Are you still on the hunt for the ideal fly mask for your horse? I may have found it. I've been thoroughly impressed by the Horze Fly Mask with Ears, and I think that Whisper would say the same. Here's why.

This fly mask is truly designed with a horse's comfort and safety in mind. I love the fact that there is a soft foam padding at the edges of the poll and the noseband to help prevent rubbing and irritation. The mask features two strips of strong, adjustable Velcro which keep it securely fastened - I've had it on Whisper for almost two months now, and the mask hasn't come off once. Additionally, the mask provides great coverage - it comes down well under the chin, and the underside is elastic, so your horse can still chew and flex comfortably.

Throughout daily use, this mask has continued to hold up well. It hasn't ever collapsed down onto Whisper's eyes, as other masks do, and it's definitely made of durable material. My guess is that this mask will likely last the entire season, at least at the rate that it's going.

If I had one criticism of the mask, it would be that it's not quite as visible as some of the other masks out there. This mask has a tight weave, which is advantageous in that it keeps even the tiniest bugs out. You can still see through it (yes, I tried), but I think I would like it even more if the visibility were improved just a tiny bit. Still, I have no qualms about turning Whisper out with the mask on in the daytime, and she doesn't seem at all bothered by it.

The Horze Fly Mask with Ears retails for $19.95 and is well worth the investment.

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.

Let's face it: The last thing you really want to do in summer is pull on a pair of breeches. They're hot, they're tight, and they do NOT make a good match with sweaty legs. But the Kerrits Flow Rise Performance Tight changes all of that, and makes a great option for warm weather riding.

The Kerrits Flow Rise Performance Tight is lightweight, breathable, and is possibly the softest riding tight I've found. It's ultra-comfortable, and even the stitching is non-irritating. The fabric is four-way stretchable, meaning that it gives and moves with your movement, a major plus when you're mounting up and riding. It's not restrictive at all, and until wearing these tights, I didn't realize just how restrictive some of my breeches actually are.

I have to admit, when I first felt these tights I didn't think they'd hold up to the demands of riding. They're thin, which is great because it also makes them breathable and lightweight, but they're also soft, and it just didn't feel like there was enough there to hold up to stirrup rubs and hours in the saddle.

I was wrong. These tights have held up beautifully, and they're comfortable even in sticky-hot weather. There's a noticeable difference between wearing these tights and wearing other breeches or tights - these are of a much lighter weight and I found myself far more comfortable in them in the heat. The two-inch elastic waistband further adds to their comfort, as it doesn't dig in like other waistbands do.

These tights are definitely made with attention to quality. The knee patches have held up well, and all of the stitching in these tights is straight, accurate, and strong. The leg cuffs have a bit of elastic sewn into the insides to keep them from riding up, and the overall style of the tights is flattering, cut well and close to the body without being restrictive. I'm also impressed with the range of colors these tights are available in, from the traditional to brighter, patterned colors.

These tights have clearly proven themselves to be excellent for summer riding, and I'd definitely recommend them. I would, though, love to see the addition of belt loops to these tights for a bit more of a secure fit. (Kerrits sizing on these tights is generous, so if you're between sizes, measure carefully and you'll probably want to go a size down.)

You can buy the Flow Rise Performance Tight from Kerrits directly. Be sure to also check out the Kerrits Facebook page.

July has been hot and humid here, so the time has definitely been right to test out Polar Products, Inc.'s Cool Comfort® Hidden Vest and the Cool Comfort® Deluxe Sports Vest. Both of these vests use Polar Products' Cool Comfort® technology. According to Polar Products, this "innovative new hybrid cooling system combines the efficient cooling power of evaporation with the direct cooling of frozen water."

Each vest is activated by submerging it in cool water for up to 20 minutes. During that time the crystals contained in the vest expand into pea-sized balls, absorbing water. As you wear the vest, the water slowly evaporates, cooling you in the process. You can also freeze the vests for additional cooling.

The Hidden Vest (the tan vest in these photos) is lightweight and involves minimal fabric. The fabric is stretchy, making it comfortable to wear, and it also remains incredibly light, even once the crystals have absorbed water. This vest is also highly adjustable. It features three Velcro straps in the front that you can easily adjust, and a Velcro strap on either side of the vest's bottom allows for a tailored fit and keeps the vest from riding up or bouncing.

