Looking for advice on fly rugs

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Taishi

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Hey guys, its that time of year where we need to be throwing on those fly rugs no thanks to those pesky flies! and wouldn't you know it? my pony outgrew hers yet again ._. So, I am looking into buying her a new one. Admittedly I didn't do much research on them last year as I just simply went for one that was affordable. This year however I've looked into it a bit more and have found out some interesting things such as so-called "sweet itch" coats and one I particularly found interesting and amusing to see was the one with the hood, which I saw a local horse wearing and I thought it was adorable!:D

Anyway, my main issue is the question of denier, I read this means density/thickness of the weave in the coat? I assume the higher it is the warmer the horse will be? I know heavy coat vs light coats are much more higher in denier so that would make sense. I keep finding coats that vary from 300 to 1000! What should I really be considering? how would I know what makes a good coat? Is it worth paying extra for such features as belly flaps and for how much would you say is reasonable? I don't wish to be paying £60-£100 on a coat as I'm not sure if she's going to outgrow it and the possibility of ripping is expensive to replace, though I'm sure something like that should be more durable? But since I didn't have much luck with my previous coat due to fitting issues I'm not going to be as picky this year, I spent £25 on her coat, wouldn't mind upto the value of £40. So, any feedback thoughts and/or recommendations based on all this would be great. Oh and please don't recommend Gallop, that's the coat I had, did not like it, had to bring it back too many times.
 
Just thought I'd post some links to some coats I'm considering at the moment but have concerns about:

http://www.derbyhouse.co.uk/Equestr...rby+House+Elite+Itch+Max+Fly+Rug_408-0052.htm I like this because this coat comes with the hood feature and states UV treated and its reduced by 60%. My concern is the 1k denier and lack of belly flap.

http://www.derbyhouse.co.uk/Shop+by...Itch+Max+with+Belly+Flap+Fly+Rug_408-0053.htm Same as above except this one does have belly flap but it costs £10 more.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/GEE-TAC-TURNOUT-SWEETITCH-SECOND/dp/B002CVH87I/ref=cm_cr_dp_asin_lnk This features belly flap and claims to have UV treated. Lacks the hood feature, slightly cheaper though. Was told in email that its 300d. I really like blue but not sure if that is very practical as white would reflect heat better?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121359181...49&var=420327558212&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT Another combo coat with belly flap, no mention of UV treatment, no mention of denier, comes with fly mask, cheapest of the three. Again I like the colour but perhaps not practical? Would actually prefer a lighter blue.
 
I would go for a pale coloured one, not the one with navy sections as the horse will get hotter in a dark rug compared to a light one.

The nylon anti rub lining on the Derby house ones sounds good. Does the belly flap do up with velcro though? I can see my horses popping that open on a regular basis, so proper surcingle clasps would be my choice.
 
Faracat said:
I would go for a pale coloured one, not the one with navy sections as the horse will get hotter in a dark rug compared to a light one.

The nylon anti rub lining on the Derby house ones sounds good. Does the belly flap do up with velcro though? I can see my horses popping that open on a regular basis, so proper surcingle clasps would be my choice.
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Says in ad belly flap has three touch tape fastenings, I assume that's Velcro? I agree with your view on that. My old coat had clasps which I'd prefer. As for rubbing even the Equidor has that, also Gee Tac mentions anti rubbing on their site but I think Derby House has the most on that? Glad you pointed out the Velcro on the belly flap though, don't think I'd want it due to that fact.
 
I just bought a Derby House rug for my Welsh D and it is too tight around the chest so had to send it back. Although he is chunky, he isn't that much so and I'm surprised it was tight as I've not had a problem with rugs before. I did really like the quality though, however the seam where the neck joins was very thick and heavy and I would have been worried about it rubbing the bottom of the mane out anyway.
 
muckypony said:
I just bought a Derby House rug for my Welsh D and it is too tight around the chest so had to send it back. Although he is chunky, he isn't that much so and I'm surprised it was tight as I've not had a problem with rugs before. I did really like the quality though, however the seam where the neck joins was very thick and heavy and I would have been worried about it rubbing the bottom of the mane out anyway.
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That's interesting to know since I have the same breed of pony. What fly coat have you found best for yours? I even tried Gallop and had a problem with tightness as well as the neck being stupidly long for a pony of that size.
 
