As horse owners we spend the Winter months wishing for a little less rain and a lot more sunshine. However, each and every year we overlook one teeny tiny problem… Biting bugs! Intent on spoiling our Summers, they can turn even the most composed cob into a naughty nightmare! So, this year we’re here to help you get set for summer! Take a look at our top fly rug picks.
Fly Rug Top Picks
Fly sprays are great! If your horse is willing to stand still while you apply them… And you don’t mind repeating this process every few hours. In truth, they aren’t always very practical. Often, a better approach for keeping your horse comfortable during turnout is a good quality fly rug. They’re a true wardrobe staple. A worthy investment, they can be quicker to apply, cheaper and more effective but there’s a few things you need to consider. So, here’s what to keep an eye out for:
Durability
Fly rugs are designed for Summer use, so they’ve got to be breathable and lightweight but that doesn’t mean they’ve got to be flimsy or poor quality. So, keep an eye out for the denier rating, the higher the number the stronger the fabric. In other words, the less likely it is to rip at the first sign of trouble.
UV Protection
Horses are just like people, they need sun to produce vitamin D but they can also get too much! Consequently, most fly rugs provide some level of UV protection. This is great for light skinned horses that can become sensitive or even sunburnt. It’s not just for greys though! Exposure to sunlight can actually bleach darker horses coat if they’re not protected.
Belly Coverage
Your horses coat is often much thinner on their underside and between their back legs, making these areas prime targets for biting insects! Full coverage won’t always be needed but if you frequently spot your horse swishing their tail and kicking at their stomach during Summer turnout it may be beneficial.
Waterproofing
We all know the British weather can be really unpredictable! When wet, traditional mesh fly rugs can become really heavy resulting in rubs and sores. So, if you’re planning on turning out for long periods of time, it’s wise to look for a fly rug with a waterproof upper to guard against Summer showers. Alternatively, look for one that is compatible with a suitable liner.
Price
There’s no denying that fly rug prices can vary massively based on quality, brand, durability and features. Therefore, it’s always helpful to think about what you want from a fly rug to determine a budget that’s realistic.
Less Than £60
Saxon Mesh Combo Neck Fly Rug
RRP £34.99 - £31.50
Looking for great protection on a shoestring budget? The Saxon Mesh Combo Neck Fly Rug is the one for you, offering full body coverage for a fraction of the cost you might expect, it’s a total bargain!
- Fine weave mesh outer.
- Full neck.
- Twin surcingle front closures.
- Twin low cross surcingles.
- Twin touch tape neck fastenings.
- Large tail and tail cord.
- 96% UV protection.
Customer Reviews
“Fits nice & good quality :)”
“Good value for money rug, lovely colours and true to size.”
“Light and nice material. Fits well.”
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Mesh II Fly Rug
RRP £64.99 - £58.50
The perfect fly rug… You’ve got to be having a giraffe. After all, that’s a very tall order! If any rug’s up to it, it’s this one. Pretty and protective the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Mesh II Fly Rug has got all of the boxes ticked:
- Durable soft mesh outer.
- Blocks up to 65% of UV rays.
- Tight weave mesh to provide protection against pesky biting insects.
- 210T nylon lining at the shoulder, neck, mane and tail to prevent rubbing and hair loss.
- Traditional side gussets for natural movement.
- Large tail flap.
- Twin buckle chest fastenings.
- Low cross sircingles.
- Adjustable, removable leg straps.
- Machine washable.
Horseware Mio Fly Rug
RRP £49.95 - £44.95
If you’re looking for a basic but brilliant fly rug then the Horseware Mio is a must-have! Offering value and versatility it has some fantastic features including:
- A breathable, soft polyester mesh outer.
- Up to 60% UV protection.
- A full neck.
- Dual leg arches.
- Twin cross surcingles.
- Classic twin front closures.
- A supersized tail flap a with silky lining.
£60 to £100
WeatherBeeta Sweet-Itch Shield Fly Rug
RRP £69.99 - £62.99
Ditch the itch! Created to provide head to tail protection, the WeatherBeeta Sweet-Itch Shield Fly Rug is a must-have for those prone to Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis (SSRD).
