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 it ideal if you can’t get to the yard to keep taking your horse’s fly rug off when the rain sets in.
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.
What makes a good waterproof fly rug?
The best waterproof fly rugs are lightweight and reflect heat and UV rays away from your horse’s body to help keep him cool. Not only do they provide much more coverage than other rugs in order to protect your horse from landing flies, but they have a waterproof top half that will keep your horse dry in showers, too. 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.
Best waterproof fly rugs
Swish Waterproof Fly Combination Turnout
Colours: Orange, grey, pink, peppermint, green, navy or purple
Sizes: 4ft3in – 7ft6in
RRP: £95.99
H&H Rating: 10/10, H&H Approved
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.
We really liked this waterproof fly rug – 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 review of this Swish waterproof fly rug.
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WeatherBeeta ComFiTec 600D/Mesh II Combo
Colours: Silver
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
RRP: £129.99
H&H Rating: 9/10, H&H Approved
This design is an update to the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec 600D Mesh Combo. With a 600D ripstop waterproof upper panel with a mesh lower panel to allow for airflow, this rug has an Ezi-Clip front closure. The elasticated and adjustable belly wrap and full tail wrap provide protection and the rug also has elasticated, adjustable and removable leg straps. The updated version of this rug now also has a wither relief pad.
We tested this waterproof fly rug and while it’s not the cheapest on the market, we found it to be good quality and offer good protection from both flies and wet weather. Read our full review of this WeatherBeeta waterproof fly rug.
Shires Tempest Original Waterproof Fly Rug
Colours: Grey
Sizes: 4–7ft
UV protection: 90%
RRP: £54.99
This rug has a 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.
Masta Ventomasta Waterproof Fly Rug
Neck: Standard or combo
Colours: Blue or grey
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft6in
RRP: From £59.95
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.
LeMieux Arika Shower-Tek Fly Rug
Neck: Detachable
Colours: Grey/navy
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
UV protection: 85%
RRP: £99.95
This rug has an 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.
Rhinegold Mombasa Waterproof Fly Rug
Neck: Detachable
Colours: Grey or navy
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft3in
RRP: £58.95
Made with a 600 denier 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.
Horseware Amigo 3-in-1 CamoFly
Colours: Grey/orange
Sizes: 5–7ft
UV protection: 65%
RRP: £153.95
This rug uses a monochromatic pattern to deter flies landing on the body, using the same logic and optical illusion as zebra stripes. The top section is a waterproof and breathable 600D ripstop polyester, while the sides are mesh polyester. 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 a shine-enhacing lining on the shoulders, mane and tail to prevent rubbing.
Bucas Buzz-Off Rain
Colours: Silver or zebra
Sizes: 5–7ft
UV protection: Yes
RRP: £149
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.
Ruggles Combo Fly Rug With Waterproof Panel
Colours: Red/grey or blue/grey
Sizes: 2ft9in – 7ft6in
RRP: From £66
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 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.
Elico Ingleton Combo Rain/Fly Rug
Colours: Navy/white
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
UV protection: Yes
RRP: £62.95
The waterproof section along the back and neck is 600D, which is combined with a strong mesh fabric on the bottom section. It has an anti-rub nylon lining, two breast straps, low cross surcingles, leg straps, a large tail flap, and double Velcro closures on the neck.
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A pick of the best lightweight turnouts for changeable weather
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