If you're a horse owner, you know how annoying flies can be for your four-legged friend.
Flies can bite, irritate and even infect your horse's skin, eyes, ears and mouth. They can also transmit diseases and parasites that can harm your horse's health and performance. In short, you probably spend a fair amount of time, money and energy keeping flies as far away as possible from your horse.
That's where a good quality fly rug comes in. A fly rug is a special blanket that covers your horse's body and protects it from flies and other insects. It's usually made of mesh or other breathable fabrics that allow air circulation and prevent overheating.
A fly rug can make your horse more comfortable and happy, especially during the summer months when flies are more active. It can also reduce the need for fly sprays and other chemicals that can be harmful to your horse and the environment.
When choosing a fly rug, keep in mind the following factors:
- The material: You want a fly rug that's durable, lightweight and easy to clean. Some materials are more resistant to tears, stains and UV rays than others and will be more comfortable and soft for your horse's skin.
- The fit: Choose a fly rug that fits your horse well and doesn't cause rubbing, chafing or slipping. You should measure your horse's length, chest, and neck before buying a fly rug. You should also check the straps, buckles and velcro for any signs of wear and tear.
- Its features: Look for a fly rug that has the features that suit your horse's needs and preferences. Some features to look for are: neck covers, belly flaps, tail flaps, hoods, ears, masks, leg straps, shoulder gussets and reflective strips. These features can provide more coverage and protection for your horse.
- The colour: Not quite as essential but still a factor to keep in mind, particularly if your horse wants to be the most stylish in the stable. You'll find fly rugs of all colours to match your horse's coat and personality. Some colours can also help repel flies and other insects, like white and light colours, which also reflect heat and light. You may even find that zebra stripes will confuse and deter flies.
We've rounded up all of the best fly rugs for horses.
Best welly boot removers for a muck-free home
Best welly boot socks to keep your feet warm and comfortable
Best winter boots for men to get you through the colder months
Best knee-high boots for wider calves for the perfect fit in 2023
Best shoes for plantar fasciitis: Top trainers to boost support and ease pain
Shires highlander plus sweet itch combo fly rug
The Shires Highlander Plus Sweet Itch Combo Fly Rug provides comprehensive protection against biting insects, making it an ideal solution. Crafted from a highly breathable and lightweight 600 denier ripstop fabric, this sweet itch rug is resistant to field wear and tear while maintaining a soft feel. The integrated neck of the Highlander Plus features ample fabric, including a stretch ear panel that allows unhindered grazing. It fastens securely with four touch-close straps. The light colour of the rug aids in keeping the horse cool in the sun's heat.
Buy now £73.79, Amazon
Viovet WeatherBeeta Comfitec Airflow II Combo Neck
Made from soft, durable polyester mesh with an ultra belly wrap and full wrap tail flap for premium protection, this Viovet combo fly rug is an essential purchase. It comes complete with an elastic insert at wither for additional comfort when grazing and an Ezi-Clip front closure. There is also a traditional side gusset for natural movement as well as 210T nylon lined shoulders and mane and tail flap. Last but not least, it is elasticated with adjustable and removable leg straps.
Buy now £69.87, Viovet
Viovet WeatherBeeta Comfitec Essential Mesh II Combo Neck
Looking for something versatile and easy that does the job? This Viovet WeatherBeeta Comfitec Essential piece is made from a durable soft mesh outer that’s breathable and includes a 65 per cent + UV block, which makes it perfect for the summer months. It has a twin adjustable buckle front closure with touch tape and a traditional side gusset for natural movement too.
Buy now £52.39, Viovet
Premier Equine Stay-Dry Super Lite Fly Rug with Surcingles
This Stay-Dry Super Lite Fly Rug combines contemporary styling with revolutionary super lightweight material. This rug is the ideal choice for those summer days when the weather can't quite make its mind up, with rain showers one minute and sunshine the next. It's perfect for those in-between days. The piece will help keep your horse dry from the showers whilst helping to prevent heat build-up when the sun comes out. A fantastic addition to any horse's wardrobe, this technically advanced, unique fly rug is secured using quick-release chest clips and cross surcingles.
Buy now £125.50, eBay
GALLOP Fly Mesh Combo
This fun print will not only give excellent coverage from the sun and flies but is also a must-have for your horse's spring wardrobe. Covered in a firm-favourite berry print, it promises to brighten up and look fabulous in the yard and in the field. This Gallop Fly Mesh Combo also features a 200 denier ultra-breathable mesh outer, nylon lined neck and chest, a fixed neck with loop for headcollar attachment, crossed surcingles and UV Protection.
Buy now £39.91, Amazon
Gallop Zebra Fly Mesh Combo Rug
This Gallop Zebra Print Flysheet offers superb coverage from poll to tail; making sure your horse is fully protected from all summer irritants. It also includes anti-rub lining at all pressure points. Studies have discovered that this pattern confuses insects and stops them from landing on the rug. It's made from a 200gsm ultra-breathable mesh outer and has elasticated detachable leg straps as well as a stretchable lycra neck insert and double front buckles.
Buy now £31.49, Discount Equestrian
Equus Busse Stripe Transport Standard Neck Fly Rug Navy
This Busse Stripe Transport Fly Rug provides fly protection for horses when they're travelling or between classes at shows. This lightweight fly rug is constructed from a close-meshed, breathable fabric that has a smart woven striped effect and helps to keep your horse cool. Whether you're seeking a standard six-foot fly rug for your eventer or a fly rug to fit a Shetland pony at a country show, this Busse fly rug will keep your equine covered.
Buy now £23.45, Equus
Tackshop Horseware Rambo Protector
This Rambo Protector is designed to protect against flies and UV with the ultimate in durability, extended coverage and superb fit. It was created for horses who are tough on their rugs and is made from unique, patented and durable self-repairing fabric.
This rug also offers UV protection and is designed to last many seasons. It features close contact, a removable hood with an improved fit and extended chest coverage, together offering maximum protection against flies and insects. Better yet, its V-Front closure allows your horse to graze comfortably while removing pressure and preventing rubbing of the shoulder.
Buy now £159.87, Tackshop
Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite Fly Rug with Surcingles
This Stay-Dry Super Lite Fly Rug blends contemporary styling with revolutionary super lightweight material. Its upper section is made from a 600D ripstop waterproof and breathable material, providing protection from rain showers while its lower section is made from 100 per cent lightweight nylon with approximately 70 per cent UV reflective. This technically advanced, unique fly rug is secured using quick-release chest clips and cross surcingles.
Buy now £106.59, Premier Equine
Horze La Pampa Fly Set
This classically-designed flyset is like a suit of armour to protect your horse from summer's pests. Annoying insects can fluster even the most mellow horse, so this flyset covers your horse from head to tail and will keep those pesky flies away with a hood plus a built-in mask. The sheet has attractive striped detail on the webbing and trim, promising to keep your horse cool while keeping him away from flies, too. It has a single buckle front closure and a strap behind the ears with hook-and-loop fasteners at the cheeks.
Buy now £24.99, Horze
Verdict
With its full coverage and easy-to-throw-on design, this Shires highlander plus sweet itch combo fly rug is our top choice when it comes to the best fly rugs for horses.
