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

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.

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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You might also like:

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

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Arming your horse with one of the best fly rugs for horses is a great first step to protecting him against irritating flies and insects during the summer months. Fly rugs are a simple way to keep horses covered with a protection that won’t wear off.

For the ultimate protection against flies, combine the fly rug with one of the best fly masks, fly fringes, best fly sprays or fly gels.

If you’re worried about your horse getting caught in summer showers, you may want to consider the best waterproof fly rugs. Or if your horse is prone to suffering from sweet itch, check out the best “sweet itch rugs” that offer more coverage and are specifically designed to prevent midges getting to your horse.

Best fly rugs: H&H’s quick guide

Best fly rug for deterring flies: Equilibrium Field Relief

Best for rug rippers: Weatherbeeta ComFiTec Hexi Shield Combo Neck

Best fly rug for UV protection: LeMieux Arika Armour-Tek

Best budget fly rug: Shires Tempest Original Combo

Best fly with no/detachable neck: Swish Equestrian Nylon Fly Cool

Best fly rug for extreme sizes: Ruggles Combo

Best fly rugs for horses this summer

It also features traditional shoulder gussets, a memory foam wither pads for freedom of movement and added comfort, large belly wrap and three piece tail flap for additional coverage. It fastens with quick clip closure at the chest and has elasticated, adjustable and removable leg straps.

The front fastening distributes pressure, preventing rubbing on the shoulder and chest, while the antibacterial, anti-static lining enhances coat shine. The extra-long tail flap has an elasticated PVC-coated fillet strap, and for optional additional coverage, you can use the lined detachable neck.

How to choose the best fly rug

When choosing between the best fly rugs for horses, in many ways you should be looking for similar qualities of any good turnout rug – including a good fit, quality material and secure fastenings. The more of your horse’s body that is covered by the rug, the more protection he will have, but to avoid overheating the fabric should be very lightweight, breathable and have some reflective and/or cooling properties.

Other useful features of the best fly rugs for horses include detachable leg straps, large tail flaps and anti-rub linings or seamless necks. You’ll notice that the fastenings under the belly of a fly rug are less likely to be designed to cross – like a traditional turnout rug – as passing straight across provides greater coverage and protection. If you’re shopping on a budget, we’ve also rounded up a selection of the best cheap fly rugs.

Do zebra fly rugs work?

Over the last 10 years there has been a bit of research into this question. The findings suggest that the stripes confuse the flies, which prevents them from landing. Recently rug companies have been researching the effect of other colour combinations for the best fly rugs for horses, too, which is where the inspiration for Equilibrium’s hexagonal pattern came from.

Can I leave a fly rug on overnight?

Providing your horse’s fly rug is well fitting, leaving it on overnight shouldn’t be a problem.

Can I ride in a fly rug?

Not a traditional fly rug, no. However, the best ride-on fly rugs are designed to be used when riding and can make summer hacking much more pleasurable.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

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

6 ride-on fly rugs that will make hacking more pleasant for your horse

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The best sweet itch rugs can help prevent midges from biting your horse when out in the field. Think of them as a level up from the best fly rugs – they offer an even greater level of protection.

Sweet itch can be a summer nightmare for horse owners. Caused by an allergic reaction to the bite of the midge, sweet itch is an unpleasant itching sensation that leads the horse to bite, scratch or rub at their skin. It most commonly affects the base of the mane and tail, but some horses are affected over the body, too.

Keeping horses prone to sweet itch covered and protected is the best method of defence, and can be used along with one of the best fly sprays that targets midges. This selection of sweet itch rugs have been designed to provide maximum coverage and help your horse battle those summer irritations.

Best sweet itch rugs: H&H’s quick guide

Best sweet itch rug for a rug-wrecker: Horseware Rambo Hoody

Best sweet itch rug for UV protection: Premier Equine Sweet Itch Buster

Best value sweet itch rug: Masta Combo

Best protective fly rugs to keep out midges that cause sweet itch

What is a sweet itch rug?

It’s important to be aware that these “sweet itch rugs” will not treat your horse or cure him from the condition and are not a replacement for veterinary treatment. They can, however, be used as a preventative measure to reduce the chance of a horse who is prone to the condition from being bitten in the first place.

Most cases of sweet itch are seen between March and October, so purchasing a rug and putting it on your horse before the season starts is best – once your horse is suffering he will already be itching and likely damage even the most robust of rugs.

How to choose a sweet itch rug

The best sweet itch rugs tend to offer more coverage than even the best fly rugs so as to provide maximum protection, but as they are worn throughout the summer months, it’s especially important that they are lightweight and breathable.

Choose one with excellent coverage – look for extra-large tail flaps, belly coverage and extended necks. Consider fastenings – the more there are the more covered your horse is likely to be, but if he’s not a fan of you fussing around him they need to be quick and easy to do up and undo.

Chest fastenings usually have the most variation – while surcingle type hooks are quick and easy, they don’t offer anything in the way of adjustability, whereas adjustable buckles can be fiddly to use. The gold standard is usually buckle for adjustment with quick clips for fastening, but this is likely to result in a more expensive rug.

What is the difference between a sweet itch and fly rug?

A fly rug is designed to protect against larger flies, while a sweet itch rug is made of a fine mesh fabric that is specifically designed to block smaller insects like midges, offering more extensive coverage and a tighter weave mesh material.

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Best equine skin and coat supplements: what are your options?

We tested fly gels and creams for 3 months – these 5 are worth the spend

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

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

Sweet itch in horses: what all horse owners need to know

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

If you’re in the market for a new rug for your horse for the first time, the sheer range of different rug types can be quite baffling. It’s likely that at some point in your horse’s life you’ll need most types for one reason or another, so here’s an explainer of horse rugs, including the pros and cons of each to help you work out which type of rug you need.

Unfortunately it’s not as simple as finding the right size, then picking out a fun colour and pattern – instead, there are rugs that warm your horse up, cool your horse down, help your horse dry faster, and protect your horse from the sun – and more besides.

Some rugs can be called sheets – fly sheets, rain sheets, summer sheets – and these are usually thin and lightweight, but they are still very much a type of rug. In the US, rugs are called blankets – and this guide includes all types of rugs, blankets and sheets.

Types of horse rugs

• Turnout rugs
• Stable rugs
• Cooler rugs
• Travel rugs
• Fly rugs
• Summer sheets
• Exercise sheets
• Therapy rugs

Turnout rugs

Turnout rugs keep horses warm and dry by protecting him from the harsher elements – rain, cold, wind or snow. They are available in different weights (similar to different duvet togs) to offer varying levels of warmth.

The weight each horse requires will vary as horses feel the cold at different rates, but our horse rug temperature guide should help you work out what weight you need when.

• Rain sheets – the lightest option and have 0g of fill
• Lightweight turnout rugs – designed for warmer weather and are usually 0-150g fill
• Medium-weight turnout rugs – usually 200-250g
• Heavyweight horse rugs – upwards of 300g fill and needed in the coldest weather

It’s advisable to have a range of weights so that you can adjust in relation to the temperature. Some rugs come with an outer layer and have liner that can be clipped in and out to change the fill.

Modern turnout rugs are made of technical waterproof outer fabric, which means you need to take care if washing horse rugs at home, so as not to compromise the water-repellent properties. Most rug companies will tell you the waterproof rating of the fabric – for example, 10,000mm – and the higher the rating, the more waterproof and breathable it will be.

Turnout rugs are rated in denier – 600D or 1,680D, for example. The higher the denier the count, the more durable the rug should be.

Turnouts are available with a range of neck attachments or built-in neck covers to keep your horse warm – and clean. And they usually fasten at the chest, the belly and hindlegs, plus under the neck if there is one. There are a range of fastening options, and you will usually pay more for easy-to-use and adjustable options.

Stable rugs

Horses that are clipped or spend much of their day in the stable – and are therefore unable to generate their own body heat by moving around – will benefit from one of the best stable rugs when the weather turns cold. Turnout rugs can also be worn in the stable – and if you have a horse that like to lay in dirty bedding they are arguably easier to clean.

