers 70% UV protection, which is particularly important given the fact that Whisper is a grey and spends a lot of time outside in the sun.

I wasn't disappointed by this fly mask. I guessed on the sizing, although Cashel provides an impressive size and measurement chart on the back of the package. The mask fit Whisper just about perfectly, securing well beneath her jaw but also leaving her enough room to graze and chew comfortably while wearing it. The double Velcro closure is well designed to be secure, but a strong elastic piece will also help the mask to fall away if your horse gets hung up.

This mask features darts to help keep the mesh up away from the horse's eyes, and it works well - there's plenty of clearance when Whisper's wearing it. Unique to this mask is also the hole for the horse's forelock. This hole allows for the forelock to be kept out of the horse's eyes, and I think it also helps to keep the mask from shifting about.

I like the fact that all of the edges of this mask are lined with fleece for the horse's comfort. The lighter fabric used for the ears and upper portions of the mask is soft and light. And, on the whole, the mask is relatively lightweight and easy to see through.

And while fly masks aren't cute by definition, this one is...more attractive - dare I say "stylish"? - than most. I picked up the pink mask, not because Whisper particularly likes pink, but because 5% of the proceeds go to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The donation helps to justify the slightly higher price tag than other fly masks - $25.95. Protecting my horse AND fighting breast cancer? There's not much better than that.

Stomping at flies all day is more than just annoying for your horse - it can take a toll on your horse’s hooves and joints, especially when the ground is dried out and hard in the summer. Shoofly Leggins take a shot at stopping this pesky problem without the use of chemicals. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun!)

The Shoofly Leggins are made from a plastic flexible mesh that has very fine holes in it. The bottoms are covered with a soft fleece, and the Leggins attach with Velcro. They include sewn-in plastic staves which run the length of the Leggin and prevent it from falling down or collapsing around the fetlock.

I found it easiest to apply the Leggins by fastening the bottom Velcro tab first and then working my way up the leg. They’re a bit different from applying boots or fly leg wraps, since the tops of the Leggins hang open by a few inches. The different feel caused Whisper (who is very sensitive) to get a little nervous the first time I put the Leggins on her back legs. However, she quickly relaxed and did not have this problem during the second time I put the Leggins on. Whisper did, however, exaggerate her walk to let me know that the Leggins felt funny, but she only did this for about a minute before relaxing and forgetting she was wearing them.

The Leggins really seen to work. I watched Whisper closely the first time I put them on - despite having flies land on her body, she didn’t once stomp a leg during the half-hour I spent standing with her (I, however, was bitten repeatedly). I’ve watched her in the pasture with these and she seems quite comfortable. I even noted flies landing on the Leggins, but not on Whisper’s legs themselves.

The Leggins have an interesting design, and I’m not sure what I think about how open they are at the top. The package insert states that flies will not crawl down into the Leggins, but I still wonder about flies flying down and landing on the legs, though I haven’t seen this happen.

I like that the Velcro is strong and runs all the way up the Leggin. Someone was definitely thinking when they designed this product - they kindly left an extra tab on the Velcro that sticks out and makes removing the Leggins easy. I do wish there was a bit more adjustability to the Velcro, though. The Leggins are available in mini, small, medium, and large sizes, and though the height fit Whisper’s legs I would have liked to have been able to adjust the Leggins so they were a bit tighter around her fetlock. Whisper has petite Thoroughbred legs, so any boot I put on her needs to be tall but also have a narrower adjustment.

I also like the fact that the Leggins are a chemical-free alternative form of fly protection for your horse. They are available in a bright blue, orange, and pink, all colors that make them easy to spot if your horse should lose them in the pasture. They’re easy to apply and to remove and while I’ve only had mine for a short time, they seem to be well made and durable.

My only suggestion, besides more adjustability with the Velcro, would be some sort of a safety release. The fact that the mesh is strong and durable leaves me a bit concerned that if a horse were to freakishly catch a back of in the Leggin of a front leg, it might not detach or tear easily. This scenario is probably highly unlikely, but we all know horses and how they make the unbelievable all too possible when it comes to injuries.

I’m impressed with the Shoofly Leggins and how well they work. Whisper was clearly more comfortable with them. Paired with a fly sheet and a fly mask, your horse could probably go out in the worst flies and still be comfortable.

To learn more about Shoofly Leggins, visit their website or Facebook page.

As you prepare to help your horse fight the flies this summer, fly masks will be among your best defenses. Lucky for you, I plan ridiculously far ahead; Whisper’s new fly mask from SmartPak arrived in the mail a few weeks ago, so maybe this review can help you select the fly mask that’s right for your horse this summer.

I ordered the SmartPak Classic Fly Mask, based on its very reasonable price and the fact that it would cover Whisper’s ears. The mask is nicely designed – the fleece lining is soft, and the darts lift the mask up and well away from Whisper’s eyes. I’m impressed with the Velcro closure – it’s a large, double-sided patch which offers excellent strength. The fabric is light and easy to see through (yes, I checked) and the ear coverings are generously sized and use a soft mesh.

My only warning with this mask would be the fact that it runs small. I ordered the Horse size for Whisper, a 16-hand Thoroughbred, and the mask just fits her. If she were the slightest bit larger, I’d be returning the mask. Still, it’s an excellent value as long as you don’t have a large horse.