The Green Horseman

OVERVIEW:

Bugs.
My horses HATE bugs…and who can blame them?

Nahe is severely allergic to gnats (sweet itch) and my thoroughbreds and ultra-sensitive.

Keeping my horses happy and comfortable throughout the summer is a huge priority and I’m always trying to find the best solutions.

For the last couple of years, I have been using Shoofly Leggins as part of my anti-bug taskforce. The flying insects irritate their legs so much they stomp and stomp and run. If it gets bad enough, this can lead to damaged hooves and weight loss.

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I’ve tried other boots in the past with mixed results. The Shoofly Leggins I was skeptical of. It was hard for me to imagine something floppy and open-topped working.

But…. They do.

The original Shoofly Leggins are made of a breathable plastic mesh. They are super durable! There are two Velcro tabs on top and bottom and along the length of the boot to secure them. The closure around the fetlock is soft but won’t allow burrs or other pokey weeds to stick to them.

I am impressed with these boots. They don’t sag. Ever.

The open top successfully keeps away flies and allows for circulation. I am paranoid about overheating my horses’ legs (I don’t even use boots when flat riding on scorching days) so knowing the boots provide normal airflow without a buildup of heat is comforting.

I have used the boots for a few seasons now and they are still in good condition.

If I were to complain….it would be that my one horse Nahe poops in them. Not the right, just the hind left. He must just happen to poop in the same position every time. Now, he wears only 3 boots. Zac commented on him always having one-off, he laughed at the reason. Three is better than 2 and better than none! I still find they work incredibly well.

My horses wear these boots 24/7 with occasional checks to make sure the legs are clean, not getting rubs, and everything looks ok. So far, no rubbing.

For pricing? Super fair. You can normally buy these for about $50 (a 4-pack). With their effectiveness and longevity, I’d call that a win-win.

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PROS:

• Thick velcro attachment, more hold.
• Do not sag
• Reduces stress on the horse
• Reduces joint inflammation and hoof issues from stomping and running around
• Allows for airflow
• Great price point for the quality

CONS

• Back boots might catch poop, be careful to always check

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Tips:

• Check these boots often, although they can live in them 24/7 you still need to make sure the boots aren’t hiding any issues. Look for rubbing and for possible poop collection.

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Alternatives:

I have seen and used many other types of flyboots. Shires, Schneiders, Smartpak, Professional’s Choice, Cashel.

Not many of these compare to the Shoofly Leggins.

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Final Word:

I love my Shoofly Leggins. I find them easy to use, easy to put on and take off. They stay on and stay up, and they do their job. They are easy to clean. They are durable and last me years.

I originally worried about using these in a boarding setting since it’s cumbersome to do 4 boots on and off every day (just imagine doing that for a barn full of horses). Instead, the farm owner will do fly sheet and mask, and we leave the fly boots on…even during the day when they are in their stalls. It works out just fine and I am there several days each week to ride or just check in so I’m able to keep an eye out for any issues the boots are causing. So far they’ve cause no issues.

I doubt after using the Shoofly Leggins that I’d buy any other brand (unless someone wants to gift them!).

I highly recommend these for all of horse horses. Even if it’s the ONLY thing you get them for bugs. Augie lives in his boots and a fly mask and is thriving.

They even make leggins for minis!

While you can get these Shoofly Leggins from most retailers you can get them from the original source at:

https://www.shooflylegginsfromdeb.com/