6 ride-on fly rugs that will make hacking more pleasant for your horse

The best ride-on fly rugs are just what you need if your horse is sensitive to flies or prone to sweet itch. Combining a ride-on fly rug with one of the best fly sprays can help you and your horse enjoy hacking again.

These fly rugs are designed for use while riding, offering protection without overheating your horse. For maximum defence, we suggest pairing it with one of the best fly fringes or best fly masks.

Best ride-on fly rugs: H&H’s quick guide

Best premium pick ride-on fly rug: Bucas Buzz-Off Riding Fly Sheet

Best ride-on fly rug for UV protection: Masta Ride-On Fly Rug

Best ride-on fly rug for coverage: Busse Fringe Exercise Combo Ride-On Fly Rug

Best ride-on fly rug for largest horses: LeMieux Ride-On Fly Rug

Best ride-on fly rugs

Bucas Buzz-Off Riding Fly Sheet

Colours: Navy/silver or zebra print
Sizes: S–XL (5ft6in – 6ft9in)

Reasons to buy

• Two part rug with detachable neck
• Cut-away section by riders legs
• Heat reflective material to prevent your horse getting hot

Reasons to avoid

• Higher price point, but technical fabrics are worth it

This lightweight mesh, two-part riding rug has a detachable neck piece. The hood protects the neck, chest and shoulders, and features an elastic browband to help keep the rug in position up the neck. It attaches with touch-tape to the body at the withers and in front of the saddle.

The body part covers the back, sides and tail. There is a cut-away section for the saddle and a touch-tape fastening at the wither for easy removal.

Masta Ride-On Fly Rug

Colours: White/black
Sizes: S–XL (5ft3in – 7ft)

Reasons to buy

• Detachable neck
• UPF rating of 18 helps block 94% UV rays
• Anti-rub lining for comfort
• Great value

Reasons to avoid

• Does not offer as much coverage as others

This ride-on rug features a generous full neck with an elasticated bridle fastening for a secure fit, plus a wrap-around style with a saddle cut-out for easy use while riding. Anti-rub lining at the shoulder and along the neck helps prevent rubbing.

Busse Fringe Exercise Combo Ride-On Fly Rug

Colours: Navy, grey, teal
Sizes: 5ft3in – 7ft3in

Reasons to buy

• Tassels around the bottom for an extra level of protection
• Cut out space for saddle

Reasons to avoid

• More Velcro fastenings than others

This wrap-around ride-on fly rug is trimmed with a long fringe to add an extra level of insect defence. The neck is not detachable, but has Velcro closures and can be rolled back and fastened if not needed. It also has Velcro loops for attaching to the bridle.

The rug has a cut-out for the saddle and is cutaway at the sides to allow for clear leg aids. It fastens at the chest with lightweight plastic snap buckles.

LeMieux Ride-On Fly Rug

Colours: Grey
Sizes: S–XL (14hh – 18hh)

Reasons to buy

• Will fit the biggest horses
• Lined shoulder and mane for improved comfort
• Detachable neck

Reasons to avoid

• Higher price point than some others in this guide

This ride-on fly rug is a lightweight mesh fly exercise sheet adapted to wearing with tack. It features a saddle cutout and detachable neck, while a handy loop attaches the neck to the bridle to help prevent movement.

Horseware Amigo Flyrider

Colours: Yellow, chalk/navy
Sizes: S–XL (5ft6in – 7ft3in)

Reasons to buy

• Easy to use Velcro closures
• Detachable neck
• Provides UV protection

Reasons to avoid

• No sizes for smaller ponies

This hi-vis fly rug is contoured to fit around your saddle without interfering with your leg aid positioning. It covers your horse from top to tail in a UV protective breathable fabric, with easy-to-use Velcro closures for a secure fit.

It has a detachable hood with an integrated loop that attaches to the bridle. The rug also features a generous tail flap as well as reflective safety strips and trim throughout.

Cashel Crusader Quiet Ride Bug Armour

Colours: Black
Sizes: One size (15.2–16.2hh)

Reasons to buy

• Lightweight material
• Attached to the bridle and saddle for a secure fit

Reasons to avoid

• Limited to one size

This two-piece ride-on rug is made from a lightweight, soft mesh material to provide a cool, comfortable shield from flying insects. It attaches to the bridle and saddle for full coverage without affecting the horse or rider’s movements.

How to choose the best ride on fly rug

The best ride-on fly rugs will offer your horse additional protection, without getting in his way or making him hot. Riding is hard work as it is and the warmer weather doesn’t help matters.

As with the best fly rugs for turnout, there are a few different designs – some have detachable necks, while others have some level of belly protection. It’s important to weigh up what’s most important to you when it comes to protecting your horse from flies. Some are hi-vis, too, which makes them great for hacking in.

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