I bought a derby house one last year and it was crap, thankfully only paid £20.00 for it! It's too tight round the shoulders, really tight and was shredded after one night lol!

You definitely get what you pay for in fly rugs, the cheap brands I.e gallop, derby house and others you posted usually skimp on material to be cheap!
 
xgemmax said:
I bought a derby house one last year and it was crap, thankfully only paid £20.00 for it! It's too tight round the shoulders, really tight and was shredded after one night lol!

You definitely get what you pay for in fly rugs, the cheap brands I.e gallop, derby house and others you posted usually skimp on material to be cheap!
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tbh it sounds like you bought their cheapest which they are skimp on material with. The ones I linked to are normally well over £70. I bought coats from em before, not fly rugs mind you, not had a problem with them. However I would agree that Gallop is kinda crappy though I've yet to see one shred to pieces, mine had holes in but did not tear. If you have ones you personally recommend I'd be open to hear them.
 
The anti rub lining needs to cover a decent area though. The cheap ones that I have seen IRL have too small an area of silky lining. I have this one (Rambo Fly Buster) for my chestnut mare (I found it 1/2 price :)).

http://www.edgemere.co.uk/media/cat...93dd7223b9146d9dcb53ced065c/f/l/flybuster.jpg

The lining goes back to in line with her elbow. It's her first day wearing it today, so I can't give a review of it yet though.
 
I had the derby house one all seemed fine except it pulls back on her chest and rubs on one shoulder (it has surcingle belly flap not Velcro they do both)
I have just bought a swish rug which arrived today and looks great- nice silver colour and put on this morning so will see later on- it seemed a nice fit and option of taking neck off always a bonus for keeping manes!
 
Taishi said:
That's interesting to know since I have the same breed of pony. What fly coat have you found best for yours? I even tried Gallop and had a problem with tightness as well as the neck being stupidly long for a pony of that size.
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Mine has sweet itch so I was trying the derby house as thought it would be nice (on days like today!) to be covered but not as heavy. He normally wears a Premier Equine Sweet Itch Buster with belly flap which is perfect on him, I have now bought the PE sweet itch buster without a belly flap (so it's a bit cooler) and again, it fits perfect.

I also have an old Masta fly sheet which is awfully tight on him!
 
muckypony said:
Mine has sweet itch so I was trying the derby house as thought it would be nice (on days like today!) to be covered but not as heavy. He normally wears a Premier Equine Sweet Itch Buster with belly flap which is perfect on him, I have now bought the PE sweet itch buster without a belly flap (so it's a bit cooler) and again, it fits perfect.

I also have an old Masta fly sheet which is awfully tight on him!
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Interesting coat, not cheap though. They look very much like Derby's O_o
 
So anyway, my other concern was denier as to me 1k is rather high for a general fly rug? You normally get that on heavy turnouts for winter. I'm wondering just how heavy these coats really are compared to standard and why would one want to buy it over a lighter coat? logic says it makes the horse too hot due to weight and density.
 
Well they should all be made from a mesh, so cool for the horse. The higher denier will mean a stronger mesh, so you need to judge on how kind your horse is to their rugs. My new one is made from a much thicker mesh (so a higher denier) than the amigo fly rugs that I normally use, but it doesn't seem any hotter for the horse.
 
