What piece of equipment helps prevent a horse from rubbing its mane and tail?

The piece of equipment that helps prevent a horse from rubbing its mane and tail is the fly sheet. Fly sheets are lightweight, protective blankets that are designed to cover a horse's body. They serve multiple purposes, one of which includes offering protection against insects. By covering the mane and tail area, a fly sheet can effectively reduce irritation caused by bugs, which is often a reason why horses tend to rub their manes and tails against fences, trees, or other surfaces.

In contrast, a saddle pad is used to provide cushioning between the saddle and the horse’s back, improving comfort during riding and not targeting mane and tail protection. A halter is used to lead and tie a horse, providing control and safety but does not address grooming or protection against rubbing. A bit, which is part of the bridle used for communication between horse and rider, has no relation to mane or tail protection. Therefore, the fly sheet is specifically designed for the purpose of shielding the horse's coat and preventing rubbing.