- 600 denier ripstop breathable mesh outer.
- Lined shoulders.
- Elasticated and adjustable belly wrap.
- Ezi-clip front closures.
- Traditional side gussets.
- Large tail flap.
- Full neck with elasticated ear hood.
- Wither relief pad to prevent rubbing.
- Up to 90%+ UV ray protection.
Equilibrium Field Relief Fly Rug
RRP £95.00
Say buzz off to bugs this season! Get your hands on the fantastic Equilibrium Field Relief Fly Rug. Smart, stylish and scientifically proven, what’s not to love!
- Lightweight and breathable.
- Yellow mesh scientifically proven to repel flies.
- Full neck.
- Adjustable neck, belly and chest straps.
- Stretchy ear hood.
- Forelock hole.
- Anti-rub neck, chest and wither lining.
- Full belly flap.
- Long tail flap.
- Wipe clean plastic covered fillet string.
- Protection from up to 80% of harmful UV rays.
Horseware Amigo Bug Rug Detach-A-Neck
RRP £84.95 - £76.95
Ready to revamp your horse's wardrobe? Offering excellent protection and great value for money the simple, effective Horseware Amigo Bug Rug is just what you've been looking for!
- Lightweight and breathable knitted polyester fabric.
- Detachable neck.
- Compatible with the Horseware Waterproof Fly Rug Liner for rainy days.
- Light reflecting.
- UV protection.
- Dual leg arches.
- Twin cross surcingles.
- Classic twin front closures.
- A silky tail, shoulder and mane lining.
Shires Highlander Plus Waterproof Fly Rug
RRP £89.99 - £80.99
Beat the bugs! Living here in the UK it can go from tropical to torrential in about 10 seconds flat. Designed to keep our horse fly free and dry no matter what the weather has instore, the Shires Highlander Plus Waterproof Fly Rug offers:
- A ShireTex® ripstop 600D waterproof and breathable upper section.
- Quick drying, fly repelling lower mesh panelling.
- A full neck.
- A large belly flap for full coverage.
- Twin buckle chest fastenings.
- Deep shoulder gussets.
- A large pleated tail flap.
- An adjustable fillet string and leg strap loops.
- Protection from up to 90% of UV rays.
More Than £100
Horseware Rambo Hoody Fly Rug
RRP £139.95 - £125.95
Designed to offer high quality head-to-tail protection the Horseware Rambo Hoody Rug is a great investment in your horses wardrobe, features include:
- Integrated neck cover, extending over the poll and ears for added security.
- A durable, lightweight 1000D close woven polyester outer.
- A silky shine enhancing lining at the neck, wither and tail.
- 65+ UV protection.
- A complete belly wrap with three straight surcingles.
- Leg arches for freedom of movement.
- A comfort enhancing v-front chest closure to relieve pressure when their heads are down grazing.
- A supersized tail flap.
- Compatible with the Horseware Waterproof Fly Rug Liner.
Horseware Amigo 3-in-1 Evolution Fly Rug
RRP £139.95 - £124.95
Evolved to offer the very best, meet the Horseware Amigo 3-In-1! The ultimate summer defence, it’s got all the functionality of a waterproof turnout with the addition of revolutionary fly protection.
- Air Conditioned Yarn Fabric – 40% more durable, 20% more breathable and 30% lighter.
- Waterproof and breathable 900D upper.
- Polyester net sides.
- UV-Protection.
- Aqua and orange colour combination which flies struggle to see.
- Shine enhancing polyester lining under the waterproof sections (shoulders, neck and tail flap).
- Disc-front closure.
- Surefit neck design.
- Leg arches.
- Three straight surcingles for maximum belly coverage.
- Oversized tail flap.
- Wipe clean tail cord.
Don’t forget…
Found what you were looking for? You can shop all of the products featured in this blog at Naylors.com. Alternatively, visit one of our stores in Rochdale, Cannock, Nantwich or Kidderminster. If you require further advice, please leave a comment or give or customer service team a call on 01706 507 555.