Oh it wasn't £20 full price it was when they reduced them, think it was £50 full price so glad I didn't pay that! Just sharing how I got on with it :) I have ordered the mark Todd air mesh rug now so will see how I get on with that, looks like it has decent reviews
 
All I will say OP is that cheap isn't always cheerful as regards fly rugs. My boy is an expert at (a) realising that he's got a brand new (cheapie) rug on and (b) trashing it in record time. Current record stands at four hours :(

If you choose one of the very light weave ones (probably made in China :( ) then they simply will not last. The worst example of this sort of rug is the Amigo Mio (combo) which is expensive for what it is, but it doesn't last. Having said that, I use an old one (horse trashed the neck of it) for my sweet itchy boy when he's standing in the stable as its just right for this sort of job.

You are better off long-term, buying something with a thicker weave; best of the best is a Rambo, but Premier Equine do some very good fly rugs and they're reasonably priced and very durable - very good value. But their sizing is sometimes a bit odd!! I've had to return stuff which has either been way too big, or too small. But worth persevering as they are very good rugs and do the job.

I bought a Mark Todd fly rug a few years back and it was a lovely little rug and lasted very well: only thing I disliked about it was the velcro which fastened the tummy flap bit - would have preferred a cross-over strap or something a bit more secure TBH.

Bought a Derby House "sweet itch" rug (with the poll covering); it was made of the flimsy mesh. Not used it yet! Can guess its life-expectancy though....... disappointing, especially as it wasn't exactly cheap.
 
xgemmax said:
Oh it wasn't £20 full price it was when they reduced them, think it was £50 full price so glad I didn't pay that! Just sharing how I got on with it :) I have ordered the mark Todd air mesh rug now so will see how I get on with that, looks like it has decent reviews
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You sure it wasn't one of these: http://www.derbyhouse.co.uk/Equestr...ale+Fly+Rugs/Derby+House+Fly+Rug_408-0051.htm I was contemplating about that one myself til I saw the sale on the other coats. Too late now though, sale is over ._.

btw guys I also found this http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/...s/weatherbeeta-genero-mesh-fly-rug-combo.html Any thoughts? I know weatherbeeta are a good brand normally and this coat seems to have some good reviews? whats your thoughts?
 
I've just bought a rhinegold zebra print fly rug for £32. It seems really good quality. I love the full belly flap and generous fit. Will have to see how it stands up to my mare's rubbing and rolling. She got through two gallop rugs last year.
 
I love the one I bought for my girl who come summer has to live in hers. It's this one :
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hy-Guardi...t=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item3a8337b116
The first one I bought has lasted 10 years and all that's deteriorated is the Velcro stickiness and the elastic on the belly flap surcingles. I bought a second one as was so impressed and is handy to swap if we have any unexpected showers. I've had the lastest one at least 3 years now. Can't rate them highly enough!
 
lottiepony said:
I love the one I bought for my girl who come summer has to live in hers. It's this one :
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hy-Guardi...t=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item3a8337b116
The first one I bought has lasted 10 years and all that's deteriorated is the Velcro stickiness and the elastic on the belly flap surcingles. I bought a second one as was so impressed and is handy to swap if we have any unexpected showers. I've had the lastest one at least 3 years now. Can't rate them highly enough!
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Thats a pretty nice coat but a bit out of the price range I'd want to pay for. I'd only wanna pay that much if I knew I could return it a year after had she outgrown it, of course I wouldn't expect to be able to if the coat suffered any major tears.
Which brings me to my next question, anyone know any coat makers with warranties such as these?
 
Taishi said:
I'd only wanna pay that much if I knew I could return it a year after had she outgrown it,
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Seriously????? What an odd attitude.

Now don't think that I don't understand keeping horses on a budget or having youngstock that are rapidly growing - I do. I often went down the 2nd hand route to get rugs for them in my budget and would trawl ebay for bargains, but I'd never expect to buy new, use it for a year and then return it for a refund!
 
Well fyi some coats come with 1-3 year warranty and normally to cover that reason, there's nothing wrong with asking and speaking of "attitude" I certainly don't appreciate yours.
 
