12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

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.

Best 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 design for deterring flies: Equilibrium Waterproof Fly Rug

Best for a rug-wrecker: WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Duo Shield Detach-A-Neck

Best for tiny ponies: Ruggles Combo Fly Rug With Waterproof Panel

Best fit for broad horses: Masta Turnoutmasta Hybrid Fly Rug

Best waterproof fly rugs

Swish Equestrian Waterproof Fly Combination Turnout Rug

Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 1200D
Colours: Orange, grey, pink, peppermint, green, navy or purple
Sizes: 4ft3in – 7ft6in
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%
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 also tested this rug and she said “The rug offers great protection against flies, midges and insects – and has an antibacterial polyester lining, too. 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.

Equilibrium Waterproof Fly Rug with Detachable Neck

Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 1680D
Colours: Hexagonal print
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
UV protection: 90% UVB

Reasons to buy

• 1680D waterproof upper section covering the neck, back, and quarters
• Print reduces fly landings by 51%
• Large detachable neck cover

Reasons to avoid

• No belly flap

The durable 1680D waterproof top protects the neck, back, and quarters, while the hexagon mesh lower section helps reduce fly landings while maintaining airflow. A detachable neck and removable fittings make it highly adaptable and easy to use.

Equilibrium ran their own in-house test and found that flies were 51% less likely to land on this monochrome hexagonal print compared to the other prints and colours tested.

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Duo Shield Detach-A-Neck Rug

Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 1680D
Colours: Blue/silver/navy
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft3in

Reasons to buy

• Memory foam wither pads
• Durable lining to reduce rubbing, enhance comfort and coat shine
• Large belly and tail flap for ultimate coverage

Reasons to avoid

• No sizes for smaller ponies

With a 1680D ripstop waterproof upper panel with a mesh lower panel to allow for airflow, this rug has twin adjustable clip front closures with touch tape for easy fastening. The full tail wrap provides extra protection and the rug also has a memory foam wither pad, and removable leg straps.

Ruggles Combo Fly Rug With Waterproof Panel

Style: Combo
Colours: Grey or navy/grey
Sizes: 2ft9in – 7ft6in

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.

Masta Turnoutmasta Hybrid Fly Rug with Detachable Neck

Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 1680D
Colours: Navy
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft6in

Reasons to buy

• Anti-rub lining on the shoulders and neck
• Extra-deep cut for cobs and heavier horses
• XL shoulder gusset for freedom of movement

Reasons to avoid

• Your horse is a finer type

This rug combines a tough 1680D waterproof upper section with breathable nylon fly mesh lower section. The Turnoutmasta range from Masta is specially tailored for heavyweight builds or those who demand ultimate coverage, the rug features a generous extra-deep cut to accommodate cob types and horses with broader shoulders or deeper chests.

The XL shoulder gusset allows for unrestricted movement, while the detachable neck cover gives full coverage or versatility to remove when required.

LeMieux Arika Camo Shower-Tek Waterproof Fly Rug

Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 600D
Colours: Jungle
Sizes: 4ft9in – 7ft3in
UV protection: 85%

Reasons to buy

• Water-reactive print so you know when it’s dried
• Extended shaped belly flap maximises coverage
• Self righting design

Reasons to avoid

• More expensive option

This rug has a durable 600D ripstop waterproof top section featuring a water-reactive camo print that reveals when it gets wet, and disappears when dry, so you’ll never put a damp rug away again.

It features 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.

Horseware Amigo AmEco Combi Waterproof Fly Rug

Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 1200D
Colours: Teal/grey
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
UV protection: 65%

Reasons to buy

• 1200D top section ideal for rug wreckers
• Large tail flap and belly coverage

Reasons to avoid

• Disc front closure can be 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.

Bucas Buzz-Off Rain Waterproof Fly Rug

Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 1200D
Colours: Silver or zebra
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft
UV protection: 80%

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.

Hy DefenceX Shield Quagga System Waterproof Fly Rug

Style: Fixed neck
Top section outer: 600D
Colours: Blue
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft3in

Reasons to buy

• Deep shoulder gusset for freedom of movement
• UV shielding patterned mesh for maximum breathability
• Belly flap to shield from biting insects

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 with zebralike stripes to confuse flies, deterring them from landing. It has twin buckle chest fastenings, adjustable surcingles, deep shoulder gussets and fixed neck cover with touch tape fastenings.

Shires Tempest Original Waterproof Fly Rug

Style: Combo neck
Top section outer: 600D
Colours: Grey
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft
UV protection: 90%

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.

Rhinegold Mombasa Waterproof Fly Rug

Style: Detachable neck
Top section outer: 600D
Colours: Grey or navy
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft3in

Reasons to buy

• Wide size range
• Detachable belly guard

Reasons to avoid

• You want 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.

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 provide 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.

Waterproof fly rugs usually have larger tail flaps, should have quality and adjustable fastenings, and some also have linings to prevent rubbing and 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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