CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLY RUG

FLY RUGS FOR HORSES, PONIES AND DONKEYS : THE IMPORTANCE OF UV PROTECTIONS AND DEFENCE AGAINST BITING INSECTS

 

INTRODUCTION

When warmer weather arrives, horses face more than just increasing temperatures. Strong sunlight, horse flies, midges and other insects can make life uncomfortable and sometimes cause medical issues. A good fly rug is no longer simply an optional extra for horse owners – it is an important part of protecting equine health and wellbeing particularly now when we are experiencing extreme peaks in temperatures.

In this post we will explain how fly rugs work, why UV protection matters and how the right rug can help defend horses against irritating insects.

 

Why Horses Need Protection From Biting Insects

Flies and biting insects are more than just annoying! Persistent irritation can sometimes affect a horse’s behaviour, comfort and health. The most common culprits include horseflies, midges, mosquitoes to name a few. Whilst for many equines there are no medical consequences, some horses are highly sensitive to insect bites and may develop conditions such as sweet itch which is one of the most common allergic skin conditions in horses. Itching can lead to rubbing, hair loss, sores and sometimes secondary infections.

Horses with or without allergic conditions can sometimes be stressed and show different behaviour patterns when being pestered such as constant tail swishing, stamping, running about to escape the culprits. Such behaviour can sometimes lead to the horse being unusually sweaty (which can result in loss of condition) or fatigue.

The Importance of UV Protection for Equines

Often our focus is on insects and the impact of ultraviolet (UV) rays can be overlooked. Like humans, horses can suffer from excessive sun exposure. Some equines are more vulnerable than others eg those with pink skin, grey or light coloured coats, horses with thin/patchy coats or those prone to photosensitivity. Horses that are turned out during the day without protection may experience sunburn, inflammation and coat bleaching.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLY RUG

Selecting the right fly rug for your equine is important but there are some factors to consider as needs will vary based on the management through warmer months and the equine itself. So for example if your horse is stabled during the day and out at night the level of UV protection required will be significantly less important than if turned out 24/7 whereas if your horse has a condition such as sweet itch then the fabric becomes more important.

When selecting a fly rug consider these points first:

1. Is your horse turned out during the day?

2. Does your horse suffer with conditions such as sweet itch?

3. Is your horse turned out with other horses?

4. Does your field have electric fencing or are there hedges/trees etc where your horse can rub/damage the rug?

5. If turned out during the day is there any form of field/natural shelter to get shade?

Below we have chosen some rugs from our range and highlighted the most significant points and our recommendations for certain conditions/horses which we hope you find useful. All of our rugs are available in the different ranges ie Shetland/miniature; donkey; horse/pony and heavy horse with the range spanning from 2’9 through to heavy horse 7’6.

 

UV COMBO FLY RUG WITH TAIL FLAP – WATER REPELLENT

New to the range in 2026, this solid fabric combo fly rug with tail flap is an ideal choice for equines who suffer from sweet itch, photosensitivity or where owners are trying to minimise bleaching to the coat. The fabric is solid and has been treated so that it is water repellent so during a shower the fabric will not become saturated so more comfortable for the horse. It is also an ideal choice for older equines where owners are concerned about turning out in showery weather conditions. We would recommend a fly mask is worn underneath the fly rug which then offers protection to the face and ears.

FLY RUG WITH DETACHABLE NECK COVER

This rug is made from 235g polyester mesh so a cooler option and the flexibility to remove the neck cover. Being a lighter mesh whilst cooler it is not as tough as the ultra lite nylon, UV or 280g mesh so not ideal if turned out with mischievous horses or if there are hedges etc where horse can rub. This particular rug is always popular with our heavy horse and Shetland owners.

280G MESH COMBO WITH EAR HOLES

One of our original fly rugs which is ever popular on the range. The 280g close weave mesh makes this rug tough and durable so an ideal choice where a stronger, albeit warmer, fabric is required. This rug is popular with all our customers hence still keeping it in the range.

ULTRA LITE NYLON FLY COMBO

In 2026 we have introduced an improved version of this combo fly rug which is popular in all of our ranges. The fabric is made from 100% diamond weave nylon so it is very tough but, as you can see from the transparency, allows the air to circulate which is ideal in our peaks of hot weather. The close weave of the fabric offers great protection from biting insects and is stronger than some of our lighter mesh options.

LIGHTWEIGHT 160G MESH COMBO FLY RUG

New in 2026, this combo fly rug has been introduced to give a lighter weight/cooler option than the 280g in the range. The close weave mesh offers the protection needed from biting insects but due the reduced density will not be as tough as our nylon, UV or 280g options but perfect if the turnout environment does not have hedges or other areas to rub.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Whilst fly rugs will help as part of a summer management plan there are other things you can do and hopefully by combining you will get the best result for your equine. We would recommend the use of a fly mask as pests can be particularly annoying to horses in the eye area. The use of fly repellents can also help and if at all possible ensuring if your horse is turned out during the day there is a stable shelter or trees where they can get some shade.

Although to a lesser extent, horses can also be pestered whilst being stabled so fly rugs /masks or lightweight cotton sheets whilst in can help. Ensuring the stables are kept as clean as possible will also assist.

You may need to upgrade your horse’s fly rugs or management if you notice through the season the development of bald patches/sores; sunburn/faded coat colour or constant scratching or rubbing. It is not a good idea to assume that just because they have been ok at the beginning of the season that this will continue throughout as the change in weather can result in more protection being required.