Stable rugs are much lighter, and padded or quilted for warmth. They are not waterproof, so not suitable for outdoor use, however on a very cold day, they can be used underneath a waterproof turnout rug.

Like the turnouts, they come in various weights according to the level of warmth your horse needs. They are also available with or without neck covers.

Fleeces

Fleeces are usually a single fleece layer, rather than quilted like a classic stable rug. They are versatile rugs and can be used as coolers or for travel (although there are more technical options for each of these scenarios) and for keeping horses clean. They also make a good layer underneath a turnout or stable rug.

Stable sheets

Stable sheets are a thin cotton rug, designed for keeping the horse clean in the stable or a layer of warmth on cool nights when it’s not cold enough for a thicker rug.

Like fleeces, they are not waterproof, but can be used for layering underneath. Many owners use them before going to a show in addition to a stable hood to keep their horse shiny, clean and dust-free.

Cooler rugs

Cooler rugs are used primarily after exercise to prevent the horse from cooling down too fast, which can be bad for the muscles. They are made from a breathable fabric to allow sweat and moisture to escape so that the horse can dry off naturally.

Travel rugs

Travel rugs are similar to cooler rugs, with simple fastenings – and often double up as a show rug. They are lightweight and highly breathable to ensure horses don’t get too hot while traveling. Many owners will use a cooler rug as a travel rug and vice versa.

Some horses do not need a rug for travel, especially if they have a full coat, but for others they are an essential part of a horse’s travel kit.

Fly rugs

The best fly rugs protect horses from being bitten and irritated by flies and midges in the summer months. They are lightweight and breathable, designed for hot weather. They can also offer UV protection to prevent your horse’s coat being bleached in the sun.

You can also opt for a waterproof fly rug, which has a waterproof topline, or a ride-on fly rug, which will protect your horse from flies while you’re riding.

Fly rugs usually offer more coverage than a turnout rug in order to give the highest levels of protection. Some have belly flaps and larger tail flaps, and most have necks, some of which reach past the ears.

Fly rugs are usually light in colour to reflect heat away, while others are patterned, which helps to prevent flies landing.

Sweet itch rugs

The best sweet itch rugs have an even greater level of coverage and protection, preventing midges from landing on and biting your horse. Sweet itch occurs in horses and ponies that are sensitive to the irritants in midge saliva, and so need sweet itch rugs are designed with greater protection in mind.

These rugs usually offer even more coverage than a fly rug, such as a tail wrap under the flap, and some are designed to be more like a close-fitting suit. The material is usually closer woven, too.

Summer sheets

As the name suggests, summer sheets can also be worn in the field during the summer, and their main function is to protect your horse from the sun’s UV rays. They’re not suitable at other times of the year as they’re not waterproof.

Summer sheets offer similar coverage to a fly rug, but block a higher proportion of UV so are really useful if your horse suffers from photosensitivity, is at high risk of sunburn, or you want to protect the coat from bleaching.

Summer sheets are less common than they once were as fly rugs have become much more technical, meaning they offer increasing UV protection while remaining lightweight, which keeps your horse cool.

Exercise sheets

Exercise sheets cover the horse’s back and hindquarters, and are designed to keep these big muscle groups warm and dry while exercising in cold or wet weather. They are breathable, designed to wick away moisture, and allow a decent range of movement so as not to inhibit the exercising horse.

They are available in different thicknesses for different times of year – waterproof exercise sheets are also available, as are hi-vis exercise sheets with reflective strips for hacking.

Walker rugs are designed with light exercise in mind, but fasten under the belly and at the front. However they are cut away at the shoulder to allow freedom of movement.

Therapy rugs

Therapy rugs have a similar design to cooler rugs, but have additional features that are designed to offer therapeutic benefits. Some have magnets, while others are made with ceramic fabrics or have massaging sections.

They’re designed to be used by horse owners to help their horses recover faster, usually by increasing circulation.

How many rugs does a horse need?

This is a source of much debate. Some say a horse’s natural coat is sufficient given a good outdoor shelter in winter, and fly spray in summer. Many horses will have more rugs than their owners have jackets.

It varies hugely on the type of horse, whether he is clipped and what type of clip, their age, whether he lives in or out, available shelter, the climate…the list goes on. However, charities and vets warn that over-rugging can be a welfare problem.

That said, leaving their horse turned out with his full natural coat all winter long is impractical for most riders, so we need to rug appropriately. Some owners will easily have up to 14 rugs for one horse, while others manage with just one or two turnouts. For those who do rug up in the field, it is certainly handy to have a range of weights to use according to the temperature.

You may also be interested in…

Which rug should I put on my horse? H&H’s helpful guide to help you decide

When do horses feel the cold? Vet explains at what point your horse might need a rug

How to wash your horse’s rugs at home – and what’s best to use

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

How to fit a rug correctly to keep your horse comfortable

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

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.

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

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

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

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

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If you’re looking to grab a bargain to add to your horse’s rug wardrobe, then you’ve come to the right place...

Heading towards the worst of the winter weather, Black Friday horse rug deals come at the perfect time. Whether you’re looking for lightweight turnouts, heavyweight stable rugs or exercise sheets, this is the place to find and compare all the best deals. We will be regularly updating this page with the very best Black Friday horse rug deals that we can find as well as our main page of Black Friday equestrian deals..

Quick links

Viovet: Loads of big brands discounted here

GS Equestrian: Save up to 70% on rugs from popular brands

Naylors: Save up to 60% on rugs, and get an extra 25% off with ‘BF25’

Best Black Friday horse rug deals

If you’re looking for something specific, jump down to the category – if not, scroll through and see what catches your eye.

• Lightweight turnout rugs
• Medium weight turnout rugs
• No-fill rain sheets
• Stable rugs
• Fly rugs
• Other – coolers, travel rugs etc

Lightweight turnout rugs

Medium weight turnout rugs

No-fill rainsheets

Stable rugs

Fly rugs

Other rugs

You can also check out our buying guides to see what’s on the market…

• lightweight turnouts and rainsheets
• medium-weight turnouts
• heavyweight turnouts
• stable rugs
• turnout and stable rugs on a budget
• magnetic rugs
• show rugs
• travel rugs
• cooler rugs
• exercise sheets
• summer sheets
• fly rugs
• waterproof fly rugs
• ride-on fly rugs
• patterned rugs

What is Black Friday?

For consumers and retailers in the UK, Black Friday is a recent phenomenon, but it has been going strong the United States for decades.

Black Friday is the first Friday after Thanksgiving and is traditionally seen as the start of the Christmas shopping season, with high street retailers opening their doors at the crack of dawn and offering big discounts for shoppers who have set their alarm clocks.

The rise of internet shopping has allowed the Black Friday tradition to spread throughout the world, and it hasn’t passed the equestrian world by either. From your local tack shop to massive online retailers, there will be great discounts to be had.

You might also like:

Best Cyber Monday equestrian deals 2025, 50 hand-picked deals by our experts and horse owners

Turnout and stable rug options if you’re shopping on a budget

12 rain sheets/no-fill turnouts to protect your horse from showers

A pick of the best lightweight turnouts for changeable weather

Best medium weight turnout rugs for chillier days

12 warm heavyweight turnouts for the winter

10 stable rugs your horse will thank you for

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Premier Equine Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite

My first impression of the Premier Equine Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite waterproof fly rug was it looked like a very well made rug of high quality. It comes in a very sturdy reusable bag which will definitely come in handy for storage, when it’s not in use.

This “technically advanced” waterproof fly rug boasts lots of features; it can be used day and night, and the upper waterproof section offers protection against rain showers – as well as claiming to prevent heat build-up when the sun comes out. It also provides UVA protection. This feels like a super rug for those warm summer downpours, especially if you have a lesson or show the next day and want to keep your horse dry overnight. It’s reassuring that the rug prevents heat build up, and I will be keeping an eye on how my horse feels during the higher temperatures.

The rug offers “maximum protection” against flies, midges and insects – and has an antibacterial polyester lining for “optimum protection”. 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. My mare is pictured wearing the navy trim, but the rug also comes in green and wine colours.

