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Gear Guide Tried & Tested

Fly Rugs

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

Bucas-Buzz-Off-full-neck-zebra
RRP
£122

Bucas Buzz-Off full-neck zebra

Fine mesh, snap-lock magnetic front closure and fillet string.

This came up a little small, so consider sizing up. However, it offered great protection. The strong, soft mesh has proven to be durable even with regular use. The front fastenings were fiddly initially, but got easier with use. Fittings are sturdy and durable. It’s washed well.Β 

Premier-Equine-Combo-Mesh-Air-Fly-with-surcingles
RRP
£104

Premier Equine Combo Mesh Air Fly with surcingles

Fine mesh, adjustable front clips, PVC-coated fillet string.

It offered a good fit that didn’t slip or rub even when used for 24/7 turnout. Light, airy material provided great coverage. The full neck was a good length and the robust fittings were easy and quick to use. The large tail flap offered great protection. Washed really well.Β 

Shires-Highlander-Plus-Sweet-Itch-Combo
RRP
£81.99

Shires Highlander Plus Sweet-Itch Combo

Fine mesh with twin buckle chest straps, fillet string.

True to size in length, although we found the belly attachment to be generous. Easy to use fittings with plenty of adjustment, so would be suitable for a range of shapes. We found it was prone to slipping to one side, but it didn’t rub. Washed well.Β 

LeMieux-Kudos-Gladiator
RRP
£129.95

LeMieux Kudos Gladiator

Mesh designed to shape to the horse over time. Angled front fastening, rubber-coated fillet string.

True to size, but generous fit to accommodate a broader build. It provided a secure fit and we liked the tough mesh. It has stood up well to everyday turnout with no slipping or rubbing. The neck cover, shaped belly flap and large tail flap provided great protection. The sturdy fittings have proven durable and showing no signs of wear. Washed well and still looks great.

Hy-Equestrian-DefenceX-System-Guardian-rug-and-mask
RRP
£64.99

Hy Equestrian DefenceX System Guardian rug and mask

Close-weave mesh, adjustable clip front, removable leg straps.

We found the sizing generous, and would suit a chunkier type. The fittings were easy to use. The material is slightly thicker than most others. The rug has ear holes to keep the neck in place, which we liked, and it also stayed in place without them. Washed well.

Masta-Vento
RRP
£49.95

Masta Vento

Soft mesh, twin front fastenings, fillet string.

This rug was a true to size fit. We liked the feel of the fabric, however we found that the soft mesh meant it caught easily on vegetation, leaving snags. The fittings were sturdy and quick to secure and it provided good coverage. It didn’t slip or rub, and has washed and worn well otherwise.Β 

Gallop-Equestrian-Classic-combo
RRP
£30.99

Gallop Equestrian Classic combo

Soft mesh, adjustable twin front buckle, leg straps.

The rug offered a secure, true to size fit with soft, strong mesh that kept insects off the horse. The adjustable straps enabled a tailored fit and the rug stayed in place without slipping. The fittings were easy and quick to fasten and have stood up well to regular use. Washed well and still looks great.

Animac Allrounder combo fly rug
RRP
£40

Animac Allrounder combo fly rug

A lightweight, breathable rug made with a sun reflecting fabric that provides protection from insects.

We say…

It offered a secure fit and didn’t seem to slip. There was plenty of adjustment options on the fastenings, however found the fit around the shoulders a little snug on a broad horse. There’s no belly flap, but the depth of the sides provided lots of coverage. The horse didn’t get too hot while wearing it, yet the material was durable enough that it’s not really showing many signs of wear. The integrated neck offered extra coverage. Proven to be durable and effective. Impressed by the affordable price.

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.Β 

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.Β 

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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