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Gear Guide Tried & Tested

Fly Rugs

Tried & Tested
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Equipped with a waterproof panel along the spine, these shower-ready rugs combine fly protection with waterproofing and are the ideal choice if it’s too hot for a rainsheet. Want to find out more? Take a look at how our testers got on with them.

Our testers: Because dry back fly rugs are designed for changeable weather, our testers gave these products a thorough workout in all conditions. Many sensitive horses spend much of the year wrapped up in fly rugs, so careful attention was paid to how securely and comfortably the rugs fit. With the waterproof panel one of their key selling points, our testers’ horses wore their rugs in anything from showers to downpours to test their rain protection. Our testers also paid attention to how the rugs performed in hotter conditions to measure their breathability.

The products

Horseware Amigo Three-in-One Evolution
RRP
£169.95

Horseware Amigo Three-in-One Evolution

Treated with insect control technology. Disc front closure, deep sides and an oversized tail flap.

Features

  • 900 denier
  • UV protection
  • Belly flap
  • Integrated neck

 

Offered excellent coverage all over the body and a fantastic, rub-free fit. Extremely robust, stayed waterproof in downpours and kept flies well away thanks to the insect repellent treatment. Definitely worth the investment. 

Weatherbeeta Comfitec 600D/mesh combo rug
RRP
£99.99

Weatherbeeta Comfitec 600D/mesh combo rug

Elasticated belly flap and tail wrap. Clip front closures and removable leg straps.

Features

  • 600 denier
  • Belly flap
  • Integrated neck

Tough material, effective in showers and the horse stayed cool even on hotter days. We went one size bigger than usual for the perfect length. The rug offers a generous fit around the belly. It stayed in place and didn’t rub throughout the test.

Shires Highlander Plus waterproof fly rug
RRP
£79.99

Shires Highlander Plus waterproof fly rug

90% UV protection with leg strap and fillet string attachments. Ripstop upper and fast-drying mesh.

Features

  • 600 denier
  • UV protection
  • Integrated neck
  • Belly flap

Waterproof panel kept the horse dry and the mesh was tough and robust. Generous around the shoulders, but didn’t slip or rub during use. Secure fastenings. Better suited to spring and cooler summer days.

Mark Todd Showerproof combo fly rug
RRP
£82.99

Mark Todd Showerproof combo fly rug

Breathable outer and taped seams. Double T-bar front fastenings and removable leg straps. 

Features

  • 600 denier
  • Integrated neck

Provided a secure fit that didn’t chafe and kept the horse dry in heavier showers. The waterproof panel offers a lot of coverage, so better suited to cooler weather. Low surcingles mean it covers more of the belly. Tight mesh deterred insect irritation.

Elico Ingleton combo rain/fly rug
RRP
£54.95

Elico Ingleton combo rain/fly rug

Anti-rub lining, UV protection, contrast panel, cross surcingles and leg straps.

Features

  • 600 Denier
  • UV protection
  • Integrated neck

Secure fit with strong, sturdy mesh that prevented insect irritation. There’s no belly flap, but the depth of the sides and lower surcingles ensure plenty of coverage. Panel is perfectly showerproof and didn’t rub. Impressive technical features for the price.

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