I particularly like the quick-release chest clips on the rug. These come with two fastening options, however the straps themselves are not adjustable – which could provide limitations on what chest sizes the rug fits.

Other features include cross surcingles, an “extra high” elasticated shoulder gusset, a long integrated neck cover with four double-locking Velcro fastenings – which appear really good quality – and a “supersize” PVC-coated tail flap. Sometimes I find large tail flaps tend to flap in the wind but my first thoughts are from the weight of the material and the length of this tail flap, I don’t expect it to flap like some of the shorter ones.

In terms of the features, the rug is comparable to the Swish Waterproof Fly Combo Turnout – which is cheaper at £89.99 – however the Premier Equine Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite does appear to be a better fit for larger built horses, whereas the Swish waterproof fly rug I tested I found more suited to narrower.

In line with the Premier Equine size guide, my 16hh Connemara x Irish sports horse mare who usually wears a 6ft3in in most brands, had to size down to a 6ft in the Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite. She had good movement in the rug and I don’t foresee any sections that are likely to rub. The neck cover comes up to her ears, though this does slip down slightly when she grazes.

Verdict

H&H Approved – This rug sits on the higher price bracket for a waterproof fly rug at £124, but it is excellent quality and is a super product to have for those summer showers. I really like the fastenings and how secure the rug feels, though it would be handy if the front straps were adjustable. While it is more expensive than other brands, I think this is very good value rug that I would recommend. It kept the flies at bay, without making my mare too warm.

View now at ebay.co.uk

Who tested this fly rug?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

You might also be interested in:

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

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

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

Premier Equine Combo Mesh Air Fly Rug

I was excited to try this Premier Equine fly rug, as while being very familiar with many Premier Equine products, I hadn’t tried their rugs previously. It came in a very sturdy reusable bag which will definitely come in handy for storage when it’s not in use.

This fly rug is described as ideal for warm summer months, and is made from durable and lightweight sports mesh fabric. It definitely feels nice and lightweight and I suspect my horses won’t get too hot in it. It also offers UVA protection and is approximately 70% UV reflective which is an added bonus, plus the lining is antibacterial and anti-static. The rug is also machine washable at 30°C and comes in three colours, wine, green or blue.

I liked the quick-release chest clip – these are my favoured fastenings for rugs. They come with two fastening options, however the straps themselves are not adjustable – similar to the DefenceX rugs I’ve tested.

The rug also features a high shoulder guest, longer integrated neck cover with double-locking straps, cross surcingles, and a “supersize” tail flap.

I have heard Premier Equine rugs tend to be on the larger side, and I did find this to be the case. The 6ft3in rug that I tried was too big for my 15.2hh mare and she would definitely need to take a size down, but it did fit my 16hh mare – who fits 6ft3in nicely in brands such as Shires and Horseware – much better, although it was still a little baggy at the hind quarters. With this being the case I’ll be keeping my eye out for it slipping.

Verdict

H&H Approved – This rug sits on the higher price bracket for a fly rug at £93, but it’s good quality and I believe will serve a number of summers. It has sturdy buckles and surcingles, and offers plenty of features. I particularly liked the light and airy material, and how soft this is compared to some other fly rugs. My mare did not get too warm during the hot spells, but I did note it slipped slightly when she enjoyed a roll.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

Who tested this fly rug?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

You might also be interested in:

Weatherbeeta ComFiTec 600D/Mesh II Combo Neck fly rug *H&H Approved*

£129.99

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

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Mesh II Combo review

£69.99

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

Swish Waterproof Fly Rug

My first impressions of the Swish Fly Turnout Combination rug were very good – it certainly stands out with its vibrant orange waterproof panel along the back and when taking it out of the reusable bag, I noted it felt sturdy and well made.

I haven’t previously used any Swish products so I was very interested to try this. One of the first positives to report is the waterproof panel is 1200D ripstop fabric, which will be very beneficial in during summer rain spells – and it is worth noting this is double the 600D that the DefenceX System Airflow detachable fly rug offers.

I like that this waterproof fly rug comes with a detachable neck cover, which is included in the £89.99 price. The neck cover features double-locking Velcro fastenings that I felt really provided extra security – it doesn’t feel like it would easily come open.

Both my horses, a 15.2hh Connemara x ISH and a 16hh Connemara x ISH, take a 6ft3in rug in different brands. Interestingly this 6ft3in Swish waterproof fly rug was slightly on the large side in the body for my 15.2hh mare – who normally takes a 6ft3 in Amigo – but was also a little bit narrow at the chest, so I’ll be checking to make sure this doesn’t rub with continued use. It fit my bigger horse – who fits a 6ft3in Weatherbeeta nicely – very well in the body, but was too tight on the chest. Overall I would say this is suited to narrower types in front.

The rug offers lots of other features including a large tail flap, a fleece-lined wither pad for comfort, a plastic-covered fillet string, detachable leg straps and the bottom half of the rug is made from a breathable nylon aimed at keeping your horse cool. This rug also has safety reflective strips on the front, side and tail flap which is a feature I haven’t seen in many fly rugs previously, so this is a nice added touch.

Verdict

H&H Approved – I really like this rug and how sturdy it is, especially for more boisterous horses who put their rugs through their paces. This rug has been a welcome addition to my mare’s summer wardrobe and the detachable neck I found very useful. The rug has lots of extra features, which you usually find on more expensive brands such as Weatherbeeta or Premier Equine, so for me this rug is reasonably priced for how many benefits it offers. It is worth noting that it is neat at the front, however it did not rub my 15.2hh mare, who is quite narrow chested.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Who tested this fly rug?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

You might also be interested in:

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

Why do some horses wear rugs in summer? H&H explains

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

DefenceX waterproof fly rug

My first impressions of the DefenceX waterproof fly rug were very positive. The rug, which is silver with a navy and red trim, feels and looks like good quality, and it is nice and light to put on. It costs £79.99, which sits in the mid-range price tag of this rug category.

The 6ft3in size fit my 15.2hh Connemara x Irish sports horse mare well, which I was pleased to see as I found the 6ft3in StormX fly rug was a bit on the small side in length. It’s worth noting my horse is quite petite in the chest and I think chunkier breeds would find this DefenceX fly rug a little neat and could have to go up a size.

This waterproof rug claims to be ideal for the warmer weather offering protection from flies and light rain. It features a 600D top section and mesh lower section that promotes airflow. The rug feels well made and I’m confident will serve my horse well during summer showers.

Other features include a detachable neck cover which make this rug very versatile and I would be happy using it as a lightweight summer sheet. The neck cover is a generous size and appears to stay put while my horse grazes. I like that it comes with clip-fastenings instead of velcro for joining it to the rug, which makes it very speedy to put on and remove – while the front of the neck cover features two velcro fastenings.

The rug comes with deep shoulder guests, adjustable cross surcingles and a fillet string, as well as lovely padding at the withers for added comfort.

The biggest downside I found with this waterproof fly rug is the chest fastenings. These clip fastenings offer three D-ring options, however the straps themselves cannot be altered so on my horse they sit very loose, which leaves room for them to catch on something. This is a point I noted in the DefenceX System 200 turnout review, too. I would love to see this brand alter this design in the future but otherwise I think this range has a lot to offer. With that said, for a horse with a wider chest these straps may fit better.

Verdict

H&H Approved – I was very impressed with this rug and especially how well it fit my 15.2hh mare, who can be tricky to find good-fitting fly rugs for. I really liked that it had padding at the withers, which I haven’t found in many fly rugs previously, and the removable neck and clip fastenings are a real bonus for me. I think this rug is good price, but I still feel the non-adjustable straps on the front let it down slightly.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk 

Who tested this fly rug?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

You might also be interested in:

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

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

DefenceX System 200 turnout with detachable neck review

£104.99

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

Weatherbeeta ComFiTec 600D/Mesh II Combo Neck fly rug

My first impressions of the Weatherbeeta waterproof fly rug were very positive and having now used the rug for a full summer season, I’m still a fan. It is quite lightweight, but has proven to be hard wearing with good quality fastenings that are to the task. The material is very soft and pliable from first wear and the rug contours well around the horse’s body. It also has some clever design features, including a memory foam pad that sits either side of the withers to reduce pressure on this sensitive area, which is a new design addition that was not included in the previous version of this rug (Weatherbeeta ComFiTec 600D/Mesh Combo).

