Fly Rugs

What is a fly rug and when is it needed?

Fly rugs, sweet itch rugs and fly sheets are all types of horse rugs known under the general term fly rug. Each rug provides varying amounts of protection from summer weather and biting insects and some can be used out in the field or when stabled to help protect from stable flies as well as helping to keep your horse free from dust, clean and comfortable when stabled. Fly Rugs are predominantly used throughout the warmer spring/summer months, when temperatures are high and biting insects cause a nuisance to horses and ponies. Fly rugs are used as a lightweight and breathable barrier to biting insects, keeping your horse free from fly bites. Fly sheets can also provide added protection against summer weather, helping to reflect the sun's rays and in some cases, help shield against UV rays depending on the fabric used.

Generally fly sheets and rugs are made from lightweight mesh materials making them practical for the summer season. Some designs do come with waterproof materials to help add some protection from lightweight showers, keeping your horse dry.

Why should you use a fly rug? 

Some horses need maximum protection in the summer season, having sensitive skin or conditions such as sweet itch. Rugs that feature full hoods and belly wraps for maximum coverage are best used on those horses and ponies that are particularly sensitive to fly bites, ideally made from materials that are fine mesh or a close weave to act as a barrier from even the smallest of horse flies or midges. Fly masks can also be used to add extra fly protection to your horse's head, eyes and ears.

Durable mesh forms a barrier over the horse's eyes to aid in the relief from flies and insects and usually made from breathable mesh fabric to help your horse remain comfortable in the summer heat. Masks come in a variety of designs, with and without ear and nose protection, so you can select the right style for your horse or pony depending on their needs.

Some owners also use fly repellent coat sprays and creams, made from a variety of chemical and natural oils that flies and midges do not like. When sprayed over the horse's coat this forms a repellent barrier to insects and can be used alone or alongside fly rugs and masks.

Which fly rug is best for your horse?

Choosing a fly rug that’s suitable for your hose will depend on several things. Are they prone to sensitive skin or sweet-itch during the warmer months? Do they need protection from rain or the sun? 

Check out our best selling products below 

VentoMasta Fly Rug

• Lightweight breathable mesh
• Perfect everyday fly rug
• Great quality but a price that won’t break the bank

Our best-selling fly rug made from lightweight and breathable mesh material whilst still acting as a barrier against biting insects. Featuring anti-rub lining on the shoulders and neck to help keep your horse comfortable and free from unwanted rug rubs. This rug a summer must have if your horse needs some added protection from flies and biting insects.

VentoMasta Waterproof Fly Rug

• Have the best of both, not quite a fly rug and not quite a rain sheet
• Combination fabrics for sunny days to summer showers
• Versatile rug to take you through the changing seasons

This rug uses the same lightweight mesh fabric as used on the original VentoMasta fly rug but with the addition of waterproof fabric over the top-line. This weatherproof fabric is the same waterproof & breathable 600D ripstop polyester as our best selling VentoMasta turnout rugs.

Top Tip - Great for this time of year with the changing weather between seasons, or for horses who can get too hot in a regular lightweight turnout rug as the combination fabrics help against overheating.

Masta Fly with Belly Wrap Rug

• Heavyweight breathable mesh
• Full coverage with hood and belly wrap
• Perfect for Horses who require a bit more protection than a regular fly rug

Designed for horses who need a fly rug with a bit more protection, featuring a long length hood with ear holes, extra long tail flap and adjustable belly wrap. The heavyweight mesh is a robust material with a close weave to act as a barrier from even small insects and flies but still allowing airflow and breathability. 

Featuring gussets at either side of the belly wrap to ensure freedom of movement. Comfort is key with soft fleece trim to the ear holes and anti-rub lining to the chest and hood.  

Masta Sweet-Itch Rug

• Cotton like polyester fabric
• Maximum coverage from head to tail
• Acts as a barrier to the sun and the smallest of insects

Perfect for horses who find the summer months challenging and need ultimate coverage and protection. The very close weave material will act as a barrier to even the smallest of insects and help block out the sun’s rays with a UPF Rating of +50.

Top Tip - Also doubles up as a great summer sheet for helping to keep your horse comfortable and dust free whilst in the stable or preparing for a show when it's too warm for a stable rug.

FieldMasta Fly Rug

• Featuring the award winning “Domeneck” design to help prevent mane loss
• Versatile rug to take you through the summer months
• Can be used as a summer sheet or fly rug

Our innovative Fieldmasta range has a new style for SS23 – as requested by you! Using a combination of two fabrics in key areas to protect where needed. Heavyweight close weave mesh is used at the sides to help with airflow and protecting against biting insects. 

Close weave polyester is used for extra protection over the top-line, and also helps block out the sun’s rays with a UPF Rating of +50. The rug features a fully adjustable front closure for a custom fit and the large tri-vent gusset for freedom of movement.

Top Tip – The features of this rug are perfect for horses with broad chests and shoulders or for those who suffer from rubbed manes and shoulders in regular rugs.