12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

This rug was redesigned in 2024 with a new pattern with the aim of being even more effective at repelling flies. The new design also allows more freedom of movement, a wither relief panel and a generous shoulder fit.

It offers full coverage with a stretch hood over the ears and has a breathable anti-rub lining on the neck and shoulder. The rug also features adjustable neck straps, buckle fastenings at the chest and elasticated belly straps, plus a long tail flap with plastic-covered fillet string for easy cleaning.

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.

H&H’s art editor Emily Secrett-Hill tested the previous yellow version of this fly rug and she said: “It might not be the cheapest on the market, but I think it is definitely worth the money as it’s strong, hard-wearing and appears to be comfortable”.

Read our full Equilibrium Fly Rug review.

Fly rugs are not known for being especially durable as they’re usually made of a lightweight mesh-type material, but this one is particularly great for horses who aren’t so gentle. Although made of a lightweight nylon mesh outer, it has a unique hexagon weave design with reflective properties to provide protection against heat, sunlight and insects while remaining breathable and comfortable on hot days.

This ultra-lightweight fly sheet, constructed from an innovative micro mesh, offers a second-skin fit and superior breathability, creating a reliable barrier against flies. Its extended, shaped belly flap provides additional protection, secured with a three-strap closure and a detachable central strap that is designed to help the rug self-right.

This breathable, lightweight rug provides a barrier to biting insects without preventing airflow. The ErgoFit neck cover and rug are cut from one piece of fabric to enhance comfort at the neck area, the neck, spine and chest are lined to prevent friction rubs.

The rug features buckle chest fastenings, a generous belly flap and an adjustable fillet strap.

This fly rug is made from lightweight and breathable nylon, and is designed to offer sun and fly protection without overheating your horse. The large shoulder gusset allows for freedom of movement, while the large tail flap offers extra protection. It has a longer cut, detachable neck cover with nylon strip to protect the mane and double-locking Velcro straps.

H&H’s website editor Carol Phillips put this fly rug to the test and found it to be good quality and really lightweight. She found it best suited horses with a deep girth and a good length of neck.

Read our full Swish fly rug review.

This rug’s USP really is the range of sizes it’s available in – if you’ve got a really dinky pony, larger heavy horse or even a donkey, chances are you’ll be able to find a fit for them. Made from a strong but soft mesh and partly lined, this rug is great for sensitive horses.

It offers great coverage with a belly band, long neck and generous tail flap. It features detachable webbing leg straps and is fastened at the chest with a double adjustable buckle and clip closure for ease and good fit. The ear holes are also fleece lined for added comfort.

This is a great value fly rug with added UV protection. It is a soft, breathable, and lightweight with sun-reflecting properties, perfect for protecting your horse all day in the field.

The rug has a silky smooth lining to minimise friction and prevent rubs along the mane, shoulder, and tail, and includes a detachable hood and an extra long tail flap for maximum coverage. The T-bar front closures, cross surcingles, and front leg arches ensure a secure and comfortable fit while allowing for freedom of movement.

Made from a robust but soft mesh, this rug features a satin-feel fabric on the topline and chest to prevent rubbing. It also has a detachable neck, cross surcingles, a fleece wither pad, generous tail guard, adjustable legstraps, and is fastened with buckles at the chest.

The zebra print is designed to help disorientate the flies and prevent them from landing on your horse, while the full neck provides additional protection.

The neck has an elasticated brow band that helps keep it in place while grazing, and it has an elasticated, detachable belly pad and large tail flap for extra coverage. The chest is fastened with a T-bar closure and the shoulders benefit from a silk-feel lining.

A summer sheet-style fly rug with a polyester cotton like feel upper section, and heavyweight mesh lower section that will stop those unwanted insect bites in warmer months. It features a unique dome neck design to help prevent mane loss.

This fly rug has adjustable front clip fastenings and cross surcingles at the belly. If UV is a priority for you this is a great option as it’s shares many features of the best summer sheets.

This breathable, fine mesh rug features reflective colouring to help prevent overheating, shoulder gussets to allow freedom of movement, and a double buckle chest closure with Velcro. It has a generous removable neck for maximum coverage that’s lined to help prevent rubbing, a tail flap and adjustable cross-over belly straps.

This fly rug features a five-point detachable neck with a headcollar loop that you can use to help secure it to prevent it from moving, and has a breathable 200D outer that offers UV protection.

It has elasticated detachable leg straps and buckle adjustments at the chest for adjustability. The nylon lining at the chest also helps to prevent rubs.