12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine
The best waterproof fly rugs are the perfect hybrid between the best no-fill rain sheets and the best fly rugs. As well as providing protection from summer showers, these lightweight and breathable rugs protect your horse from flies and the sun, making them ideal if you can’t get to the yard to keep taking your horse’s fly rug off when the rain sets in.
Best waterproof fly rugs: H&H’s quick guide
Best overall waterproof fly rug: Swish Equestrian Waterproof Fly Combination
Best for coverage: Premier Equine Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite Fly
Best design for deterring flies: Equilibrium Waterproof Fly Rug
Best for a rug-wrecker: WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Duo Shield Detach-A-Neck
Best for tiny ponies: Ruggles Combo Fly Rug With Waterproof Panel
Best fit for broad horses: Masta Turnoutmasta Hybrid Fly Rug
Best waterproof fly rugs
Swish Equestrian Waterproof Fly Combination Turnout Rug
This rug has a strong 1200D waterproof top layer and a longer-cut detachable neck cover that is secured with double-locking Velcro. The lower section is made of lightweight and breathable nylon. It features a fleece-lined wither pad, soft lining, reflective strips, cross surcingles and detachable leg straps.
Becky Murray tested this rug and she really liked this waterproof fly rug. She said “It’s ideal for more boisterous horses who put their rugs through their paces. The detachable neck is very useful and the rug has lots of extra features, which you usually find on more typically expensive brands, so this rug is good value when you consider how many benefits it offers.”
Read H&H’s independent Swish waterproof fly rug review.
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Premier Equine Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite Fly Rug
This rug has an ultra lightweight design with a 600D triple weave top section and a lightweight nylon lower section. It fastens with quick-release chest clips, cross surcingles and PVC -coated tail strap. With extended neck for full coverage and a super sized tail flap for ultimate coverage.
Becky also tested this rug and she said “The rug offers great protection against flies, midges and insects – and has an antibacterial polyester lining, too. I often find fly rugs tend to give off static shocks when you remove them but this rug has been anti-static treated, which will very much please both my horse and I.”
Read H&H’s independent Premier Equine Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite fly rug review.
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Equilibrium Waterproof Fly Rug with Detachable Neck
The durable 1680D waterproof top protects the neck, back, and quarters, while the hexagon mesh lower section helps reduce fly landings while maintaining airflow. A detachable neck and removable fittings make it highly adaptable and easy to use.
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Equilibrium ran their own in-house test and found that flies were 51% less likely to land on this monochrome hexagonal print compared to the other prints and colours tested.
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Duo Shield Detach-A-Neck Rug
With a 1680D ripstop waterproof upper panel with a mesh lower panel to allow for airflow, this rug has twin adjustable clip front closures with touch tape for easy fastening. The full tail wrap provides extra protection and the rug also has a memory foam wither pad, and removable leg straps.
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Ruggles Combo Fly Rug With Waterproof Panel
Made from soft but strong polyester mesh and a waterproof and breathable fabric on the topline, which is lined with soft nylon to help prevent rubbing. There is also a soft lining at the chest. The rug has generous shoulder gussets and tail flap, as well as adjustable and detachable leg straps.
The chest is fastened with double adjustable chest straps with D rings and snap clips, so once you’ve fitted the rug it’s quick and easy to fasten. The detachable belly band has Velcro straps and over straps for double-locking protection, while the combo neck extends to the brow with fleece-lined ear holes.
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Masta Turnoutmasta Hybrid Fly Rug with Detachable Neck
This rug combines a tough 1680D waterproof upper section with breathable nylon fly mesh lower section. The Turnoutmasta range from Masta is specially tailored for heavyweight builds or those who demand ultimate coverage, the rug features a generous extra-deep cut to accommodate cob types and horses with broader shoulders or deeper chests.
The XL shoulder gusset allows for unrestricted movement, while the detachable neck cover gives full coverage or versatility to remove when required.
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LeMieux Arika Camo Shower-Tek Waterproof Fly Rug
This rug has a durable 600D ripstop waterproof top section featuring a water-reactive camo print that reveals when it gets wet, and disappears when dry, so you’ll never put a damp rug away again.
It features an extended and shaped belly flap for additional coverage with a three-strap closure and detachable central strap that helps to self-right the rug. The front fastening is designed to distribute pressure to prevent rubbing on the shoulder and across the chest.
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Horseware Amigo AmEco Combi Waterproof Fly Rug
This rug incorporates a technical fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. The top section is waterproof, while the sides are lightweight protective mesh.
The rug features the patented disc front closure, which is designed to remove pressure and prevents rubbing. It also has a detachable hood, three straight surcingles and dual leg arches for a greater range of movement.
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Bucas Buzz-Off Rain Waterproof Fly Rug
This rug combines the features of the Buzz-off fly sheets and Sun Shower lightweight turnout – the upper part is waterproof and breathable, while the lower part is made of fly sheet fabric. It features a detachable neck and an elasticated and detachable belly pad that gives protection and helps to keep the rug in position.
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Hy DefenceX Shield Quagga System Waterproof Fly Rug
The waterproof section along the back and neck is 600D, which is combined with an airflow mesh fabric on the bottom section with zebralike stripes to confuse flies, deterring them from landing. It has twin buckle chest fastenings, adjustable surcingles, deep shoulder gussets and fixed neck cover with touch tape fastenings.
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Shires Tempest Original Waterproof Fly Rug
This rug has a 600D ripstop top section and breathable side panels that dry quickly and allow airflow. It fastens with buckles at the chest and has an adjustable fillet strap.
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Rhinegold Mombasa Waterproof Fly Rug
Made with a 600D waterproof topline with a robust but soft mesh lower part, this rug also has a lining on the topline and detachable neck cover to prevent rubbing.
The multi-adjustable chest allows for a good fit whether broad or narrow shouldered, and the buckle strap has a soft fleece lining for comfort and to help prevent rubbing. The rug also features a soft fleece wither pad and an elasticated tail strap that is attached with a trigger clip for easy removal.
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How to choose the best waterproof fly rug
A waterproof fly rug is ideal for horses turned out in changeable weather as they offer protection from flies, sun and showers. The waterproof upper section protects against rain while the mesh sides provide protection from biting insects and help to keep your horse cool.
Some waterproof fly rugs also offer UV protection. We’ve listed this wherever we’ve been able to get this information from manufacturers.
Waterproof fly rugs usually have larger tail flaps, should have quality and adjustable fastenings, and some also have linings to prevent rubbing and a belly flap for additional coverage.
Opt for maximum coverage – look for extra-large tail flaps, belly coverage and neck coverage to keep the flies from irritating your horse.
Consider the fastenings – if your horse is a fidget, look for fastenings that are easy and quick to do such as T-bar fastenings, but if your horse is particularly wide or narrow at the chest you may want to consider buckles for more adjustability.
Are fly rugs waterproof?
Not all fly rugs are waterproof, but some are! This selection of the best waterproof fly rugs are designed to be a hybrid of a rain sheet – with a waterproof topline – and a classic fly rug with a mesh bottom section.
How do I measure my horse for a rug?
In the UK rugs are measured in feet and inches. To measure your horse for good rug fit, use a soft tape measure to measure your horse from the centre of their chest to the furthest point of their hindquarters – follow these instructions on how to fit a horse rug.
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Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.