Pick a rug to suit your needs
The aim of any fly rug is to provide full body protection from flying pests. There are also other rugs that offer additional protection. If your horse needs this opt for a rug with a neck cover, belly flap and a generous tail flap to give better coverage and help to keep the bugs at bay.
That’s not all you need to consider, there are a number of different types of rug available that deal with specific issues.
Choosing the material — The fabric used tends to fall into one of two types: soft and hard.
Soft fly rugs are usually made of cotton or a polyester woven soft mesh. They are lightweight and mould well to your horse’s body shape. This softer material is less likely to rub but it may not be very robust, meaning it tears more easily.
The hard material is a much stiffer Pvc-coated fabric. It is much tougher, but may not fit as closely to your horse’s skin. However, some do mould to the body shape over time.
As a rule, the finer the mesh the better, as this will help prevent midge bites too.
Added protection — The fabric of some fly rugs is treated with an insect repellent, providing an even greater level of protection against flies.
UV protection — Sunlight can cause bleaching of your horse’s coat. Fly rugs offer varying levels of UV protection to protect from this, and to keep his coat looking great. Some are made from material that reflects the sun’s rays.
Keep him cool — Made with lightweight mesh, fly rugs are usually breathable and allow good air flow. Many are made from light-coloured materials that reflect the sun’s rays, helping to keep your horse cool — especially dark horses.
Pattern and colour — A recent innovation is the use of different colours and patterns, which confuse insects and help to deter them. These patterns include zebra print and using a combination of bright colours.
Rain protection — These rugs offer some protection from showers. The top half of the rug is made from a waterproof material and the lower portion is a fine mesh.
BUCAS BUZZ-OFF FULL NECK ZEBRA RRP £115 SIZES 5ft 6in-7ft 2in ZEBRAPRODUCTS.CO.UK
This full neck rug provides protection for your horse from the top of his neck to his tail. The neck cover has an elasticated browband to help keep it in place as your horse grazes. The belly pad ensures that the rug is kept in place and protects your horse’s belly, while the large tail flap provides further protection. The specially developed lightweight fine mesh fabric blocks even the smallest of insects, preventing them from annoying your horse. The zebra print material is used as research has found that flies are confused by zebra stripes, and so keep away.
STORMX ORIGINAL BEE COMBO FLY RUG RRP £49.99 SIZES 4ft-7ft 3in HYEQUESTRIAN.COM
This protective fly rug is not only designed to keep flies and bugs away, but also features a bold and bright bee print that is sure to be a popular choice this summer.
The quality soft mesh material promotes airflow while keeping your horse comfortable and fly-free. This fly rug has a shoulder gusset to allow for freedom of movement, and has a full neck cover.
SWISH FLY TURNOUT COMBINATION RUG RRP £81.99 COLOURS Green, purple, orange, pink, peppermint or navy SIZES 4ft 3in-7ft 6in SWISHEQUESTRIAN.CO.UK
This rug protects your horse from insects while also keeping him dry on showery, cooler summer days. The turnout section is a ripstop 1200-denier fabric; the lower section is lightweight and breathable nylon offering air flow, and sun and fly protection. The detachable neck cover is cut longer to ensure maximum coverage even when your horse is grazing, and it is lined to prevent any rubbing.
WEATHERBEETA SWEET ITCH SHIELD COMBO NECK RRP £69.99 COLOUR White/blue SIZES 4ft-7ft 3in WEATHERBEETA.CO.UK
This rug offers 90%+ UV block, and protects from sun bleaching, parasites and insects, avoiding irritation and skin allergies. It is made from a breathable 600-denier ripstop outer with lined shoulders to help prevent rubbing and stretching. It also has an elasticated and adjustable belly wrap and full-wrap tail flap. An ear hood ensures the neck cover stays in place. Other features include wither relief for comfort and, to reduce rubbing, a side gusset for natural movement, and Ezi-clip front closure with touch tape.
YARIS CORE FLY SHEET RRP £79 SIZES 5ft-6ft 9in YARISEQUESTRIAN.CO.UK
Part of the Yaris Core range, this fly sheet is made from tight-mesh polyester for comfort and to provide protection from biting insects and sunlight. It’s a great choice for summer turnout but can also help your horse to stay cool at shows and when travelling. Fastened at the front with a side-squeeze clasp and a belly strap, this rug is easy to put on and take off.
EQUILIBRIUM PRODUCTS FIELD RELIEF FLY RUG RRP £95 COLOUR Yellow with orange/ black binding SIZES 5ft 6in-7ft EQUILIBRIUMPRODUCTS.COM
A unique fly rug offering UV protection and coverage from ears to tail with a yellow mesh that research has shown to repel flies. For a great fit this rug features a stretch hood over the ears with a forelock hole. There’s anti-rub lining on the neck, withers and chest for enhanced comfort. The neck straps are adjustable, and a belly panel covers the stomach area for further protection. The long tail flap has a plastic-covered fillet string for easy cleaning.