Fly rug or fly sheet

[Spotherisk]

My retired gelding has a fly rug, the stretchy type, which he is systematically destroying by having a good old itch on tree branches, the gate etc etc. He’s wearing it because he is a terrible fly magnet and his pink skin gets sunburnt on his mane area, but he does get a bit warm at times. I haven’t tried a fly sheet before- can I have some opinions please on what you use and which you think is best for your horse and why before I toddle off to the tack shop tomorrow!

 

[awelshandawarmblood]

I've just bought an Amigo Aussie Allrounder which is proving fantastic! Tough (itchy bum cob failing to destroy) & kept him cool in all that hot weather which was impressive! I also have a sweetitch hoodie style Shires Highlander on the youngster, also very tough but he definitely got sweaty in it, also slips & doesnt self right after rolling/shake so don't tend to leave it on if I'm not about. I liked the premier equine super lite fly rug, very cool & tough but used to irritate the cob as his hair would get caught in the mesh & stick through like a porcupine making him stampy & irritable. Its' a mine field! But the Amigo winning for me so far.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Would something like this do the job? This is the senior Cushing’s mare modelling her Horseware Mio 3 in 1 Vamoose fly rug, with a waterproof top line and mesh sides. I gave her a full clip recently, and she needs something to protect her both from flies and from sunburn - she is mostly white over her top line.

It‘s kept the flies off and also kept her happy in some pretty heavy downfalls of rain recently, too.


ETA this has traditional Velcro front closures, but some newer Horseware rugs have the disc closure, which I don’t recommend.

 

[Spotherisk]

Awelshandawarmblood thank you, a friend had also recommended the Aussie one, that’s good to hear.
Tiddlypom yes these are good, he has the Shires Highlander version, I just need a cooler version too. ?

 

[TPO]

Another vote for the Amigo Aussie all rounder.

It fits well, keeps him cool and most importantly keeps the flies off.

I've had lots of different brands and types of fly and sweetitch rugs and the amigo is the best in warm or hot weather.

Weatherbeeta do a checked cotton summer sheet too. The aussie is slightly showerproof but the cotton sheet isn't at all. However it's a tough lightweight sheet and it does a good job with the flies too.

 

[sherry90]

Hope Valley have the Amigo Bug Buster Vamoose on sale at the moment. I really rate it. The Vamoose keeps the flies away and the material whilst thicker than a sheet is the stuff that would be harder to rip (mine isn’t a rug trasher though!)

 

[TPO]

Just be careful with the vamoose as it is impregnated with a chemical that starts with P that I can't spell....permethrin?

It's toxic to cats. I didnt realise that when I bought mine. In the end it ripped really easily so was binned instead of repaired.

 

[sherry90]

Just be careful with the vamoose as it is impregnated with a chemical that starts with P that I can't spell....permethrin?

It's toxic to cats. I didnt realise that when I bought mine. In the end it ripped really easily so was binned instead of repaired.

Oh really I didn’t know that! We don’t have cats on the yard thankfully but good to know anyway. The technology in it really does deter flies but wouldn’t want it harming cats if you have them! Unfortunate that yours ripped - mine has stood up but I haven’t had it for several summers yet! Time will tell...