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.
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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.
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The rug also features a high shoulder guest, longer integrated neck cover with double-locking straps, cross surcingles, and a “supersize” tail flap.
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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.
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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.
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.
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Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
