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By Travis Colburn | AQHA-approved judge, third-generation Texas horseman, lead field tester for Hilason since 2018 | Last updated: June 16, 2026
Picking the right fly sheet comes down to three things: mesh weight, fit, and UV protection rating. Get any of those wrong and you have a 60 dollar sheet your horse will shred, rub off, or sweat under inside a month. This guide covers what to look for, what to skip, and how the 17 fly sheets in our current catalog actually stack up against each other.
We sell more fly sheets per week in June than any other month, so this is the page we point our own customer service team to. It is the same answer we give when someone calls and asks which one to buy for their 15.2-hand appendix in coastal South Carolina.
Before you look at a single product page, decide these three things:
If a fly sheet does not meet those three bars, keep scrolling. We do not carry anything that does not.
Mesh weight is the weight of the fabric per square yard. Heavier is not better. The right weight depends on your climate and your horse.
The mistake people make is buying the heaviest sheet they can find because they think it will last longer. It will not. It will just be heavier on the horse, which means rubs and a horse that figures out how to get it off.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is the standard rating for sun-protective fabric. The numbers map roughly like this:
Every fly sheet in our catalog is UPF 50+. The cheap sheets on Amazon that do not list a UPF rating are almost always under 30, which is why horses that wear them still get sun-bleached.
The fit question is where most fly sheet purchases go wrong. A sheet that is one size too big will twist on a working horse. A sheet that is one size too small will rub the withers raw.
Measure from the center of the chest, around the left side, to the point of the buttock. That number in inches is your horse's blanket size. Our standard sizes are 66, 69, 72, 75, 78, 81, and 84 inches. If your horse measures between sizes, round down for a fly sheet. A fly sheet should sit 2 to 4 inches below the belly when fitted.
We currently stock 17 different fly sheet models, all UPF 50+, all sized 64 to 86 inches. The line breaks into three groups by use case:
Working and turnout (8 models)
Sensitive-skin and senior (4 models)
Neck cover and full coverage (5 models)
If you do not know which one to start with, start with the ADFS Standard in your horse's size, white. 60 dollars. If your horse needs something more specific, return it within 30 days for full credit toward the right one. That is what the catalog is for.
White reflects heat and shows dirt (so you know when to wash it). Black absorbs heat and shows wear. Patterns are a personal choice. There is no performance difference. We do not recommend dark colors on dark horses in direct sun for long periods, but if your horse is in shaded turnout most of the day, it does not matter.
Hose off, hang to dry. Do not put a fly sheet in a hot dryer -- the mesh warps and the UV coating degrades. A soft brush works for dried mud. Most of our customers get three summers out of a sheet. Some get six. The first thing to fail is usually a leg strap, which we replace for 8 dollars plus shipping.
Will my horse actually wear the sheet, or will he reject it?
Most horses accept a fly sheet within 24 hours. The ones that reject them usually had a bad first experience with a sheet that did not fit. Measure carefully. Start with one short turnout session. The horse will adjust.
Is UPF 50+ worth the price difference?
Yes, if your horse is outside more than 4 hours a day. UV damage to skin and coat is cumulative and not reversible. A UPF 50+ sheet costs about 10 dollars more than a UPF 30 sheet and lasts the same amount of time. The math is easy.
How is this different from a fly mask?
A fly sheet covers the body. A fly mask covers the head and ears. Horses that are out 24/7 in fly season need both. We sell the matching masks separately and they fit the same sizing system.
What if my horse is between sizes?
Round down. The 2 to 4 inch drop is intentional. A sheet that fits snug at the withers is a sheet that will rub.
Can I leave it on overnight?
Yes, breathable mesh is designed for 24-hour wear. We do not recommend leaving any sheet on a horse in a stall with poor ventilation. Outside is fine.
Do you ship to Canada and overseas?
Yes. Free shipping in the US on orders over 99 dollars. International shipping is calculated at checkout.
What is your return policy?
30 days, full refund, no restocking fee. The horse has to try it.
Travis Colburn is a third-generation Texas horseman and AQHA-approved judge with 22 years training western performance horses. He has been Hilason's lead field tester since 2018. Travis writes the gear guides for hilason.com and uhorse.com based on what he sees actually working on ranches from South Texas to Montana.
Shop the uHorse fly sheet line: uhorse.com/collections/fly-sheets | 17 fly sheets in stock | Free shipping on orders $99+ | Sizes 64 to 86 inches.