I found the Cool Comfort® Hidden Vest to be excellent for riding. It's lightweight and comfortable, and the fact that you can adjust it in a number of ways allows you to fit it to your body. Best of all, even when the crystals are expanded the channels they are contained in are narrow enough that the vest still fits discreetly under clothing. It would be a great addition if you're showing on a hot day, since it easily fits under a hunt coat and no one will know that you're wearing it.

The Cool Comfort® Deluxe Sports Vest (the blue vest in these pictures) is a bit more substantial than the Cool Comfort® Hidden Vest. It features a heavier-duty fabric than what is used in the Hidden Vest, and a zipper fastens the front. This vest isn't as fitted as the Hidden Vest, and it's not something that you could wear beneath a hunt coat or other clothing. With its looser fit, I did find that this vest moved around quite a bit during the ride, especially at the trot. It is also substantially heavier than the Hidden Vest, so I'd recommend it for wearing during barn work, ground work, or other chores.

The advantage of the Deluxe Sports Vest is that it does contain more cooling crystals, and I found that it cooled me faster than the Hidden Vest. These crystals also make it bulkier, though, so you have to select the vest that's most in line with the qualities most important to you. I found that freezing both vests led to faster cooling, but the cooling properties of the Deluxe Sports Vest also lasted longer than the Hidden Vest.

In summary, both vests were effective. I tested them in the high humidity of Massachusetts, so if you live in a lower-humidity climate, then you may not find it necessary to freeze the vests, as the evaporative properties may be more effective. I found that the Cool Comfort® Deluxe Sports Vest provides more thorough, faster cooling, but the Cool Comfort® Hidden Vest's incredibly discreet design makes it appealing for anyone riding in a show or clinic.

Be sure to check out our review of Polar Products' Cool Max Fashion Vest, then visit the Polar Products website and Facebook page. Be sure to tell them that The Equine Insider sent you!.

I hate the heat. I really, really hate it. Especially when I'm riding or doing barn chores in it. So I've been searching (for years) for something that would make riding/running/just being outside in the heat more tolerable.

I think I've found it. The Kool Max® Fashion Vest by Polar Products uses frozen inserts to cool you during hot days. The vest offers five pockets where you can use the inserts, three of which are located on your spine to provide maximum cooling.

I know, I know - how often do we, as equestrians, have access to a freezer? What if I told you that Polar Products also makes special ice packs called Cool58™ Packs that can freeze at a temperature of 58 degrees? That's right, they can freeze in your fridge. But do they work?

The answer, in short: YES. Incredibly well, actually. I popped these packs into my fridge and within about an hour, they were frozen solid. Here's a tip: Make sure that you lay the packs out flat; when I say they freeze solid, I mean SOLID, so you might have an awkward half-bent pack sticking into your back if you don't think ahead.

Now on to the vest itself. I'm in love. I mean it - true love. I tried the vest with both the Cool58™ Packs and the standard ice packs that it comes with. I found that both worked equally well, but the Cool58™ Packs give you the obvious advantage of not needing to have access to a freezer to freeze them - you can toss them in your fridge or throw them into a bucket of ice water.

The vest features five pouches for the inserts - three on the spine, and one on each side of the front. The pouches are each individually insulated to help make the cooling effect last longer, and a bit of Velcro at the top makes inserting and removing the packs easy.

This vest is somewhat fitted, and was very comfortable. It features two outer pockets, so it's work-friendly. A front zipper keeps it secure, and I found its fit to be pretty flattering, even with the ice packs inserted. Because it's fitted, it doesn't bounce around much at all. The only suggestion I'd have would be to insert a drawstring around the bottom edge so that riders can truly cinch the vest up against themselves.

I wore this vest both while riding and doing barn chores, and simply loved it. I chose super-hot, super-humid days to put this vest to the test, and it passed with flying colors. Each time I wore the vest outside its cooling properties lasted for between three and four hours. I wore it over a light T-shirt and could feel the cooling well. I was much more comfortable, and was a happier person as a result.

When my apartment's air-conditioning cut out, this vest went to work. I wore it as I was sitting on the couch and cleaning the apartment, and found it to be wonderfully soothing. It's fairly lightweight - just a few pounds with all of the packs inserted - and I found that I could comfortably sit and lie on the couch with it on (without the ice packs digging into my back).