This is a full-neck fly rug with waterproof panel across the back and top of the neck to protect against the light rain showers during spring, summer and autumn, which makes it a useful addition to any horse owner’s equine wardrobe in Britain. However, it is also suitable for use as a standard fly rug on dry days. My horse has not shown any signs of sweating while wearing this rug on warmer dry spring days, and it has kept his back and neck dry when it has rained.

The front of the rug has a combination of clip and Velcro fastenings. The clips are easy to use and feel robust. The neck has two wide webbing straps that pass through metal fasteners before attaching back on themselves with Velcro. Each strap is shaped at the end, which makes them easier to pass through the metal fastener.

The rug has a “traditional side gusset” on the shoulder to allow the horse to move around without restriction in the field and the shoulders are lined to “help prevent rubbing or stretching”. The rug has retained its shape over time and has not rubbed my horse’s shoulders. The sides of the rug are sufficiently deep to wrap around the horse’s belly area, while the surcingles run under the belly parallel to each other, instead of following the more common cross pattern. There are webbing loops attached to the rug that the adjustable surcingles pass through to encourage the material to shape itself around the horse’s ribcage and offer fly protection to the belly area. This is a change in design compared to the previous version of this rug, which had a separate elasticated and adjustable belly wrap, and I believe it is a significant improvement.

The rear of the rug has a generously sized tail flap and detachable rear leg straps that are elasticated at one end to help keep the rug in place. Personally I prefer a single fillet string to secure the back of the rug, unless the weather is very windy. I have tested this rug both with the rear leg straps as supplied, and a single fillet string, and it has not slipped during use. The rear leg straps are adjustable and the clips are robust and easy to use.

I tested the 6ft6in rug on my 16.2 Irish Sport Horse and I feel the sizing of the rug is pretty true. He appears very happy to move around in the field wearing the rug, which was good to see. The rug showed no signs of wear after use throughout spring, summer and autumn. I’ve also not had any issues with static when removing the rug, which can occur with some fly rugs.

Verdict

H&H Approved: While not the cheapest on the market, this is a good quality fly rug that offers protection from both flies and damp weather. I would recommend it.

Who tested this waterproof fly rug?

Carol Phillips is Horse & Hound’s website editor, who has ridden since childhood. She has an Irish Sport Horse who has put this rug to the test.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

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

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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. 

Bucas Freedom Fly Rug

My first impression of this Bucas Freedom fly rug was that it appeared to be a good quality soft material, which draped nicely around my horse’s body. I tend to think of Bucas rugs as being top of the range, so while this rug had some of the quality elements I would expect from this brand, including Bucas’s clever double Velcro fastening and T-bar clip at the front, there were other aspects that surprised me.

The rug fitted my Irish sport horse well in the body, but the neck is on the short side for him, leaving a significant gap between the rug and his fly mask when grazing. The neck cover only has two fastenings, but this is sufficient.

The cross surcingles are robust and work well to keep the rug in position, but the rug doesn’t offer any belly protection.

The Bucas Freedom fly rug came with removable rear leg straps, but the clip fastenings were plastic, rather than metal, which surprised me. That said they are solid and do feel up to the task. The leg straps themselves are made of robust webbing and not as flexible as others that I’ve tested, such as the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec waterproof fly rug, although they have not rubbed my horse.

The fit of the rug around my horse’s hind quarters is good, and the tail flap is of a good size. I have noticed that the rug does have a tendency to suffer from static when being removed at times.

After around a month of frequent use, the rug has not rubbed and has remained in place when used both with rear leg straps and with just a single fillet string, providing a good level of protection from flies. However, the rug has suffered a tear on top of the hindquarters. It’s unclear whether this was caused by my horse catching the material on something while rolling or if it was caused by his turnout buddy playing in the field, but either way the material has appears to have less tear resistance than the Swish Nylon Fly Cool Rug that we are also testing.

The rug is available in a good range of sizes – from a dinky 3ft6in to 7ft – and three colours (silver, blue or pink).

Verdict

A quality fly rug that is ideally suited to horses with a shorter neck that do not need belly protection and are not hard on their rugs.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or rideawaystore.com

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Who tested this fly rug?

Carol Phillips is Horse & Hound’s website editor, who has ridden since childhood. She has a seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse who has put this rug to the test.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

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

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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. 

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Mesh II Combo

I was looking forward to trying the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Mesh II Combo fly rug as it’s a brand I associate with good quality. The rug costs £69.99 which feels like a reasonable price for WeatherBeeta as it usually tends to sit on the higher price range scale, but there are certainly more expensive fly rugs from other brands on the market right now.

The mesh material is very soft and claims to be breathable but while the rug is very light to put on, I will be looking out to see if my horse becomes warm wearing it on a hot sunny day. It also has 210T nylon lining at the shoulders, mane and tail, however this does make the rug quite noisy and gave the impression it was rubbing.

The 6ft3in was too big for my 15.2hh Connemara x ISH, but fit my 16hh Connemara x ISH well on the body (they both measure for 6ft3in) and I liked the large tail flap. The biggest down point was the neck cover was huge and seemed quite out of proportion. As it is attached it cannot be removed, and I think it could irritate my mare when she grazes owing to coming over her ears when fully stretched out.

In terms of other features, the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec fly rug has adjustable leg straps, cross surcingles, and twin buckle fastenings at the front. The rug also promises a 65%+ UV block so this rug would be great for horses that need UV protection. A real bonus is the rug is machine washable and feels lightweight enough that I’d be happy to put it in my washing machine at home.

My horse is pictured in the white fly rug with maroon trim, and this also comes with a blue or purple trim. For those who like to have fun with patterns and stand out from the crowd, the rug comes in very fun bee and giraffe prints. The bee print also extends to a Weatherbeeta hay bag, fly mask, travel boots, and cooler for those who are fans of matching products. There is also a similar fly rug but with a waterproof topline – the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential 600D/Mesh II Combo.

Verdict

This is a good quality rug and the price is reasonable, especially given the super extra features – and that you can buy matching items. However, the overly large neck cover let it down for me and I found that it irritated my mare when she was grazing. Downsizing would leave the body too small for my 16.2hh Connemara x ISH, so unfortunately although I really rate Weatherbeeta, this rug was not a great fit for my horse.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, naylors.com, equus.co.uk or sportsdirect.com

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Who tested this fly rug?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

You might also be interested in:

Weatherbeeta ComFiTec 600D/Mesh II Combo Neck fly rug *H&H Approved*

£129.99

Hy StormX Original Zebra Fly Rug review

£44.99

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Plus Dynamic II Standard Neck Lite

£124.99

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

Hy StormX Original Zebra Fly Rug

My first thought when I saw the StormX Original Zebra fly rug was I certainly wouldn’t have trouble spotting my horse in the field. The bold print really stands out and I couldn’t help but smile as there’s an element of fun to it. But this fly rug offers a lot more than just a bit of fun, owing to the fact zebra print has been scientifically proven to confuse flies.

One of the most recent studies published in 2019 looked at zebras and horses to understand how stripes manipulate the behaviour of biting flies as they attempt to land. While researchers found flies were just as attracted to the zebras as the horses suggesting the stripes did not deter flies from a distance, when they got close to the zebras it was noted they tended to fly past them – indicating the stripes disrupted the flies’ abilities to land.

I have never tried a zebra-print rug before so based on the science I am really looking forward to finding out how well these rugs work – especially on horse flies and the notorious Scottish midges.

The rug itself is made from a breathable mesh and feels nice and lightweight. The manufacturer claims the fabric prevents overheating, which is a real positive as overheating is a concern of mine when rugging in during the spring and summer months, so I’ll be keeping a close eye on how my horse feels with it on. I am curious how durable the mesh will be as it does feel like some over-rigorous grooming with my other horse could potentially cause tears.

