Fly Protection for Horses
Horse fly protection comes in a few main types: fly rugs (full-body mesh turnout), fly masks to protect the face and eyes, repellent sprays and creams, sweet-itch protection for midge-allergic horses, and fly fringes and ear nets for ridden work. Just Horse Riders stocks over 480 fly-protection products from brands including NAF, Shires, Rhinegold, Gallop, Leovet, Carr & Day & Martin, Barrier, Cashel and WeatherBeeta.
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Fly & sweet-itch advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed June 2026.
In a hurry? Quick guide:
- Flies bothering the whole horse → a fly rug (full-body mesh)
- Flies & midges around the eyes / face → a fly mask
- Repellent for turnout or riding → a fly spray or repellent
- Sweet itch (mane & tail rubbing) → sweet-itch rugs & barriers
- Flies in the face when ridden → a fly fringe or ear net
When the flies arrive, the difference between a happy horse and a miserable, stamping one usually comes down to having the right kit ready. We've been helping riders through fly season since 2010, so here's how to choose — whether you need head-to-tail turnout cover, something for the field, or help for a horse that suffers with sweet itch.
Shop by type
- Fly Rugs & Sheets — full-body mesh turnout protection
- Fly Masks & Fringes — protect the eyes, face and ears
- Fly Sprays & Repellents — for turnout and ridden work
- Sweet Itch Protection — for midge-allergic horses
Which fly protection do I need?
| The problem | Best protection | Examples from our range |
|---|---|---|
| Flies all over the body | Mesh fly rug (combo with neck) | Gallop, Rhinegold, Shires Tempest |
| Eyes, face & ears | Fly mask | Shires, Cashel, WeatherBeeta |
| Need a repellent | Fly spray or cream | NAF Off, Leovet Power Phaser, Carr & Day & Martin |
| Sweet itch (midge allergy) | Sweet-itch rug + barrier cream | Sweet-itch range |
| Flies in the face when ridden | Fly fringe / ear net | Rhinegold, HKM |
How to keep flies off your horse
When does fly season start?
In the UK, flies and midges are usually a problem from around April or May through to the first frosts in autumn, with the worst spells in warm, humid weather. Get your fly protection on before the flies get bad — it's far easier to prevent your horse being bothered than to settle one that's already sore and stamping.
Do fly rugs actually work?
Yes — a well-fitting mesh fly rug is one of the most effective options, because it's a physical barrier over most of the body that flies simply can't get through. For the most cover, choose a combo with a neck and a belly flap, and pair it with a fly mask for the face. Modern fly rugs are lightweight and breathable, so they're comfortable in summer heat.
How do I help a horse with sweet itch?
Sweet itch is an allergic reaction to midge bites that causes intense itching of the mane and tail. The most reliable approach is a close-weave sweet-itch rug with full neck and belly coverage, worn from early in the season as a physical barrier, alongside a barrier cream or repellent, and stabling at dawn and dusk when midges are worst. For severe or sudden cases, speak to your vet.
Are fly sprays safe, and how often should I apply them?
Used as directed, fly sprays are safe — spot-test a small patch first, keep them away from the eyes, and reapply as the label says (often daily, or after rain or heavy sweating). Stronger DEET-based sprays such as NAF Off Deet Power tend to last longer than gentler herbal repellents, which suit sensitive horses.
Our most popular fly protection
By job, the kit our customers reach for most:
- Best value fly rug: the Gallop Equestrian and Rhinegold mesh combo fly rugs — great coverage without the premium price.
- Best fly masks: Shires and Cashel fly masks — secure fit, clear vision, with or without ears and nose.
- Best repellent sprays: NAF Off, Leovet Power Phaser and Carr & Day & Martin Flygard sprays.
- For sweet-itch sufferers: a full-coverage rug from our sweet itch range.
Frequently asked questions
When does fly season start in the UK?
Usually from around April or May through to the first frosts in autumn (often September or October), with the worst spells in warm, humid weather. Get fly protection on before the flies are bad — prevention is much easier than settling a horse that's already bothered.
Do fly rugs actually work?
Yes — a well-fitting mesh fly rug is one of the most effective options because it's a physical barrier over most of the body. Choose a combo with a neck and belly cover for the most protection, and add a fly mask for the face. Modern fly rugs are lightweight and breathable for summer.
How do I help a horse with sweet itch?
Sweet itch is an allergic reaction to midge bites. A close-weave sweet-itch rug with full neck and belly coverage, worn from early in the season, is the most reliable physical barrier — alongside a barrier cream or repellent and stabling at dawn and dusk when midges are worst. Ask your vet about severe cases.
How often should I apply fly spray?
Follow the label — most need reapplying daily, or after rain or heavy sweating. Spot-test a small area first and avoid the eyes. DEET-based sprays such as NAF Off Deet Power tend to last longer than gentler herbal repellents, which suit sensitive horses.
Can my horse see through a fly mask, and will it stay on?
Yes — horses see through the mesh much like we see through sunglasses, and a correctly fitted mask sits clear of the eyes and stays put with a secure fastening. Measure for the right size, choose one with or without ears and nose cover as needed, and check daily for any rubs.
Can a horse wear a fly rug in hot weather?
Yes — modern fly rugs are lightweight, breathable mesh made for summer. In very hot weather pick a light mesh with UV protection, make sure it fits well to avoid rubbing, and keep an eye on your horse to be sure they're comfortable and not overheating.
Not sure what your horse needs? Tap the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the screen and one of the team will help you get sorted before the flies do.