The best waterproof fly rugs are the perfect hybrid between the best no-fill rain sheets and the best fly rugs. As well as providing protection from summer showers, these lightweight and breathable rugs protect your horse from flies and the sun, making them ideal if you can’t get to the yard to keep taking your horse’s fly rug off when the rain sets in.
Watch the videoBest waterproof fly rugs: H&H’s quick guide
Best overall waterproof fly rug: Swish Equestrian Waterproof Fly Combination
Best for coverage: Premier Equine Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite Fly
Best for UV protection: WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Dual Shield
Best for a rug-wrecker: Horseware Amigo AmECO Combi
Best for tiny ponies: Ruggles Combo Fly Rug With Waterproof Panel
Best value waterproof fly rug: Shires Tempest Original Waterproof Fly
Best waterproof fly rugs
Swish Equestrian Waterproof Fly Combination Turnout
Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 1200D
Colours: Orange, grey, pink, peppermint, green, navy or purple
Sizes: 4ft3in – 7ft6in
RRP: £95.99
H&H Rating: 10/10, H&H Approved
Reasons to buy
- 1200D ripstop waterproof panel
- Wide size range
Reasons to avoid
- Style is better suited to a narrower chest
This rug has a strong 1200D waterproof top layer and a longer-cut detachable neck cover that is secured with double-locking Velcro. The lower section is made of lightweight and breathable nylon. It features a fleece-lined wither pad, soft lining, reflective strips, cross surcingles and detachable leg straps.
Becky Murray tested this rug and she really liked this waterproof fly rug. She said “It’s ideal for more boisterous horses who put their rugs through their paces. The detachable neck is very useful and the rug has lots of extra features, which you usually find on more typically expensive brands, so this rug is good value when you consider how many benefits it offers.”
Read H&H’s independent Swish waterproof fly rug review.
Premier Equine Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite Fly Rug
Style: Combo
Top section outer: 600D
Colours: Navy, wine or green
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft3in
UV protection: 70%
RRP: £138
H&H Rating: 10/10, H&H Approved
Reasons to buy
- 10,000mm waterproof rating
- Anti-static treated
Reasons to avoid
- Lots of velcro neck fastenings
This rug has an ultra lightweight design with a 600D triple weave top section and a lightweight nylon lower section. It fastens with quick release chest clips, cross surcingles and PVC -coated tail strap. With extended neck for full coverage and a super sized tail flap for ultimate coverage.
Becky Murray tested this rug and she said “The rug offers “maximum protection” against flies, midges and insects – and has an antibacterial polyester lining for “optimum protection”. I often find fly rugs tend to give off static shocks when you remove them but this rug has been anti-static treated, which will very much please both my horse and I.”
Read H&H’s independent Premier Equine Buster Stay-Dry Super Lite fly rug review.
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Dual Shield Detach-A-Neck
Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 600D
Colours: Blue/Grey
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft3in
UV protection: 90%+
RRP: £139.99
Reasons to buy
- Unique shape lifts the rug off the wither for added comfort
- High UV protection
Reasons to avoid
- Detachable neck design might not suit your needs
With a 600D ripstop waterproof upper panel with a mesh lower panel to allow for airflow, this rug has a Twist ‘n’ lock front and belly wrap closure system for additional safety and protection. The full tail frap provides extra protection and the rug also has a memory foam wither pad, and PVC coated tail cord.
Horseware Amigo AmEco Combi
Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 1200D
Colours: Teal/grey
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
UV protection: 65%
RRP: From £173.95
Reasons to buy
- 1200D waterproof top section ideal for rug wreckers
Reasons to avoid
- Disc Front closure is a bit fiddly
This rug incorporates a technical fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. The top section is waterproof, while the sides are lightweight protective mesh. The rug features the patented disc front closure, which is designed to remove pressure and prevents rubbing. It also has a detachable hood, three straight surcingles and dual leg arches for a greater range of movement.
Ruggles Combo Fly Rug With Waterproof Panel
Style: Combo
Colours: Grey or navy/grey
Sizes: 2ft9in – 7ft6in
RRP: From £66
Reasons to buy
- Very large size range
- Ear holes to prevent the neck cover moving
Reasons to avoid
- Lots of Velcro fastenings
Made from soft but strong polyester mesh and a waterproof and breathable fabric on the topline, which is lined with soft nylon to help prevent rubbing. There is also a soft lining at the chest. The rug has generous shoulder gussets and tail flap, as well as adjustable and detachable leg straps.
The chest is fastened with double adjustable chest straps with D rings and snap clips, so once you’ve fitted the rug it’s quick and easy to fasten. The detachable belly band has Velcro straps and over straps for double-locking protection, while the combo neck extends to the brow with fleece-lined ear holes.