My 15.2hh Connemara x Irish Sports Horse mare measures for a 6ft3in, but I found the length of this rug came up a little on the short side.

The non-detachable neck cover has three Velcro fastenings, which were great for a secure fit, however, unfortunately the minute my horse put her head down to graze the neck cover slipped back and looked quite tight and uncomfortable. I will be keeping an eye out to see if this eventually becomes a problem or causes any rubbing.

Other features on the rug include buckle fastenings, which are a little on the clunky side, at the front. It also comes with a fillet string, cross surcingles and shoulder gusset.

Verdict

Unfortunately I found this rug to rub my horse’s mane with continued use, and as it came up short on length, I didn’t feel she was getting the full benefits of a fly rug so it was tricky to really assess how much the zebra print played. This rug is reasonably priced, so I think with a better fit, it is a good product – but as my mare managed to get a small tear in it quite early on, I don’t think it is a product you would get lots of summers out of.

Who tested this fly rug?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

You might also be interested in:

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

Swish Nylon Fly Cool Rug *H&H Approved*

£79.99

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

Swish Nylon Fly Cool Rug

My first impressions of this Swish fly rug was that it was very lightweight and there are a number of useful design features that made it look like it would be a really useful addition to my horse’s wardrobe. The material looked like it would be quite robust and the cut of the 6ft6in version was on the generous side. If you have a lightweight horse, then you might want to downside by 3in on their typical rug size.

The neck cover was longer than on other fly rugs I’ve tried, which meant it provided good cover all the way down the neck even when my horse was grazing. The neck cover has three fastenings, each of which are double Velcro and the outer strap has a useful webbing tab to make it easier to grab. The neck cover is removable, and is attached to the rug by two wide double Velcro fastenings, providing extra versatility.

The front of the rug also has a double Velcro fastening, which I’ve only previously seen on more expensive brands, plus a pair of chunky but easy-to-open spring clips. There is a choice of two D ring positions to attach the clips to, giving some adjustability to the front of the rug, that would otherwise be missing. The rug has a faux fur wither pad and both the top of the neck and the shoulders are lined to reduce any chance of rubbing.

The rug has good depth, with a shoulder gusset on the side to enable free movement, and cross surcingles, which encourage the rug to wrap under the belly to offer some additional protection to this area. The cross surcingle clips are fitted with rubber bands to help stop them from accidentally coming undone. The tail flag is also generously sized, with an elasticated strap to pass the tail through and a webbing fillet string to help keep the rug in place. This rug is not fitted with rear leg straps.

On first wear, the rug was a little stiff. I’m hoping that the material will become more pliable with use so it will start to hang closer to my horse’s coat.

*Update one* We are about 10 days on from my first look review and I can confirm that the rug has become a little more pliable with wear, but it still doesn’t hang as softly around my horse as the Weatherbeeta and Bucas fly rugs do.

However, the rug has now got a few nicks in the material which I’m monitoring to see whether they extend into larger gaps/rips. Currently the ripstop nature of the material appears to be resisting it developing into a larger hole.

*Update two* We are a couple of months on and this rug continues to perform really well. It is ideal to wear on hot days as it is very breathable and the small nicks in the fabric have not got any worse so no repair has been needed.

Verdict

A good quality really lightweight fly rug that is ideally suited to horses with a deep girth and a good length of neck to wear on hot UK days.

Who tested this waterproof fly rug?

Carol Phillips is Horse & Hound’s website editor, who has ridden since childhood. She has a seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse who has put this rug to the test.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

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

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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. 

They are born with a perfectly adequate coat, so why do horses wear rugs in summer? There’s no nicer sight than a glossy horse grazing in a green meadow in the sunshine, but the reality is rather different. Sun-bleached coats, fly and midge bites, inclement thunderstorms and even sunburn are all summer irritations that send owners reaching for the rug rack.

Why do horses wear rugs in summer? Flies…

Fly rugs have become a staple in many horses’ wardrobes for the summer months. A fly rug is made of a fine mesh fabric that will help protect the horse from tiresome fly and midge bites, without making him too hot on a summer day. Flies and other insects can turn a beautiful summer day into a nightmare for your horse in the field. Some horses are so distressed by the bites that they kick out and run around rather than settling to graze.

Bites can cause allergic reactions, bumps and rashes. In some countries there are also potentially fatal mosquito-borne diseases which can be passed from horse to horse, although thankfully this is not currently the case in the UK. Flies and other biting insects are more prevalent in certain areas and fields, while some horses seem to attract flies more than others, which may affect your rug choice, or whether you use one at all.

If your horse is particularly bothered by flies, you can buy a rug that fully covers the horse’s body, including protecting the neck and belly – where flies often bite. In addition, a fly mask is a popular option for those horses who are especially irritated by flies on their face, as is fly spray and fly gel repellents.

Sweet-itch rugs are a type of fly rug designed for maximum protection for horses that are prone to this condition, including full body coverage and an extra-fine mesh to help prevent midges from biting. They are a preventative measure and do not treat the horse or cure the condition.

There is a wide variety of options of all types of fly rug on the market nowadays – including waterproof fly rugs to cope with sudden summer rain. Sun protection rugs effectively do the same job as a fly rug, with the added bonus of blocking out harmful UV rays, which can bleach the coat. Pink-skinned horses are more prone to sunburn than dark-skinned ones, so they are an obvious candidate for UV protection. These horses will also benefit from a high-SPF suncream on exposed pink skin, such as muzzles.

Rain on a summer’s day

British summers don’t always play ball and downpours are common whatever the season. Some owners use lightweight turnouts or rain sheets on cooler, damp days during the summer months simply so they can ensure a dry horse to ride after work. Older horses and poor-doers may find the waterproof protection helps them maintain weight. Or owners may want to keep the mud off a grey or coloured horse ahead of a show.

Lightweight turnouts typically have 50-150g of insulation, but you can also buy no-fill (0g) rain sheets, which are more suitable when it’s warm.

Another useful rug in the wardrobe for any season, including summer, is a cooler. Their main purpose is to help the horse to cool gradually after exercise, and can be useful after exercise on a colder summer day or early mornings and late evenings if the horse has sweated up through exertion or travelling.

Cooler rugs should be breathable and with wicking properties to help the sweat disperse. They come in a variety of thicknesses, with the thinner ones being more suitable for the warmer months.

Finally, a summer sheet is handy for the stable, to keep the dust and stable stains off before a show. They also to prevent a fine-skinned horse from getting chilled on colder nights in late spring or early autumn, without leaving him liable to overheat.

It is easy to make a judgement from afar when you look into a summery paddock and wonder why horses are wearing rugs on a summer’s day. However there is no hard and fast rule on whether horses should wear rugs or not, it depends on each individual’s needs.

You may also be interested to read…

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

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

A pick of the best lightweight turnouts for changeable weather

A challenge to fair-weather riders: relish the rain (and stay dry)

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Welcome to our group test of fly rugs. All of the rugs in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

Amigo’s official description

The Amigo Vamoose Evolution fly sheet brings together Horseware’s innovative and super light disc front closure with the latest in Vamoose insect control technology. In our development of this new rug in aqua/orange, we carried out tests to support our use of this colour combination. Most insects have what are known as ‘compound eyes’, which restrict their ability to see certain colours. In fact, research has shown that most inspects aren’t sensitive to many shades of yellow, orange and red. Most insects can, however, see ultraviolent (UV) lights very clearly. UV pigments in flowers, as opposed to vibrant colours, are what attract insects. You may notice that flies are attracted to certain colours, such as your brightly coloured jacket or car, but the chances are that this object is reflecting light in a way that is attractive to these insects.

View at amazon.co.uk

Rob’s first impressions

Thought this rug was bright, lightweight and really liked the fact it came with a spare front attachment. I was very interested to see how effective it’s Vamoose insect control technology was.

