Tell me about fly rugs please

nikicb

nikicb

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Much as I would like to avoid it I think I may have to get Cameo a fly rug.

He's not itchy but he seems to get bothered by flies around mid afternoon and starts charging round the field and doing handstands. Apart from the fact I don't want him doing something to himself, I have limited grazing and with this weather he's churning it up.

I went to get him in today and there were lots of them - just normal flies, not horse flies or midges. So what brand/style would you recommend?

Thanks. :)
 
Anyone?

Just to add that I did go to Scats today to get one but there were several different ones ranging from £30 to over £90. I've never had the need to use one before but would far rather have him out longer with one on than have to bring him in. Thanks. :)
 
Rambo sweet itch hoody rug with the ear holes is excellent for sweet itch but you may get away with a cheaper one if it's just the annoying irritation of flies rather than rubbing
 
Rambo rugs are great quality and last forever - we have the fly busters for 2 of ours and they survive everything the horses put them through, so durable! My mare has a premier equine 'super lite' rug which I bought because its very lightweight (and also anti-static) which is very nice and they have daily offers if you sign up for emails so sure it will come up sometime.
If you go for a cheaper one they'll do the same thing but try to avoid the more plastic-y materials as they roast them! x
 
Jericho said:
Rambo sweet itch hoody rug with the ear holes is excellent for sweet itch but you may get away with a cheaper one if it's just the annoying irritation of flies rather than rubbing
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starryeyed said:
Rambo rugs are great quality and last forever - we have the fly busters for 2 of ours and they survive everything the horses put them through, so durable! My mare has a premier equine 'super lite' rug which I bought because its very lightweight (and also anti-static) which is very nice and they have daily offers if you sign up for emails so sure it will come up sometime.
If you go for a cheaper one they'll do the same thing but try to avoid the more plastic-y materials as they roast them! x
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Thank you both - some useful tips. :)

I'm quite sure it isn't sweet itch. He hasn't rubbed anywhere and is perfectly fine in his stable. In fact he almost breathed a sigh of relief when I got him in. It's been really humid today and the ponies have definitely been swishing their tails and shaking their manes a lot. Some of it is probably down to boredom/thinking he's starved/adjustment of routine - he's on less grass and out for much much longer than in his previous home which has done wonders for his waistline, but watching my new horse practise his skid stops in front of the hedge isn't my idea of fun! :eek:

I'll check out the ones that you suggest. I have no problems paying for quality, but expensive doesn't always mean good. That said I have always been a fan of Rambo (and Rhino) turnout rugs. :)
 
I'm not normally a fly rug person but mine some times reacts to fly bites and had the beginnings of sweet itch when I bought him so got a masta and it was huge round the front, pulled back and then rubed his shoulders wasnt very impressed with it over all. Took a chance on an areborn one in the sale as he was reacting to fly bites and I'm really impressed with it, its very similar to the mark todd one has elasticated straps, a lycra bit so the mane doesnt get rubbed out and clips on the neck so its dead quick to take off and best of all when we did get the few brief days of warm weather he was nice and cool under it.
 
Got my boy a fly rug because he was being driven mad by biting flies, make sure you get one with a belly and a neck. I like the hoody styles myself as it stops the bugs getting down the neck. If he's not scratching you will probably be able to get away with a cheaper brand if you didn't want to spend too much. :)
 
I don't have fly rugs for mine but, my friend bought the Masta fly rug from scats & it rubber her mare aswell. I no a few people who have the Mark Todd fly rug & think they are fab :)
 
My two re both in amogo fly sheets and i would recommend them as had them for about five years abnd they wash ell and havent ever had to bbe repaired.They dont have belly flaps though but good quality and fit.
 
Over the years I've had a number of fly rugs made by various companies, I believe that the best fly rug around at ther moment is the Mark Todd Combo. It has a neck cover with 4 velcro tabs & the one under the throat is elasticated so there is plenty of give. It has a belly wrap attached & it does up with 3 velcro straps. There are two leg straps. Probably the best feature is that the neck is attached to the body with a piece of lycra so the fit is great. The chest & also the neck where it covers the mane are lined so it won't rub.

It is a great rug made from quality materials & the design is really good. Cheapest I have found is £47.50p from Mole Valley. :) I bought 2 of these for my boys & the fit id great.
 
Thanks everyone - all these suggestions are great - I really appreciate them. :)

I'll definitely avoid the Masta. He's a sensitive chap - I was horrified when I took his stable rug off after the first night I'd had him to find 2 bald patches on his shoulders/chest. :(

Will definitely check out the Mark Todd ones as well - his lightweight turnout rug is a MT one and seems ok so far.

I would far rather have him out with nothing, but the flies are awful at the moment, so better to have him rugged and out than naked and in. :)
 
Please see this thread http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=546006

At the moment I am awaiting the retailers response. Further to my original post the Amigo fly Rug now has holes developing where the one of the belly straps is stitched to the Amigo fly rug.

So I would not recommend Rambo Amigo Mio Fly Rug unless you want to buy a new rug each month.

Should the retailer not play ball I will print there response so you know to avoid the online shop.
 
Thanks Armas. Sorry to hear you have had problems with your rug - hope it gets sorted out.

I've ordered a Mark Todd one. I like the fit of his lightweight turnout and the MT range seems to have the quality without extortionate prices so hopefully it will be ok.

Thanks again everyone for your advice. :) x
 
I really like the derby house fly rugs. I would personally go for the sport type. They last forever, are generous in fit and cover all the stomach as well as a large tail flap. Come with a fly mask and have lined neck and shoulders so no rubbing! I found other brands slipped and didn't cover where they should but I really rate the DH ones.
 
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