Fly rugs-overwhelming choice. Shortlist opinions appreciated

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Spudpud

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I am down to a rambo vamoose, bucas fly rug, shires sweet itch hoody or equi therme sweet itch rug, although quite possibly many others still! I'm happy to spend more if quality means it'll go on for several seasons. Sweet itch isn't an issue thankfully but flies here are bad so just after any opinions/experiences if people don't mind, thank you. (Also if they're snug/generous or true to size)
 
I think it depends on what brand fits your horse best tbh. I had the Rambo Protector, loved it but it pulled back and rubbed my new horse, so Ive bought him the Bucas and it fits him great. I tried the Weatherbeeta, didnt like it and also an Amigo bug rug, fit him awful. I also have the shires half waterproof one, thats a nice rug and a lot on our yard have the Shires sweet itch hoody and they really rate them.
 
What do you need it for? If sweet itch you can't go wrong with a Boett.

I have a Premier Equine sweetitch rug for mine, though she doesn't have sweetitch. The material is thick like a normal rug but it keeps her cool and fits her well.

ETS Some people read the entire post, unlike me who jumps in without taking in all the details. The PE rug has ear holes that hold the neck up, not only does the neck stay up all the time but she also looks ridiculous which makes me laugh.
 
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I've tried a few, only one I've found that fits nicely and the neck stays up instead of squashing down and rubbing is the Mark Todd ultra combo. I love mine ! the mesh is a bit thicker though for very hot horses, but robust so less easy to tear to shreds. I think sweet itch rugs that are mesh can be a bit thicker and warmer as the mesh is designed to keep midges out as well as biting flies- not sure though, I have only used the wrap around material ones on my horse with sweetitch but they rip quite easily.
 
Another here with a bucas, although she is a tb type we went for a size larger as they are quite clingy_usually a 6ft in a weatherbeeta but got 6ft3. I like that the neck doesn't end up down by the whithers like some fly rugs so good neck and belly protection> The others in the field found her terrifying mind the first time she had it on!
 
My favourite is the rambo protector. Sturdy enough that my pony who has ripped several rugs cannot rip it but very lightweight and cool on hot days, plus it doesn't rub him and covers him very well.
 
Shires Sweet itch rug I think its called. I call it the ponies straight jacket because it covers him completely and goes over his ears so the flies can't get down the neck. Fab rug, fits beautifully and has never rubbed
 
I have bought the Rambo SI hoody with Vamoose for this season but not used it yet as Neem oil seems to be doing a good job so far!
Also a fan of the Mark Todd Ultra, very robust. Tried the Bucas last year and it got ripped to shreds very quickly (literally hanging off him), thankful i didn't pay full price for that one!
 
Agree with the different fits etc but (and this is totally alien to me!) last summer my Rambo protector which is the rug I always use needed a repair and as the flies were so bad I bought a mega cheap Gallop fly sheet- the blue and silver ones on eBay and actually kept my horse in it for the rest of summer! I love it and will be buying another as a "spare" for my daughters new horse - especially as they are currently less than £20 at my local store!
 
Agree with the comments above that fit is probably down to the horse. For horses with true SI (have a few friends), most like the Rambo SI hoody best.

Personally, I'd stay away from the Vamoose/impregnated rugs. They have permethrin on, which is toxic to cats. We have barn cats, and I wouldn't want to risk a cat having a snooze on the rug, then cleaning herself and taking in too much of it. If you do end up buying a vamoose rug, make sure it's never left in reach of cats.
 
I have a Premier Equine Bug Buster and would thoroughly recommend. They are a light but durable fabric, the only downside to this rug is that when the temperature is over 20 degrees (approximately) my horse does tend to sweat.
 
Thank you for the replies, trying to make a decision & get one ordered! Unfortunately PE rugs rub my mare which is a shame as they are good quality. She's also black & a hot bod so I don't want anything too heavy but need good belly coverage. Tough choice as it's horrid seeing her bothered by the flies & they are bad at home. Thinking more towards Mark todd or shires now so that's progress!
 
We've tried many fly rugs over the years, by the very tough critique, Nasheeta the sweet itch horse. She is very hard on her rugs, both turnout and fly ones. The ones that she liked the most were the Gallop fly rugs, which were great and offered lots of protection - don't be put off by people telling you they aren't good quality, they've lasted 8 months on madam, who shredded other fly rugs in seconds (literally). Horsewear also do fairly good ones, however they hardly have any neck protection, and her Ladyship broke hers in less than 24 hours.
 
I have the shires sweet itch combo and love it - it's quite a thick fly rug but really good. Roo doesn't get hot in it.
It's got a generous neck length and it's thick enough for my cob's rather podgy neck. I find it a good fit and mine is now 2 years old and looks as good as new.
 
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