The Importance of Insect Control
At their most basic, flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects are a nuisance to you and your horse. But even the annoyance of just a few insects has resulted in some serious equine injuries. Horses have barreled through pasture fences to escape a swarm of mosquitoes. Hooves have been injured due to continual stomping in response to a few pesky flies. Normal feeding habits have been interrupted and serious cases of colic have ensued.
Worse, many insects are carriers of potentially serious diseases. Flies are known to transmit typhoid, dysentery, and tuberculosis. Mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus and equine encephalitis. Ticks can spread Lyme disease. True, some insect-borne diseases have no effect on your horse. However, they can affect you and your family.
Because of their resilience, insect control may seem like a daunting task. However, working to eliminate suitable insect habitats, control the environment around your barn and pasture, and individually protect your horse will offer the best protection possible.
Protect your Horses
Insects are nothing if not resilient. Despite your best efforts to eliminate fly, mosquito, and insect habitats and control the environment throughout your barn, pasture, and home, insects may still annoy your horse. Plus, chances are your horse spends at least some time on the riding trail or at competitions, which are far away from the areas in which you've worked to control insects. Thankfully, there are a variety of insect control products available. Individual insect control methods to protect your horse include:
- Dress Your Horse - Protect your horse with a suitable fly mask and sheet.
- Use Repellents - Spray, wipe-on, roll-on, or dust an insect repellent onto your horse.
- Deworm Your Horse - Control internal parasites in your horse on a regular basis to help keep him healthy.
Care
Your Crusader Fly Sheet may need cleaning from time to time - and certainly after each season. Before washing, remove excess dirt and mud with a hose or soft brush.
Then, either hand wash or machine wash your blanket (front-load machines only, please) on a gentle cycle. Use only cool wash temps. (max. 30°C, 85°F) and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and line dry (do not machine dry). Finally, store in a cool, dry area.
Choosing the Correct Fit
Fitting Instructions
- Measure your horse to find the correct size (see Tips To Get the Perfect Blanket Fit, below).
- Check that the fly or turnout sheet fits.
- A proper fit means that when the chest closure is secured on approximately the middle adjustment and the top of the tail flap falls at the top of the tail.
- Fasten and adjust the straps.
- Chest Straps - fasten so the Standard Dart should sit at your horse's side.
- Leg Straps - pass the left leg strap between the hind legs and fasten to the left hand D-ring. Cross the right leg strap through the left leg strap and fasten to the right hand D-ring. Ensure the leg straps are adjusted so you can fit only a hand's width between each leg strap and each of your horse's thighs.
- Surcingles - fasten and adjust straps to allow a hand's width between the straps and belly.
Fitting Notes:
- Blankets or sheets that are too big are actually more likely to rub than one that is too small.
- If the blanket or sheet extends beyond the top of the tail, it is too big. Similarly, if the blanket or sheet does not reach the top of the tail, it is too small.
- If the leg straps and surcingles are not adjusted to allow a hand's width, injury may occur. Straps that are too long may catch your horse's legs. Straps that are too short may rub your horse.
- Remember, your horse is more comfortable - and safe - in a properly fitted blanket or sheet.
Tips To Get the Perfect Blanket Fit
Measure your horse in six simple steps
Basically, all equine blankets and sheets have similar designs. They cover your horse's barrel from withers to tail and hang to just below the elbows and stifles. However, not all blankets or sheets are cut in the same manner. As such, check the manufacturer's measuring guidelines to ensure the best fit of your chosen blanket or sheet.
Regardless of the manufacturer's recommendations, however, there are some simple ways to ensure you obtain the correct measurements of your horse. If possible, corral a companion or tie up your horse to help keep her still while you measure her. Then:
- Ensure your horse stands squarely in a natural position.
- Stand on your horse's side with the end of your measuring tape in your left hand. Place the end of the measuring tape at the point where your horse's neck meets the center of her chest.
- Using your right hand, draw the tape along her left side and over the widest part of her shoulder. Continue to draw the tape in this manner for the extent of your reach.
- Note the measurement. Then mark the spot of your reach with your right thumb. Move down to the spot you've marked with your thumb. Place the end of the measuring tape at this point.
- Using your right hand, continue to draw the tape along your horse's side and across the point of her buttocks, which is the hindmost part of the quarters and about 10 to 12 inches below where the tail and body meet. Note this measurement.
- Add your two measurements together to get your blanket size.
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 "Cashel Crusader Fly Sheet")
Keep active horses safe from biting insects and damaging UV rays. Cashel Crusader Fly Sheet is one of the most unique fly sheets on the market today. Tailored features ensure proper fit without sacrificing comfort or restricting mobility. Extra wide belly strap shields sensitive areas of the belly while hook & loop straps under the belly and tail allow a simple and secure fit. Soft, vinyl-coated polyester mesh blocks 70% of the sun's damaging UV rays to protect your horse's coat from sun bleaching. Cashel Crusader Fly Sheet is also a great way to keep your horse clean. Gray mesh with dark gray trim.