I've never had any luck with the cheapo rugs, I think you get what you pay for. My favourite are the Premier Equine one which are good value when they are on offer, which they often are.
 
Taishi said:
Well fyi some coats come with 1-3 year warranty and normally to cover that reason, there's nothing wrong with asking and speaking of "attitude" I certainly don't appreciate yours.
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A warranty won't cover the horse outgrowing it after a year though.
 
A warranty covers if something is faulty not if you decide you don't like the colour, style or damage during general wear and tear. A good quality rug will sell again second hand so you wouldn't lose that much money anyway. No manufacturer will take back a rug after a year of use, in fact no company would take back any item on that basis! You're buying it not loaning it.
 
ditto cheap fly rugs fall to bits in record time.

Rambo SweetItch hoody gets my vote for an actual fly rug however the only thing mine doesn’t rip to shreds is the snuggy bug body
 
Seriously!? I don't think any "coat" (RUG!!!!!!) manufacturers are going to let you return the rug because your pony has outgrown it! Get a decent one that fits and sell it on when it's grown out of it.
 
Faracat said:
A warranty won't cover the horse outgrowing it after a year though.
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lottiepony said:
A warranty covers if something is faulty not if you decide you don't like the colour, style or damage during general wear and tear. A good quality rug will sell again second hand so you wouldn't lose that much money anyway. No manufacturer will take back a rug after a year of use, in fact no company would take back any item on that basis! You're buying it not loaning it.
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AceAmara said:
ditto cheap fly rugs fall to bits in record time.

Rambo SweetItch hoody gets my vote for an actual fly rug however the only thing mine doesn’t rip to shreds is the snuggy bug body
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I never stated anything about outgrowing it after a year nor did I suggest returning it just because you don't like it or that it suffered a general tear. I stated that if your horse outgrows it within the year, ie you can only use it for one season then that coat is no good to you and you should be able to get a replacement cheaper if that's the case imo.

I hate to say it but its funny, people in the area I have my pony in have warned me about people on H&H being snobs who only recommend expensive brands, I'm starting to see that here. I tried to give you guys the benefit of a doubt but all I'm seeing is exactly what I was warned about. Fact is, despite on owning a horse, some of us can't afford such luxuries and therefore have to consider cheaper products or find something that is obviously going to last and worth what we pay for! I did state at the beginning of my thread how much I'd really be considering, if its too cheap to you then fine but that's not helpful to me, nor is arguing with me about my point of view in regards to return policies. Hell, you could at least point me to some good offers or ways to pay for these things in much easier and more manageable methods but all I get is "you get what you pay for" and "what an odd attitude" for hoping for something that'll last or comes with some kind of guarantee reassurance. I think at the end of the day we all want that and as horse owners you should be a little more understanding about affordability. And before anyone starts on whether I should even have one in regards to affording one; fyi I can afford to keep my pony healthy and happy, even if it means I have to go without I'll do it just for her sake! As far as I'm concerned no one has to splash out and spend ridiculous amounts on these animals and no one should and its no thanks to attitudes like this that those vendors continue to sell for extortionate amounts because those of you who have more money than sense just continue dictating that its "what you pay for" rather than accepting the fact that you're paying too much and certainly more than what most people can afford! If all you want to do is argue, be rude or blatantly point me to something I never even asked for then please just refrain from responding. I do appreciate your opinion but it doesn't help me shop around for a coat which my pony really needs which I think is most important.
 
Rug manufacturers do have to stay in business, so I can't imagine them ever giving a discount if you did a 'part exchange' style transaction.

You are misguided if you think that everyone on here is rich and always buys the best of the best because they have money coming out of their ears. There are a lot of threads on here looking for items within a budget or 2nd hand. No-one has suggested that you can't afford to have a pony as you can't buy a £100 rug. If a post doesn't answer your question, just skip it and read the next one. You might only get a few responses that are actually helpful amongst many, but don't forget that others read the threads too, so people with a bigger budget might find your thread helpful for them. :)
 
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