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

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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

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