Fly Hood: The Complete Collection for Your Horse

Choosing the Right Fly Hood

• Choose a standard fly hood for everyday hacking, schooling or competition when your main priority is keeping flies and insects away from sensitive ears. A breathable crochet design can provide useful airflow while creating a secure fit beneath the bridle.
• Consider an Acoustic Fly Hood if your horse is particularly sensitive to surrounding noise. Acoustic or noise-reducing ears use a denser material around the ears to help soften distracting sounds, which may be useful for horses that become unsettled in busy environments.
• Look at the ear material as well as the crochet body. Soft, flexible and stretchy ears are important because they need to sit comfortably without restricting natural ear movement or creating excessive pressure.
• Check the sizing carefully before buying. A quality fly hood should sit neatly around the ears and forehead without pulling, bunching or slipping backwards under the bridle. Always follow the individual manufacturer's sizing information, as dimensions can vary between styles. Our LeMieux Fly Hood Size Guide provides detailed information on how to measure and fit your fly hood.
• Choose the construction according to how you ride. Lightweight, breathable crochet can be particularly useful during warmer weather, while a close-fitting design is preferable when you need the fly hood to remain securely positioned during active schooling or competition.
• For a coordinated competition wardrobe, a LeMieux Fly Hood can be paired with matching LeMieux saddle pads and other horsewear. LeMieux offers several constructions and collections, so check the individual product specifications for the exact materials and fit.
• Fly hoods are also available in hi-viz colours to help keep your horse visible when riding out on the roads as part of your full horse hi-viz range.

Technical Specifications and Care

A well-designed fly hood combines insect protection with comfort and secure positioning. Crochet sections are commonly selected for their breathability and stretch, while the ear panels need enough flexibility to accommodate natural movement. Some premium designs also feature satin fronts, decorative trims or acoustic ear sections, making it important to select according to your horse's needs rather than appearance alone.

Care can significantly extend the life of your fly hood. Follow the manufacturer's washing instructions, use a low-temperature cycle where permitted and place delicate crochet styles in a wash bag to help protect their shape. Allow the hood to air dry naturally away from direct heat and avoid tumble drying unless the manufacturer specifically states that it is suitable.

Pro tip: allow a wet fly hood to dry completely before putting it back in your tack room or riding bag. Storing damp crochet can encourage unpleasant odours and may affect the fabric over time. Once dry, store it flat or loosely folded so the ears and decorative trim are not unnecessarily compressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a fly hood do?

A fly hood helps protect your horse’s ears and forehead from flies, insects and dust while riding. Depending on the design, it can also help reduce distractions caused by surrounding noise.

Can you use a fly hood for competition?

Yes, many fly hoods are suitable for competition, although permitted styles can vary between disciplines and governing bodies. Always check the current rules for your competition before riding.

How should you wash a fly hood?

Follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Many crochet fly hoods can be washed at a low temperature, ideally in a wash bag, then air dried naturally away from direct heat.