Derby House Elite standard bonded fleece: review

Our reviewer really liked this rug despite the sizing appearing to be a little un-generous

I tested this fleece rug in size 6’3, from the Derby House Elite range.

The rug has a red fleece outer with a black fleece lining, silver piping and gun-metal grey buckles. It has two front straps which are fully adjustable, cross surcingles at the belly and a fillet string. There is also a faux sheepskin pad at the wither to prevent rubbing. Both the stitching and buckles seem good quality and overall the rug looks well made. The rug is described as warm and breathable and is recommended for cooling, travelling or as an under-rug.

Initially I wasn’t too sure about the red/silver colour combination (especially on a palomino!) but once it was on the horse I actually really liked it.

The rug fitted my 15.3hh finely-built mare well around the chest but came up slightly shorter than expected. It stayed in place and didn’t pull back at the chest. The rug was easy to adjust and the buckles weren’t fiddly. I didn’t use the fillet string and the rug stayed in place well without it. Even in high winds at a show the rug didn’t billow up as the fleece is pretty heavy duty. The rug is described as breathable but I think it also has wicking properties and seemed to draw moisture to the surface well.

It is a good quality thick fleece material and is perfect for travelling in the winter and definitely smart enough to use as a show rug.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the rug having not owned any Derby House products before and the rug has not stretched with use which I’ve found can happen with poorer quality fleeces in the past. I would recommend this rug to someone looking for a good quality fleece on a limited budget.