Shires Tempest Original Waterproof Fly Rug
Style: Combo neck
Top section outer: 600D
Colours: Grey
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft
UV protection: 90%
RRP: £69.99
Reasons to buy
- Neck, spine and chest areas are lined to prevent rubbing
- Belly flap offers extra coverage
Reasons to avoid
- Front buckle fastenings might not suit everyone
This rug has a 600D ripstop top section and breathable side panels that dry quickly and allow airflow. It fastens with buckles at the chest and has an adjustable fillet strap.
LeMieux Arika Shower-Tek Fly Rug
Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 600D
Colours: Grey, navy
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
UV protection: 85%
RRP: £99.95
Reasons to buy
- Seamless spine helps to self-right the rug
Reasons to avoid
- If you are looking for a fixed neck design
This rug has a durable 600D ripstop waterproof top section and extended and shaped belly flap for additional coverage with a three-strap closure and detachable central strap that helps to self-right the rug. The front fastening is designed to distribute pressure to prevent rubbing on the shoulder and across the chest.
The lower part of the rug is in two parts to relieve tension and allow for a greater range of movement.
Masta Ventomasta Waterproof Fly Rug
Style: Combo or standard neck
Top section outer: 600D
Colours: Navy
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft6in
RRP: £64.95 (combo), £56.95 (standard)
Reasons to buy
- Anti-rub lining on the shoulders and neck
Reasons to avoid
- Front surcingles fastenings might not suit everyone
This fly rug combines a 600D ripstop waterproof upper section with soft polyester fly mesh lower section. It has a pressure relief neck insert at the wither, and allows for freedom of movement while grazing with anti-rub lining along the neck and shoulders. It has simple fastenings, with a touch-close fastenings on the neck cover and a fillet string under the tail flap. Also available with a standard neck.
Hy StormX Empra Aqua Shield Fly rug
Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 600D
Colours: Navy/silver
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft3in
UV protection: 70%
RRP: £79.99
Reasons to buy
- Deep shoulder gusset for freedom of movement
Reasons to avoid
- If you are looking for a tougher waterproof upper section
The waterproof section along the back and neck is 600D, which is combined with an airflow mesh fabric on the bottom section. It has twin buckle breast fastenings, adjustable surcingles, a generous tail flap, deep shoulder gussets and detachable neck cover with touch tape fastenings.
Rhinegold Mombasa Waterproof Fly Rug
Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 600D
Colours: Grey or navy
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft3in
RRP: £58.95
Reasons to buy
- Wide size range
- Detachable belly guard
Reasons to avoid
- If you are looking for a fixed neck design
Made with a 600D waterproof topline with a robust but soft mesh lower part, this rug also has a lining on the topline and detachable neck cover to prevent rubbing. The multi-adjustable chest allows for a good fit whether broad or narrow shouldered, and the buckle strap has a soft fleece lining for comfort and to help prevent rubbing. The rug also features a soft fleece wither pad and an elasticated tail strap that is attached with a trigger clip for easy removal.
Bucas Buzz-Off Rain
Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 1200D
Colours: Silver or zebra
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft
UV protection: 80%
RRP: £149
Reasons to buy
- Strong denier ideal for rug wreckers
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price point
This rug combines the features of the Buzz-off fly sheets and Sun Shower lightweight turnout – the upper part is waterproof and breathable, while the lower part is made of fly sheet fabric. It features a detachable neck and an elasticated and detachable belly pad that gives protection and helps to keep the rug in position.
How to choose the best waterproof fly rug
A waterproof fly rug is ideal for horses turned out in changeable weather as they offer protection from flies, sun and showers. The waterproof upper section protects against rain while the mesh sides provides protection from biting insects and help to keep your horse cool. Some waterproof fly rugs also offer UV protection we’ve listed this wherever we’ve been able to get this information from manufacturers. They usually have larger tail flaps, should have quality and adjustable fastenings, and some fly rugs also have linings to prevent rubbing. Some fly rugs also have a belly flap for additional coverage.
Opt for maximum coverage – look for extra-large tail flaps, belly coverage and neck coverage to keep the flies from irritating your horse.
Consider the fastenings – if your horse is a fidget, look for fastenings that are easy and quick to do such as T-bar fastenings, but if your horse is particularly wide or narrow at the chest you may want to consider buckles for more adjustability.
Are fly rugs waterproof?
Not all fly rugs are waterproof, but some are! This selection of the best waterproof fly rugs are designed to be a hybrid of a rain sheet – with a waterproof topline – and a classic fly rug with a mesh bottom section.
How do I measure my horse for a rug?
In the UK rugs are measured in feet and inches. To measure your horse for good rug fit, use a soft tape measure to measure your horse from the centre of their chest to the furthest point of their hindquarters – follow these instructions on how to fit a horse rug.
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