Overview of performance

This rug, although expensive, was brilliant – it was very effective against the flies. It was very breathable and cool, but also hard-wearing and tough. I liked how much coverage it gave the horse without being restrictive.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

Liked how breathable this rug is, how strong it is and how well it kept the flies away – I really am struggling to fault it.

Verdict

If you have money to spend, this rug is definitely money well spent.

Welcome to our group test of fly rugs. All of the rugs in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

Official description: Premier Equine Buster Waterproof Fly Rug

The Stay-Dry Super Lite Fly Rug combines contemporary styling with revolutionary super lightweight material. This showerproof fly rug has been developed for protection against the sun, heat build-up, flies and insects

View now at ebay.co.uk

Rob’s first impressions

I really liked the bright colours of the rug and how hard wearing it looked. It also looked to be a really good shape and fit.

Overview of performance

I liked how dry this rug kept my horses during a shower and how breathable and cool it was. It fitted really well giving great all-round protection from the flies. It has proven to be very hard wearing with tough fastenings and fillet strap. I did find the belly strap quite awkward as the metal loop that adjusts the length of the strap gets stuck on the flap. This made the belly flap not very easy to adjust and difficult to use, which was a shame.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

I liked how dry it kept the horses and that you have the choice of using a fillet string or leg straps. I do think the design of the belly flap didn’t work very well and was awkward.

Verdict

This rug is good quality and therefore good value.

View now at ebay.co.uk

You might also like:

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

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

Welcome to our group test of fly rugs. All of the rugs in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

Masta’s official description: Fieldmasta Waterproof Fly Rug

Incorporating technology from the very popular Fieldmasta range, the Fieldmasta Waterproof Fly Rug is brilliant for cooler, damper parts of the summer when the flies are still bothersome. The neck is ruched and has net panels to maximise air circulation to keep the mane healthy; there is a memory foam pad over the withers to relieve pressure there, and it has a roomy shoulder vent for freedom of movement. The top line is made from 1200 denier waterproof but breathable ripstop polyester to protect against summer showers, with a durable fly mesh lower section to protect against flies while encouraging air flow.

View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Rob’s first impressions

I thought this was a good looking rug and I particularly liked the cushioned wither. It also looked hard wearing and tough.

Overview of performance

On the whole this rug performed well, as it kept the flies way, was hard-wearing and washed well. It was easy and quick to take on and off, had a nice broad chest and I was particularly impressed how it didn’t rub the mane. Having said this, it was quite warm and was not very breathable in hot weather.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

I really liked the cushioning on the wither, how well it fitted and protected the mane, but the horses did get a bit too warm in hot weather, so it’s better suited for cooler summer days.

View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Verdict

This rug was good for horses that are broad in front and for those that like to rub their mane.

You might also like:

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

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

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

Welcome to our group test of fly rugs. All of the rugs in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

Thermo Master’s official description

The Thermo Master Fly Rug Full Neck Protect II is a small mesh turnout fly rug with a fixed neck cover and shoulder gussets. The neck cover can be fastened to the headcollar with an elastic strap if desired. It has a double front closure, cross surcingles and tail flap.

Rob’s first impressions

I thought this rug was very plain and almost a bit boring in design, but it felt nice and lightweight.

Overview of performance

This rug fitted really well and did a good job against the flies. There were no pressure points and it stood up well against rubbing. I didn’t like the fact that it fastened to the headcollar as I was worried it could get caught and cause a problem. It washed well at 30 degrees and is very good value.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

I liked how well it fitted and think it is good value it is for what you get. I didn’t like the headcollar fastening and therefore that feature wasn’t used at all.

Verdict

This is a good basic fly rug, that is good value and does exactly what it says on the tin.

Welcome to our group test of fly rugs. All of the rugs in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

BR’s official description

The BR Fly Rug Combo Classic is made of a supple polyester fine-mesh fabric, providing excellent protection against flies and other insects. The chest is reinforced with an additional layer of polyester mesh and the mane area is lined with smooth 190T nylon. The rug features a detachable neck cover with two Velcro closures at the front and three elastic straps at the top to attach to a headcollar. The rug is equipped with a single adjustable front strap with quick release clip and large Velcro closure. In addition, the rug has a binding on the back, fleece wither protector and shoulder gussets. The cross surcingles with elastic insert straps are both adjustable and detachable while the elastic leg straps are also adjustable and detachable. Its extra shaped bottom line provides optimum belly protection. This rug is machine washable at 30°C.

Rob’s first impressions

This rug is fairly boring to look at, but looked like it would do the job and would be sturdy.

Overview of performance

This rug proved breathable, lightweight, fitted well, kept the flies off and went through the wash well. This rug, like the Thermomaster rug, has a fastening for the headcollar, which I am not a fan of and therefore didn’t use it. But the neck didn’t slip down, despite not using the headcollar fastening, which is good

Rob’s likes and dislikes

I liked the protection this rug gives the mane, plus how simple but effective it is against flies. This rug performed well in hot weather. I disliked the headcollar fastening and thought it was an unnecessary extra.

Verdict

This is a good simple fly rug that is good value for money without all the extra bells and whistles

Welcome to our group test of fly rugs. All of the rugs in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

Bucas’ official description

The Bucas Buzz-Off Zebra full neck fly rug provides insect and UV protection for the body and neck of the horse. It’s made from a specially developed lightweight fine mesh fabric which blocks even the smallest of insects and reduces the effects of ultraviolet radiation. The belly pad not only ensures that the rug is kept in place but also protects that area too.

View at viovet.co.uk

Rob’s first impressions

Thought the zebra design was really cool and was interested to see whether it had an effect or not.

Overview of performance

I found this rug came up rather narrow in-front and the 6’9 size I tried was a bit tight on my horse that normally wears a 6’6 rug. I found the belly straps were tight, not very adjustable and the wither got a bit squashed, although the rug didn’t rub and the horse didn’t appear to be uncomfortable wearing it. This rug was effective against the flies and gave the horse good all-round protection.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

I really liked the magnetic front closure on this rug, and how well it kept the flies at bay. I thought the belly pad and straps could be a bit more adjustable and allow for more room. While I wouldn’t want to discourage anyone from buying this rug, it probably wouldn’t be my first choice.

Verdict

The fit is better suited to a narrower stamp of horse, rather than a wider warmblood or draft type

Welcome to our group test of fly rugs. All of the rugs in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

WeatherBeeta’s official description

Protection for rug wreckers during summer days. The WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Ripshield Plus Combo features a durable fine polyester mesh with 1200 denier polyester cross hatch weave to help prevent tears and a 210T nylon lining at the shoulders, mane and tail flap. There is also a stretch panel insert over the wither for additional comfort while grazing and a traditional side gusset, twin adjustable buckle front closure and low cross surcingles, full wrap tail flap and adjustable and removable leg straps.

View at viovet.co.uk

Rob’s first impressions

A simply designed rug that looked effective and hard wearing.

Overview of performance

This rug was tested on a horse that has a history of ripping rugs and it really stood up to his rubbing very well. It was good against the flies, but the horse did get quite hot and sweaty in it. The design fits very broad shouldered horses well.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

I really liked how tough and durable this rug was, but disliked the fact it made the horses quite hot and sticky, which must have been uncomfortable for them.

Verdict

Ideal for horses that likes to rub and those that are particulary broad across the shoulders

Welcome to our group test of fly rugs. All of the rugs in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

Snuggy Hoods’ official description

The ultimate fly rug covering poll to dock. The Bug Body Fly Rug is robust yet lightweight and fully breathable, as well as water repellent. It stops coat bleaching as well as protecting from midges, other flying/biting insects, dust and dirt.

View at amazon.co.uk

Rob’s first impressions

This rug looked very complicated to put on and take off. It looked more of a specialized sweet-itch rug, rather than a fly rug. It was also quite thick and heavy.

Overview of performance

This rug offers very good protection against the flies, giving a very good body coverage while providing freedom to move. It fitted well. Having said this, it wasn’t breathable and the horse wearing it got hot even on cooler summer days, plus it did prove very complicated to put on and take off.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

This rug did the job very well in terms of protecting against flies and once on, fitted really well. But for me it is far to complicated to get on and off and you need a very trusting horse.