I found the Kool Max Fashion Vest to be well made and of a great quality. Its seams and stitching are all straight and tight, and it's held up incredibly well to the wear that I've put on it. The vest itself is lightweight and quite breathable, made of cotton and spandex, and it can be machine washed, which is an advantage it has over many other cooling products. It's also highly effective even in muggy climates, since it doesn't use evaporation technology.

This vest is great for riding and barn chores, and I also think it would be excellent for long show days when you're standing around waiting. I have it in black, so it's discreet, and it doesn't look bulky when you're wearing it. It can't quite fit under my hunt coat, but it's perfect for schooling, lessons, or downtime on show days.

The one drawback to this vest (and to the Cool58™ Packs) is price. It is pricey (the vest is listed at $129.95 and the Cool58™ Packs are listed at $57.50 for a set), but then again, for the comfort it offers, I say it's totally worth it, especially if you're outside in the heat for long hours, or if you're heat-sensitive. This vest is a quality product that seriously works. Now that I have this vest, I don't know how I could live without it.  

Want to learn more? Check out all of the cooling products offered by Polar Products on their website, or on their Facebook page. (And let them know that The Equine Insider sent you!) We'll have reviews of two more cooling products from Polar Products coming up shortly - in the meantime, check out our review of Polar's Cool Comfort Crown Cooler.

Looking for a way to stay cool in the summer? The Kerrits Venti Shortsleeve shirt is specially designed for equestrians. Made with Cooltek fabric which wicks moisture and uses rapid evaporation technology, this shirt is designed to keep you cool in the saddle and around the barn.

I found this shirt to be lightweight and comfortable even during some super humid days. While it is semi-fitted, I found that it wore loosely, which I prefer in the summer for the extra air circulation. The shirt fit me well and was not at all restrictive, either during barn chores or while riding. I also wore it while going running a few times, and it was quite comfortable and cool.

I really enjoy the fact that this shirt is tagless - there are absolutely no scratchy tags, which are the worst in the summer. The long front zipper (10 inches) makes sliding the shirt on and off easy, and you can do so while wearing a ponytail without having to redo the ponytail. I also like the fact that there is a zippered pocket on the right side. Since I'm right-handed, this is very convenient, and the pocket is large enough to hold some horse treats, keys, or a phone, though the fabric is so light that I wouldn't recommend weighing it down too much. When not in use, the pocket isn't visible.

This is one of the most breathable shirts that I've worn. If you examine the fabric closely, you'll see that it's actually textured, which I'd imagine is part of what helps to keep you cool while wearing it. It definitely wicks moisture - I wore it for between 1.5 and 4 hours at a time doing heavy physical activity on hot days, but never found that the fabric retained sweat or got heavy.

The Kerrits Venti Shortsleeve is well-constructed - despite numerous wears and washes it's held up well and still looks new. The stitching is strong and accurate, and the zippers still move smoothly. I'd definitely recommend it for summer riding, especially if you live in a humid climate. For the price ($49.00 on the Kerrits website), you'll get excellent use out of a very comfortable summer shirt. Plus, it comes with an adorable tiny package of "Kerrit" seeds that you can plant and then feed to your horse later on. You can't beat that!

Looking for a way to stay cool around the barn? Polar Products' Cool Comfort Crown Cooler uses evaporation and frozen water to provide cooling to your hat, helmet, or other headgear. According to Polar Products, Inc., "Special water-absorbing polymers soak up many times their volume in water for an extended period of time. Garmets can be chilled or frozen for additional cooling energy. Additionally, in drier climates the garmets provide hours of evaporative cooling."

I put the Cool Comfort Crown Cooler to the test, taking advantage of the 80+ degree weather we've been having here in Massachusetts lately.

Here's a tip: The first time you use the Crown Cooler, you're supposed to soak it in cold water for 20 minutes. If you're like me and you're easily distracted (okay... so I'm downright forgetful), set a timer or an alarm so that you remember to take the Crown Cooler out of the water 20 minutes - and not 2 hours - later. Because if you leave the Crown Cooler submerged in water for two hours, it will become seriously oversaturated to the point where it's bulging at the seams and you won't stand half a chance of fitting it - and your head - into a helmet, a hat, or any other headwear.

But, once I'd waited 3 days for some of the water to evaporate and for the Crown Cooler to recede to a manageable size, I tried it again. This time I got it right and managed to remove the Cooler on time. Initially flat as a pancake, the Crown Cooler was now about a half inch in thickness. After wringing out the excess water, I started trying it out.

