From exercise sheets to fly masks, horse clothing covers all those extras that keep your horse comfortable through the Irish seasons. Buying second-hand makes great sense here, especially for items like fly masks that horses seem determined to destroy.
Essential for clipped horses during the Irish winter. These sit over the saddle and cover the horse's back and hindquarters while riding. They keep muscles warm during slow work, hacking, and warming up. If you clip your horse, you'll want one of these from about October right through to March.
A must-have for Irish summers. The midges and flies around fields, especially near water, can drive horses mad. Fly masks cover the eyes and sometimes the ears and nose, using fine mesh that horses can see through. One of the most commonly bought items second-hand, as horses go through them remarkably quickly.
A lighter alternative to a full fly mask. These attach to the browband or headcollar and hang strands over the horse's face to keep flies away from the eyes. Handy for horses that won't tolerate a full mask, and they're easy to pop on and off at the yard.
Crocheted or knitted bonnets that cover the horse's ears, keeping flies out and muffling sound. Popular at competitions to help spooky horses stay focused. You'll spot them at every show jumping and dressage event in Ireland, often colour-coordinated with the rest of the tack.
Tail guards protect the top of the tail during travelling, preventing rubbing. Poll guards cushion the top of the head in case the horse throws its head up in the trailer. Neck covers extend your rug's coverage in harsh weather. All useful items that come up regularly on the second-hand market.
Horse clothing items vary widely in condition, so here's what to look out for depending on what you're buying:
Fly masks in particular are worth buying second-hand. Horses rub them on fence posts, step on them in the field, and generally treat them as disposable items. Spending less on a used one that does the job is just good sense.
Anyone who keeps horses in Ireland knows that the weather dictates half your tack room. Exercise sheets are practically a necessity rather than a luxury if you clip your horse. From October through to late March, those damp, chilly Irish mornings mean a clipped horse needs that extra layer during slow work and warming up. A good waterproof exercise sheet is worth its weight in gold on a rainy January hack.
Come summer, the flies arrive in force, particularly near rivers, lakes, and boggy ground that Ireland has in abundance. A decent fly mask can be the difference between a relaxed horse and one that's head-shaking and miserable in the field. Given how quickly horses can damage them, having a spare (or two) from the second-hand market is a sensible approach.
Horse clothing prices vary widely depending on the item. Here's a rough guide to what you can expect on the Irish second-hand market:
| Type | New | Second-Hand |
|---|---|---|
| Fly Mask | €15-€40 | €5-€15 |
| Exercise Sheet | €40-€100 | €15-€40 |
| Ear Bonnet | €15-€40 | €5-€15 |
| Fly Fringe | €8-€20 | €3-€10 |
| Tail Guard / Poll Guard | €10-€30 | €5-€15 |
Prices are estimates based on typical Irish market values. Actual prices vary by brand, condition, and age.
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