Verdict

Best suited for a horse that suffers from sweet itch rather than a standard fly rug

Derby House Elite Stormsafe Fly Rug

This waterproof fly rug rug is designed for those awkward days when the flies are biting but showers are forecast. Choosing the right rug for your horse during British summer is always a challenge as the weather can be so changeable. One minute the sun is out, the flies are biting and your horse is grateful for his fly rug – the next it’s tipping it down, and your horse is staring dolefully at you as his (often surprisingly heavy) sodden fly rug resembles an old dish cloth on his back.

Step in the Elite Stormsafe Fly Rug from Derby House. With a 600D ripstop topline panel to protect your horse from sudden rain showers and a 300 denier inter-locking nylon mesh to protect your horse from biting flies, this rug offers the best of both worlds when the weather is due to be changeable.

First impressions of this rug were that it was generously sized and fitted well. The fastenings appeared to be robust and of good quality. The rug is lined up the neck over the mane and across the shoulders to reduce the risk of rubbing and this appeared to work.

The touch and close loop fastenings under the neck stayed done up and the tabs at the end of each made them easy to thread through the loops as well as grab to undo. The neck portion is generously sized and so provides good coverage right up to the horse’s ears when the horse is grazing.

The chest fastenings were robust, adjustable and had a choice of positions so this rug should suit both broad and narrow chested horses alike. They were also easy to use.

The rug is quite deep and the cross-surcingles are positioned fairly low so this provides some protection to the horse’s belly area, even though the rug does not have a dedicated “belly” cover. The cross-surcingle fastenings feel solid and they are secured to the rug with a clever piece of elastic inside the webbing to allow the straps to “give” a little, without any risk of them pulling loose. The straps can be adjusted to size as normal.

The rug has a large tail flap, which offers protection from both rain and flies, and comes with a clip-on adjustable fillet strap, rather than rear leg straps.

The rug did keep the horse dry during light summer showers, as well as protecting him from flies. Unlike many fly rugs it did not become incredibly heavy when damp and dried quickly. It did not rub or slip and all of the fastenings proved up to the task.

Unfortunately the 600D rain strip did suffer some damage during “play-time” in the field as can be seen in the picture above.

I think if I was looking for a rug for a horse that is on individual turnout then this one would be ideal. However, if I wanted a rug of this type for a horse that was playful and turned out in a group, I would look for something similar that has rain strip in a more robust material of a heavier denier.

Verdict

A great multi-purpose rug that is good value for money and ideally suited for horses on individual turnout or without playful field buddies!

In the UK? View now at rideawaystore.com

In the US? View now at rideawaystore.com

You might also like:

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.

Despite one slightly tight strap, this rug performed very well in its trial

This is a fly rug designed to comprehensively cover the horse’s body to protect it from flies.

The fit was very good on our 18hh horse who is very sensitive and susceptible to the flies all year round.

The only problem was that the last neck-strap nearest his head seemed a little

tight in its position.

The rug incorporates a full-length neck cover that even covers the forehead by looping over the horse’s ears and has five Velcro fastening down the length of the neck.

The rug has a substantial belly panel with a traditional three-strap fastening and an extra long tail guard to extend the protection. The rug greatly reduced the horse’s discomfort both in and out of the stable/field in the hot weather and I would happily recommend the rug to anyone.

The material appears sturdy and has not encountered any problems or damage in the test so far. The rug also came with a matching fly mask. The rug has darts incorporated in the shoulders for ease of movement.

Verdict

Overall a very good fly rug that I would recommend to anyone

Our reviewer like this fly rug overall but the waterproofing was found to have little value in the rain

My first impression was that it was a very light rug – the mesh is very fine and the whole rug weighs much less than other fly rugs I have used.

It looked enormous, although it was the same size as my other Horseware rugs, but once I got used to the leg and tummy flaps it seemed to fit pretty well. The catches were quick and easy to use (even my non horsey husband managed to put it on and off unaided!) I particularly liked the lining material which left my horse’s coat lovely and shiny.

My horse has very high withers but this rug did not rub at all and he now has mane there again – a real plus.

I was concerned before I started using this rug as it is impregnated with fly repellent and my horse has very sensitive skin, but it caused him no problems at all and it kept the flies off him very well and he stayed contentedly in the field. I

have washed it once and it still works well. I had two criticisms of this rug.

Firstly, the fillet string was very low, and I felt it was so low the horse might get caught on it rolling. I solved this by just removing it and it has stayed in place very well without it. Secondly, whilst the waterproof panel was great for keeping odd showers off, it did make the rug quite hot especially around the shoulder area where the material was overlapped to allow for movement. Also, the waterproofing worked fine for a quick shower but the rug became soaked in a heavy downpour making my horse quite cold and wet.

Overall it is a great fly rug, but the waterproofing is of limited value.

Verdict

A good lightweight fly rug but the waterproofing is of limited value

Fly repellent from Supreme Products

Supreme Products has launched a new fly repellent called Fly Off.

The specially blended fly repellent contains a mixture of aromatic oils to provide protection from flies and other unwanted flying creatures.

The product offers horses protection from wasps, flies and insects for a few days.

A 500ml size costs £10.99 and a five litre quantity is available at £82.

For more information visit www.supremeproducts.co.uk

Glitter tattoos from Equidivine

Businesses looking for a bit of extra sparkle can benefit from a new innovation from Equidivine. The company creates glitter tattoos, which companies, charities and riders can have designed in their own brand logo.

The temporary tattoos will then be able to jazz up lecture demos, promotional photo shoots or ad campaigns.

“We have spent many years developing a really fun range of products, which not only add sparkle but also encourage children to spend time grooming and taking care of their ponies,” said Michelle Inch of Equidivine.

“More recently, our products have been used to decorate horses at high profile shows and events including Olympia.

“A company logo as a glitter tattoo is really eye-catching; it’s an advertising opportunity not to be missed.”

Stencils of any company logo can be reproduced and sent with an application kit including glitter colours, which are easy to apply and remove.

Visit: www.equidivine.com

New fly sheet from Shadow Horse

Shadow Horse has added the Kensington Surefit Cut Textilene protective sheet to its online equestrian range.

Styled in a 1000×2000 Denier Textilene® fabric the ‘Surefit’ is specially formulated to keep flies off.

The weave mesh blocks over 70% of harmful UV rays, dirt and grim helping to keep a horse’s coat cleaner and drier.

The protective sheet can be used on its own as fly rug, as a protective layer over a turnout rug to extend its life expectancy or in the summer as a cooler travel rug.

The rug has elasticated cross surcingle’s with belly band, detachable elastic leg straps and double closure front system for extra security.

“This sheet is a fly rug with multi-purpose properties,” said a Shadow Horse spokesman.

It comes in two colours: deluxe black plaid and silver blue plaid with matching neck covers, fly masks, leg wraps and tail covers available at additional costs.

The rug comes in sizes 5’9” to 7’3” priced £116.

For more information visit: www.shadowhorse.co.uk

Bucas has released a new turnout rug which is designed to “confuse” flies.

The Bucas Buzz-Off Rain Zebra is a hybrid rain and fly sheet. The sides of the rug have a zebra stripe that repels flying insects.

It has a detachable belly pad and an additional neck piece is available to attach to the rug.

“This hybrid rug is perfectly shaped in a black, waterproof and breathable rip stop nylon, to protect the back, shoulders and hindquarters from the rain,” said a spokesman from the company.

“Research was carried out by scientists, that proves that the zebra stripe actually protects the animal as flies are confused by the pattern, avoiding it.”

The rug costs £109 and the Buzz-Off Rain Zebra Combi Neck costs £73.

For more information, visit www.zebraproducts.co.uk

A rug that saves you money in petrol? No wonder H&H brand development editor Sarah Jenkins is besotted with Mark Todd Air Mesh Combo Fly Rugs

I was given a Mark Todd Air Mesh Combo fly rug and liked it so much I bought one for my other horse and old pony, too.

