If you are reading this article, your horse probably wears a fly mask, fly sheet, fly boots or some combination to protect him from pesky flies and biting insects. Dirt, mud and sweat can easily accumulate throughout the summer and cause discomfort and potential health concerns. Routine cleaning of your horse's flywear is important for the horse’s comfort and to prolong the effectiveness of the fly protection.
Weekly Clean Routine
It can be as simple as using a stiff-bristle or bucket brush to swipe away dried mud and, using your fingers, pick out any small sticks or burrs from the fleece padding. Or you can spray each item with the hose if dirt and grime have built up. You want to make sure that the parts of your fly mask and boots that touch the horse's body don’t have anything that can cause discomfort or rubbing.
Have an extra fly mask (or fly sheet, etc.) to rotate use throughout the summer, especially if you wash it off and it needs to dry before use.
How to Deep Clean Flywear
PVC-coated flywear is a stronger material, so if the fly mask, sheet or boots are made from PVC-coated mesh, cleaning them can easily be done at the barn:
- Use a stiff-bristle brush to brush off the dried mud/manure.
- Spray off the remaining dirt and grime with a hose.
- If the items are extremely dirty, there are two different ways you can wash them using shampoo or a grease-cutting dish soap:
- Soak in warm, soapy water for about an hour
- Utilize the stiff-bristle brush to scrub them clean.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- In a shaded area, hang to dry completely.
If your fly sheet and/or fly mask is made from a fine mesh, you can follow the same steps for the PVC-coated mesh but avoid using stiff bristles and hard scrubbing. Instead, you can use a soft/medium-bristle brush or a tack sponge and soak the gear without scrubbing.
Thinking of using a washing machine for your flywear? Fly sheets are not like your winter blankets and sheets—the materials might not handle the agitation and heat. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning recommendations. Avoid using a dryer.
Why should you clean your flywear routinely?
Throughout the summer, you should make it a point to clean your horse's flywear often. It’s not just for the looks of having clean gear, but there are also health implications.
As dirt, manure and dried sweat add layers to the flysheet, not only can it cause discomfort, but it will attract more flies and biting insects. Bacteria and fungi can also start to grow on unwashed flywear, potentially causing skin infections. Built-up dirt can also clog the mesh openings and restrict airflow, making it warm and uncomfortable for your horse.
Before you place the fly mask, sheet or boots on your horse each day, check them over for any torn areas. The fleece or stray fibers can attract burrs or twigs that can cause irritation. This is also the perfect time to check for any sores or rubs that can be caused by the flywear.
Taking some time to inspect, brush off and wash off your gear will not only help keep your horse/pony comfortable all summer long, but will also extend the life of your flywear investment.
