Fly Bonnet

[KMichelle]

Does anyone have pointers on where to look for a draft sized crocheted ear bonnet? I’ve used many different kinds of fly masks on my riding horse and I really prefer the crocheted ones for working/riding but can’t seem to come across any draft sizes easy-peezy…

[Donn Hewes]

I know my homemade nets are not pretty, but the horses sure like them. I have one horse that hates the flies much worse than everyone else; even she thinks these baler twine nets work great. Here is a link to a good photo.
can’t beat it for easy pezzy!

• This reply was modified 10 years, 5 months ago by Donn Hewes.

[Jim Ostergard]

I like ’em Donn! Got a pattern? Thanks for sharing.

[KMichelle]

HAHA, my Bernie’s forelock is almost long enough to do the job. Unfortunately I think what gets them the most is the gnats in the ears, the past few days they have come back with bloody ears. But I think there are some patterns online I could use. Thanks

[dominiquer60]

I found, by luck, a large fly bonnet at a feed store, and haven’t found another that size since. I bought a few of the cashel black masks with ears here http://www.drafttack.com/page11.html. I really like these better than the crocheted bonnets for driving and riding.

[Jeroen]

Heard good things about Cashel, recently ordered and received them today. Draft size with ears & nose protection and they are really big. Will try them tomorrow and will post some photos soon!

[KMichelle]

Who would have thought, ‘draft tack’… Thanks, ordering ASAP! These poor guys are from the west coast, not ready for black flies…

[Donn Hewes]

Hi Jim, There is no pattern! I just girth hitch a bight of twine on one side of the bridle above the brow and then girth hitch lots of long pieces on that. Once I have enough I tie it to the other side of the bridle. I certainly have gnats in the ears but not so bad. I have one horse that is a good gauge as flies will drive her to distraction. This net works great for her. She started needing it last week and no one else has even been bothered yet. They are disposable and when I am feeling generous I make them all new ones each year.

[dominiquer60]

Donn I love your nets and I would make use of our baling twine in this manner, if the ear gnats were not so vicious here. The Cashels with ears have really cut back on the head rubbing and therefore less line hang ups and bridles coming off. They fit right under the bridle well and wash easy. I may make a couple anyway, our blue twine may be a real fashion statement 🙂

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