It’s a standing joke in our family that any change in the weather is noted not in celsius but in rug change requirements for the horses. “Oh, the temperature’s dropped a bit since this morning, a good summer sheet’s worth, or maybe even a Thermatex I’d say. Sarah?”

Ha, bloody, ha.

With the increasing cost in petrol, I’ve toughened up over the years and decided against the need to nip up to the yard every two minutes to switch rugs. Plus, with Britain’s ever more fickle weather, I don’t think I could hold down a job that way.

That’s why, with the horses all living out for the best of the summer months, I’m all for a “combo” rug. One that I don’t need to change if the temperature fluctuates 10°c in a day. One that seems to reflect the sun off their backs when it’s 24°c, but retains their body heat when it drops to 10°c at night. One that even withstands a light shower.

Yes, really, this rug is a godsend.

OK, it can’t stand up to a heavy downpour, and I’ve been caught out when the forecast has read “occasional passing showers” by which it meant “relentless sodding rain”.

In these instances, the rugs weigh down and the horses shiver, I hotfoot it up to the yard but it’s too late — the rugs will now take an eternity to dry in the barn. But I can’t blame Mark Todd for that. I should just do the recycling ever more ardently in order to combat global warming single-handedly.

The belly straps are Velcro so do up in a jiffy. The clips on the neck are dead easy, too. There’s a Velcro loop at the top of the neck I’ve never felt the need to do up. And the crossover leg straps stop it flapping up in the wind.

The rug doesn’t rub, possibly on account of the nylon lined shoulders, and is a generous fit with no scrimping on fabric, so flies have very few access points.

I’ve tried many a flyrug over the years; few even fit one horse. This one fits all three equines (in different sizes of course), from a 13.2hh native to a 16.2hh middleweight via a 15.2hh Thoroughbred. I really do love it.

Mark Todd Air Mesh Combo fact file

Brand: Mark Todd

Product: Air Mesh Combo

Colour: White with blue and tan detail and grey mesh

Sizes: 5ft6 – 7ft

RRP: £53.99


Find a stockist

Do you have flyrug that you really rate? Tell us about your favourites via the comments box below…

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Swish has created the Fly-Turnout Rug to combat the challenge of keeping your horse dry and the flies at bay.

This lightweight turnout rug is combined with a fly sheet, to provide a barrier between flies and protection from the rain.

“As horse owners, we know what ‘summer’ can be like, and that’s why we created this rug,” said Vanessa Paver from Swish Equestrian.

“The rug is designed to help protect your horse from flies and insects on showery or cooler summer days, and we also think it’s great for horses that live out 24/7. The turnout section helps to keep the horse dry, whilst the mesh section protects from flies as it keeps the horse cool.”

The rug has a waterproof top section, Swish’s new mesh material sides, large shoulder gussets, double chest fasteners, belly pad, large tail flap, elasticated/detachable leg straps and a removable neck cover that has a nylon-lined panel to protect the mane and two fleece-lined ear holes to help prevent the neck section from slipping back.

The Fly-Turnout Rug is available in red/silver in sizes 5’0-7’6”. It has a RRP of £61.99, but is currently available for £51.99.

For more info, visit www.swish-equestrian.co.uk

Keep the flies off your horse this summer — by dressing it up as a zebra.

This latest fly rug design, developed by Bucas, has been trialled in Hungary and Sweden, and found that horse flies hate stripes.

The unique zebra fly rug is the same design as the Bucas standard Buzz Off fly rug. It features shoulder darts to allow for extra movement, a stitched on neck, which overlaps in front to shut out the flies, and a belly flap for added protection. It is made of a fine mesh fabric, to ensure even the smallest flies aren’t able to annoy your horse.

To complete the look, there is also a matching fly mask available.

The science behind the design is that horse flies find stripes confusing and will steer clear of striped surfaces.

This new Bucas zebra patterned fly rug, which offers added UV protection, costs £96 and is available in sizes 5’-7’.

Visit www.bucas.com

A “revolutionary” fly rug from US brand Kensington Rugs is now available to buy in the UK.

The Kensington European Cut Textilene Protective Sheet – made from 1000×2000 denier weave mesh fabric — can either be used on its own as a fly sheet or as a protective top layer to extend your turn out rug’s life expectancy, says the company.

As well as keeping flies at bay, Kensington Rugs claims that the sheet blocks more than 70% of harmful UV rays and will withstand sun bleaching, mildew, soiling and wear and tear, “even in the most extreme weather conditions”.

Featuring elasticated cross surcingles, detachable leg straps and belly band, the rug costs £116 and is available from online retailers Shadow Horse.

Matching neck cover, fly mask, leg wraps and tail cover are also available.

Visit www.shadowhorse.co.uk.

Bucas claims to have solved the dilemma of what rug your horse should wear when flies are out but there’s a chance of rain.

Their new integrated fly and rain sheet, Bucas Buzz-Off Rain is a combination of the Sun Shower Turnout and the Buzz-Off Fly Sheet.

Bucas says this hybrid has the waterproof and breathable qualities of the turnout rug, together with the lightweight mesh of the fly sheet.

The reflective silver colour, with navy blue trim, helps to reduce the effects of ultraviolet radiation.

The rug comes with a mesh belly pad and tail cover, and is secured with double fastenings and Velcro at the chest.

A Buzz-Off Rain Combi Neck is available as an additional attachment. This is made of the same waterproof and fly-resistant mesh.

Cost: Buzz-Off Rain Sheet (3ft6in to 7ft2in) £97. Buzz-Off Combi Neck(XS to XL) £43

For UK stockists, visit www.zebraproducts.co.uk or tel: 01352 763350

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With spring weather hopefully not too long away, Kadence Equiwear has come up with a new concept in fly protection.

The Flug total protection fly rug is impregnated with an insecticide that kills flies on contact.

The rug is coated with a permethrin and tetramethrin spray, which can be replenished every 30 days or as required.

The manufacturers stress respraying should only take place when the rug is off the horse.

As well as killing off buzzies, the soft-mesh, deep-sided rug has improved leg straps, quick-release chest clips and a tail flap with gusset.

It is also machine washable.

Flug will be available from Countrywide stores from February.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A new fly rug, that offers full neck coverage without the need to use a head collar to anchor it in place, is now on sale at thesaddleryshop.co.uk.

The Vespa Fly Mesh Combo Fly Rug, which costs £34.99, is made from a durable, soft polyester mesh outer to protect your horse from insects, and keep him clean.

It features an action gusset, twin chest straps, belly flap and full neck coverage and is available in sizes 5ft 9in to 7ft.

The Vespa Fly Mesh Combo Fly Rug is one of a new range of products from family run business, Sherwood Forest, now available thorough thesaddleryshop.co.uk.

www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

The arrival of summer is always accompanied by the appearance of flying insects, which can irritate your horse while out grazing. However, Horseware’s new Flybuster range will help keep your horse comfortable by keeping the troublesome flies at bay.

All the rugs in the Flybuster range are made from a tough 1000 denier PVC-coated polyester that moulds to the horse’s shape. The rugs help to filter sunlight and prevent the coat from bleaching as well as creating a barrier between your horse’s sensitive skin and the annoying insects.

The newest addition to the range is the Flybuster Supreme, which is available in silver and gold. The rug has unique leg arches and a third surcingle as well as Horseware’s “surefit” neck design and patented ‘V’ fastenings to ensure protection from bugs, helping to reduce bleaching and keeping your horse cool. Available in sizes 5’6″ to 7’0″, the rugs cost around £79.

The range also includes Flybuster Plus, with surefit and ‘V’ fastenings, which is available in sizes 5’6″ to 7’0″, and costs around £65, and the Flybuster Original, which has been redesigned and is now available in white and navy check with a silky shoulder lining. Available in sizes 5’0″ to 7’3″ it costs around £56. The Original also has an optional neck cover, which is available in small, medium and large for around £20.

For more information contact Horseware Ireland (tel: 00353 4293 8900) or visit: www.horseware.com