weird sight of horses!

[burt one]

can anyone help, we went for a drive in the country on sunday and whilst driving down a lane i noticed 2 horses in a feild that had white sheets/covers over them now i wasnt concerned at first just thought that it was due to the weather or something but then noticed that the covers were over their heads AND eyes? surely they wouldnt be able to eat or even move if they cant see?
its probably something really normal but have been worried! Any idea's?

[wildwood]

It is probably protection to stop the animal from mucking up its makeover that it had because it is going to a show.

[McNoodle]

You weren't driving through the deep South were you?

[andrea81]

You could phone RSPCA just to enquire about it, I'm sure its something normal and they would be able to tell you that. If it isn't you will have saved them from abuse!

[Ethel]

Was it a fly mask?

http://www.dressageonabudget.co.uk/horse_fly_m asks.php

[crisgal]

i would say a fly mask too.

[horselady]

Yes, definitely fly masks and very light blankets to stop the sun from burning and flies etc from biting them all day long. Don't worry about the eating part, they wouldn't let a little thing like that come between them and their food!

[horsestache1]

Ha Ha Ha, Its just a fly rug and veil,the veil does not cover the mouth, so the animal can still eat. It stops the midges, horseflys etc from biting. It is very light weight, and also provides protection from the sun.

[cheries]

Hi, further to Horselady's answer, the sheets you describe are called "flysheets" and can cover the body and full neck area of the horse. This stops flies from biting the horses' skin and leaving nasty painful lumps. The thing covering the horses' face is a fly mask , made from see through mesh which stops flies from feeding from the horses' tears in their eyes (yes I know, it is SO gross, do you see why we use them now?!)
Horses are plagued by flies at this time of the year and horse owners face a daily battle to keep neddy comfortable.
Don't panic Bert, it's actually a relief for them to dodge the flies!!!

[cheries]

BTW laughing hysterically at the thought of KKK horses McNoodle.

[jules77]

yes definitely a fly rug and mask, not only do they stop the flies but also sweetitch

[lankeela]

Sure it wasn't two people practising for the Christmas Panto?


http://www.chobhamrider.com/home.html

[lankeela]

Sorry, click on Horse Rugs, then Summer Rugs and Masks, then Fly Rugs for a full picture.

[burt one]

thanks everyone!
glad that i gave you people in the know a laugh!!
just thankfull that it was for a purpose,
thanks again.