If you’re looking for an effective way to protect your horse from flies on a budget, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best cheap fly rugs – all with an RRP of under £50, and there are plenty with discounts on top of that. They might not offer as many technical features as one of the best fly rugs but, if your horse is sensitive and money is tight, a cheap fly rug is ten times better than no fly rug at all. You can always top up the protection with one of the best fly masks or best fly sprays if you need to.
Some of the best budget fly rugs do offer some of the more technical features. The rug might have great UV protection, an anti-rub lining, a belly flap or a detachable neck, but it’s unlikely to have them all, so you just need to work out which features are most important to you.
Best fly rugs with an RRP under £50
Saxon Mesh Combo Neck
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
UV protection: 96%
This value fly rug, which is from a WeatherBeeta brand, is made of a fine weave mesh outer that keeps the insects out while keeping your horse cool. It has a standard tail flap and fastens with a twin surcingle chest closure, twin low cross surcingles and double touch-tape closures on the neck. It also blocks an impressive amount of UV.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Gallop Classic Combo Fly Rug
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft
UV protection: Yes
This fly rug has a fixed neck with a headcollar loop and stretchy Lycra insert at the wither. It has elasticated detachable leg straps and buckle adjustments at the chest. The nylon lining at the chest also helps to prevent rubs. All in all, quite a few handy features for a low price.
Shires Tempest Original Combo Fly Rug
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
UV protection: 80%
RRP: £47.99
This breathable, lightweight and airy rug provides a barrier to biting insects without preventing airflow. The rug features buckle chest fastenings, cross surcingles and an adjustable fillet strap.
Rhinegold Fly Rug With Detachable Neck
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft
UV protection: Yes
This zebra print fly rug has a detachable neck, which not many styles do – so it’s perfect if you need the extra versatility. It’s made of a super-fine lightweight mesh has a satin chest lining to help prevent rubbing. It also features a cotton towelling spine section that helps wick away sweat, a generous tail guard, adjustable legstraps, and is fastened with buckles at the chest.
Fouganza Fly Sheet
Sizes: 115–155cm
This airy mesh rug has three chest straps as well as three or four neck fastenings, depending on the size of the rug. It features belly and tail flaps in addition to a long neck cover for maximum coverage. The extended detachable neck ensures coverage while your horse is grazing.
Masta Vento Fly Rug
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft6in
Made from a soft mesh fabric to enable airflow, this fly rug has touch-tape fastenings to the neck, twin surcingle chest fastenings and cross surcingles at the belly. The design now has an added neck insert, which allows for freedom of movement while grazing, by moving with your horse and helping to relieve wither pressure. It also has an anti-rub lining along the neck and shoulders.
You might also like:
Turnout and stable rug options if you’re shopping on a budget
13 fly rugs to suit every shape, need and budget
10 waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine
7 rugs to help protect horses who are prone to sweet itch
Subscribe to Horse & Hound this spring for great savings
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
