Fly rugs and masks...

[Evil_Cookie]

Hi...
Well its that time again... bug season

I've just moved the girls to a new yard where there is a fly problem... woods, ponds... anyway... I was wondering what rugs and masks you guys would recomend?

The tb Ruby gets bugged by midges and hates getting them in her ears so...
A midge proof 6'6 rug and a mask with ear covers.
And the cb Clementine has a huge forlock, so a mask where this would come out would be perfect and a roomy fly rug, especially in the neck area.
Any ideas?

I've been looking at the equilibium, cashel and legacy masks, but wondered how visibility, and stickability goes for them?

Any suggestions appreciated, how do you survive the summer months?

 

[RachelB]

Loads of people I know use Equilibriums, they are really good as they cover a lot of the face (the maxi ones do even without the nose attachment, but the midi ones are a lot smaller). They wash and wear well and we have never had any visibility troubles with them. They don't have forelock holes though, but the Cashel Crusader ones do. We use them a lot at work and they fit a lot of horses. They are tough and the bits over the eyes stick out well so no fear of them turning in and poking a horse's eye! Wish I would have got a Crusader and not an Equilibrium TBH as I reckon they would have fitted my funny shaped horse better (she has a hugely wide head but normal everything else, so x-full browbands only just fit and full size bridle is fine! Her x-full Equilibrium just about fits although a little large).
I survive summer without fly rugs, just a mask and plenty of Phaser spray and Lincoln Ditch the Itch on mane and tail.

 

[dozzie]

I bought rambo fly masks with ears last year as they looked really tough. Very disappointing as they all split within days. So Id avoid these in future.

 

[Theresa_F]

I cannot recommend the Cashel Crusader enough. Cairo has to wear a UV mask from April to October when out. He is often out 24 x 7 during the summer. Hole for the forelock - and I also have a gypsy cob so this is essential. Nice soft material that washes easily, is soft but very tough. Ear covers. I have seen them with pink ears - posted a link a week or so ago.

I have the version that goes over the nose and my two pink nosed boys had lovely unburnt noses without the need for any sun cream.

Come in a lot of sizes - Cairo has the warmblood size - the draft size was actually a bit big on him but he is not a huge clydesdale and Chancer has the cob size.

Cairo's mask is now 3 years old and in great condition and Stinky's is still in excellent condition after a summer on a 2 year old.

I have used the equlibrium ones before and they are just not as good - rubbed slightly, gave a sweaty head and didn't last like the Crusader does.

 

[Evil_Cookie]

Hi, thanks for the help guys.
So is the equilibrium a no then? And if I was to go for a cashel, do I or do I not get the nose piece? How useful is it? I worry if it would get caught or something? Neither of the mares have white markings on their faces so sun protection isn't a big problem, just don't want them to bleach thats all. Does the nose bit help with flies or is it mainly for UV?
And sizing.... They both take full normal headcollers or warmblood rope halters, would that be the full size then? Clementine has a big jaw so maybe warmblood?
So many questions... sorry

Any ideas on rugs, there are so many out there, what works best? Any experiences?

Thanks again

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Have a look at Premier Equine, their new range of fly rugs & masks is in, it they be waht you wantL:

http://www.premierequineinternational.com/acatalog/horse-rugs.html

 

[RachelB]

The nose bit I think is mainly a UV thing, TBH I find that all it does is make the horses blow their noses loads! It must tickle!

The horse size Crusader sounds like it might be about right, the warmblood size was quite huge and the draft was literally like a skirt if I wrapped it round me!

 

[JessPickle]

Cashel Crusader all the way

Our whole yard use them and they seem to last better than any others and seem to stay on better helped by the hole for the forelock. The nose part of it can zip off if nead be on mine

 

[evsj]

I have just bought an Amigo bug rug but I was interested in the PE one too, they were offereing a free mask with orders. My mates amigo seems really good, soft and light and I have heard lots of other people here rave about them too.

 

[ColouredFan]

My horse is allergic to flys and the sun! and i use a Rambo protector rug, bit more expensive than your average fly rug but its great! Last summer in all that hot weather he wore it all the time and he was no hotter than the naked horses, its fairly tough so lasts longer than cheaper rugs but isnt uncomfortable against the horses skin. my 15.2 TBX wears a 6'0 and it fits him great and it also keeps his white patches really clean (skewbald) so saves me time too!

 

[Evil_Cookie]

Ok so two horse crusader masks with ears but not noses

. What about the legacy mask? I've searched on here but can't find much info?

I've had a look at the amigo and really like the look of it, yet am not sure it would cover enough? Or be strong enough? Also I found this:
http://www.horseware.com/usa/flyprotection/amigo/bugbuster.asp

A new version of it in america/canada... but doesn't seem available here, I've emailed horseware about it a few days ago, but as yet, no reply.

I really want a sweet itch/fly rug for Ruby which covers between her front legs, as she gets irritated by bugs, I don't think she has sweet itch but given the chance she will rub her tail raw if the flies have been bothering her and bite between her front legs taking skin and hair off? But the amigo seems like a good option for Clementine, how generous is it in the neck region? Will look at the rambo rug too as hardewearing-ness (sp?

) is quite important with the trees that are in their field.
Thanks again

 

[Chex]

I have the rambo protector too and would definitely recommend it. The neck doesn't slide down which I think is a problem with the softer ones, and its really tough.

 

[Theresa_F]

This is a link for the crusaders - I had no problems with the nose extension making my boys puff and blow and without it they would have had very pink burnt noses or I would have had to get the YO to apply it every morning for me. Only time is was a tiny problem was when it was very muddy and got a bit caked up - hosed the end off and stuck them back on again.

http://www.kmeliteproducts.co.uk/products.php?cat=9

Sizes - the warmblood is designed for someone who needs an extra full bridle - Fits Cairo perfectly. The draft is massive - really for the 18 + heavy brigade. Chancer is a cob size - would also fit a fine TB head.