fly rugs, especially Rambo

RachelB

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I really, really hate to have to do this but my horse is SO bothered by the flies now she's out 24/7. She has no field shelter but has trees to shelter under, but of course the trees are stopping the wind getting into the field so the flies seem to crowd round! I have been putting Phaser repellent on (and have tried various others) none of which work for more than 10 minutes before she's covered again.
Does anyone have any recommendations for fly rugs? Can't be Weatherbeeta as they don't fit her at all. She takes a 6'6", and is very big-shouldered (and has a big belly at the mo
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). I'd like one with a belly strap if possible, or that closes around the belly.
The best turnout rug I have is a Rhino, it fits her really well especially with the "V" front closure. Does anyone have a Rambo Protector fly rug? Is it worth the money (I'm only considering the expense as the V-neck is the only rug that hasn't rubbed her as she has a very low-set neck)? And does the belly bit reach round and touch underneath the "average" horse? Also tempted by this one as it's in the Derby House sale!
 
I've got a really chunky Irish Sports Horse and the Horseware Amigo Bug Sheets fit him a treat. Would highly recommend them. The only downside though is that they don't have a belly cover.

I've got a smaller ID x TB mare who is much finer but still broad shouldered. The Weatherbeeta one with the tummy cover was way too tight for her.

So Amigo's for us from here on in. I think with a chunky horse you need Amigo's or Rambo Plus.
 
Ah I love the Irish. Ours certainly have expensive taste by the sound of it, Horsewear or nothing!
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I would go for the Amigo but I'm not sure the straight front closure wouldn't rub her (being on her for 12 hours a day). Shame, they did used to make them with the V front but it's only the expensive one now!
 
I have a Rambo Protector one, possibly a version from 2 years ago though.. with the V closure, it is quite deep (Hangs down like a dress I think!
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) on my little TB waif (she's only 15.2 and very narrow), but has lasted really well, it seems tougher than other brands of fly rug and has never rubbed. I really like it and it seems to do a good job keeping her chilled out about the flies, without making her hot.
 
I have had various over the years and the best one I have had is the Rambo Sweet-itch hoody, It stops the flies really well but it doesn't have a belly cover and makes them quite hot. The second best one I have had is a Derby House Fly Rug, it only cost £35.00 and come with a free head cover, it is the same design as the Rambo but thinner material and keeps them cooler. It has a belly flap and full neck which goes over the ears and a full tail flap down to the bottom of the rug. I have found it great and have even washed it in a bucket of water or with a hose and it dries out really quickly! I had a premier equine one which was good, but my horse trashed it within a week!!!
 
to toby-zaphod, very interested in this sweet itch buster. someone else mentioned premier equine today as ive just discovered my boy has just started with sweet itch and im mortified and want to stop it before it really takes hold. looked at some sweet itch rugs and snuggy hoods but really really expensive so i like the look of what you have recommended, one question: what is the difference with this rug compared to my wetherbeeta fly rug? thanks alot.
 
ive just bought a premier international sweet itch buster rug, what with an unexpected set of shoes needed last week thats pretty much july spends over!!
 
I have just bought a sweetitch buster from premier equine. My cob is short in the back but large in the neck, shoulder and bottom departments. The staff were helpful when I telephoned to ask about sizing and I ended up ordering a size larger than normal - he takes a 6.6 and I got a 6.9.

The fabric is very strong but not as stiff as the Rambo, it is waterproof and breathable as well. I have had him out in quite warm weather over the last few days but he has not sweated up in it - the rug is white and feels quite cool. And as has been mentioned its half price at the moment - £34.99!
 
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