8 rugs designed to protect sweet-itch prone horses and ponies from midges

This rug is made of a soft and very durable 1000D Polyester with close woven fabric so biting insects can’t get through. It offers maximum protection thanks to extended belly coverage (with Velcro closure and three cross surcingle’s that wrap around the body), a supersized tail flap and an integrated neck cover with shaped ear holes. It’s also compatible with this waterproof fly liner to help extend the wear during those wet spells.

Offering head-to-tail protection from biting insects and the sun’s rays, this lightweight breathable 1000D rug from Premier Equine is hard-wearing and 100% UV reflective.

It features an antibacterial, breathable lining over the shoulder and neck area to prevent rubbing, as well as an integrated wrap-around belly flap and super-size double-thickness tail flap for extra protection.

Made from a soft, close-knit polyester fabric that remains highly breathable, this rug can help keep your horse cool against the heat of the sun and prevent dark coats from bleaching, although it has no specific UV rating listed to compare.

It has a longer cut, integrated neck cover with fleece-lined ear holes that gives full coverage even when grazing. It’s secured with touch-tape fastenings and the top one has an elastic insert allowing for added comfort around the face.

The wrap-around belly provides extra protection to the more sensitive areas of the horse and is secured with three surcingles. It has an anti-rub lining along the neck and over the shoulders to prevent rubbing. It’s also available with a waterproof upper section for changeable weather.

This Weatherbeeta rug offers head-to-tail protection for sensitive horses that need all-round defence against biting insects and irritation, shielding them from over 95% UV rays.

Made from a strong and breathable 600D ripstop outer, with a smooth 210T lining to help reduce rubbing and enhance coat shine. It has memory foam pads for gentle wither relief, an elasticated, adjustable belly wrap and full wrap tail flap. It also features an ear hood with elastic insert around the ears to ensure the neck stays in place.

Ideal for all-round summer protection against biting insects and sun bleaching, this Shires rug features a “grazing-friendly“ hood and large pleated tail flap to help keep the body, neck and poll covered at all times.

The hardwearing and breathable fabric is 90% UV blocking. It also has a belly flap, deep shoulder gussets, buckle chest straps and adjustable fillet strap and leg strap loops.

This Snuggy Hoods rug offers total protection from midges, biting insects, flies and harmful UV rays. It has full belly coverage, an elasticated and padded chest and withers, and double tail protection with a tail wrap and extra-large flap.

It is also mud-proof and water-repellent, and prevents coat bleaching. You can add a hood or headless hood to maximise your coverage. You can further customise the coverage by adding front legs, an udder cover or sheath cover.

H&H deputy website editor Georgia Guerin has used one of these previously – and while they can be tricky to putt on at first, she says that with practise even her more suspicious horse got used to it fairly quickly. The material is thick, but she was surprised that her horse wasn’t sweating even on the hottest days, and the overall protection the rug provided was impressive.

Made from a durable and lightweight outer, this sweet itch rug features a generous neck cover and ear holes, lined mane and extra large tail flap to cover the most sensitive areas.

The long length and full belly coverage with triple fastening for maximum all-round protection. The 45° angled T-bar front closure, elasticated angled shoulder gusset and pleated two-part skirt system allows for freedom of movement.

The Boett blanket is made from a unique, breathable, water repellent fabric, and can be used for protection against ordinary flies, crab flies and sand flies in addition to midges.

It has unique sizing, so you have to get two measurements (centre of the chest, to the end of the hindquarters and circumference of the loins) to ensure you get the right size rug from their size chart.