I tried a few different things with the Crown Cooler. Initially I'd been hopeful that I could wear it in my riding helmet, but that didn't work out too well. The Cooler is a little bit too thick to fit comfortably in my regular helmet. I did dig out my show helmet which has some extra room left for my hair, and it did fit more comfortably (but now I have no place left to put up my hair). Still, the Cooler did fit and it was comfortable and cool, though I didn't notice a huge difference in how it helped me battle the heat.

Next I tried the Cooler in a baseball hat, thinking it could be worn while mucking stalls and doing barn chores. It was a very tight fit, and didn't work too well. However, Polar makes a baseball hat specifically to be used with the Cooler, so that might be a better route.

I then tried the Cooler under a straw-brimmed hat that I wear while doing ground work with my mare. Success! While the hat didn't have a place to attach the Crown Cooler to (the Cooler does have a square of Velcro to keep it secure), this setup was comfortable and functional. I did feel somewhat cooler, so the next day I placed the Crown Cooler in the fridge for an hour before using it, and the cooling effect was much more noticeable. I found that freezing the Crown Cooler also increased the cooling, but it was initially a bit too cold, even though I wrapped it in a bandanna.

The Crown Cooler is definitely effective, but it takes a little work to find a suitable way to wear it with some sort of headwear. I found it most effective when it was refrigerated, and it can also be reactivated by putting it in cold water for a few minutes, which makes it easy to use while around the barn. The Crown Cooler does depend on evaporative technology, so using it in the muggy Massachusetts heat may have diminished its effect to a point. Still, refrigerating or freezing the Cooler can increase its effect. At a very reasonable price ($8.95) it's well worth adding the Crown Cooler to your summer barn kit.

You can buy the Crown Cooler directly from Polar. Be sure to visit Polar Products on Facebook, and keep an eye out on The Equine Insider - we'll have reviews of three more Polar cooling products coming up shortly!

It can be hard to beat the summer heat, especially when you spend most of your time at the barn or in the saddle. Access to a freezer or fridge can be hard to come by, and many cooling products for horse or rider require refrigeration or freezing of the materials first.

Equi Cool Down products are different, though: all that’s necessary to activate the product’s cooling properties is to get it wet. The water doesn’t even have to be cold – according to Equi Cool Down, the “patent-pending textile technology uses an advanced hyper-evaporative material. When activated, the [material] will drop up to 22 degrees colder than the outside temperature…The cooling effect can last for hours!”

But does it work? I put the Instant Cooling Towel to the test. I ran one half of the towel under cool tap water, then ran the other half under warm water, like you would find outside during a hot day. Within about twenty seconds I couldn’t tell which side I had used warmer water on – both ends of the towel were cool, dramatically cooler than the hot air.

I used the towel for about four hours and it stayed cool the entire time. According to the directions, Equi Cool Down products can stay cool all day; you just have to refresh them with water if they dry out and wave them about in the air to reactivate them. A spray bottle is recommended for easy refreshing.

I was surprised at just how well this product worked and how dramatic its cooling effect was. The towel stayed much cooler than the air, and was refreshing when placed around my neck or on my legs while sitting outside. It’s soft and comfortable, and also folds up easily. It seems quite durable, and according to the directions the towel can be either hand- or machine-washed. Best of all, it’s reusable!

Since I live in the humid climate of New England, the fact that Equi Cool Down products are unimpeded by humidity (actually, it probably helps them stay cool longer) is a big advantage. Some products rely on evaporation to cool the human or horse, which is slowed on days of high humidity.

I can think of countless ways that Equi Cool Down products can benefit both horses and riders. They’re safe to use directly against skin, and are wonderfully comfortable. Being able to activate them with even the warm water that you might have in a water bottle makes them easily transportable – keeping this towel in your show bag or saddle bags could really pay off if either you or your horse get overheated while away from home.

Plus, Equi Cool Down makes products specifically for horses, including a body wrap, a leg wrap, and a neck wrap. These would be ideal for horses with anhidrosis, as well as for just about any horse. Whether cooling your horse down on a hot day or applying cold therapy, the flexibility of these products, the ease of activation, and the lasting effects make them great to have on hand.

To learn more about Equi Cool Down products, visit their website and be sure to like their Facebook page.

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.