Fly Rugs & Sweet Itch Rugs

Fly rugs and sweet itch rugs both help protect horses from insects, offering different levels of coverage depending on your horse’s needs and sensitivity. To find out more about the benefits of fly rugs and sweet itch rugs, and the differences between them — read more below.

Why Use a Fly Rug

During the summer months, horses can become increasingly irritated by flies, midges and other biting insects. Fly rugs are a practical solution, helping to prevent flies from biting or irritating the horse’s skin. In addition to insect protection, fly rugs and sweet itch rugs offer a degree of UV protection — shielding the coat from bleaching and helping to prevent sunburn, especially on sensitive or pink-skinned horses. Whether your horse is turned out or stabled, fly rugs and sweet itch rugs provide valuable protection from biting insects during the summer months.

Fly Rugs & Sweet Itch Rugs – Understanding the Difference

Fly Rugs

Fly Rugs are lightweight mesh rugs that offer general protection from flies and other nuisance insects. They typically feature an open chest and neck cover with fastenings, and may or may not include a belly flap. Ideal for horses without specific sensitivities, fly rugs help reduce irritation and offer UV protection while keeping the horse cool.

Sweet Itch Rugs

Sweet itch rugs are specifically designed to protect horses that suffer from sweet itch — an allergic reaction to bites from Culicoides midges. These rugs are made from ultra-fine mesh with elasticated edges and a closed neck and chest to prevent midges from crawling through gaps, offering fuller coverage. Due to the closed design, sweet itch rugs fit over the horse’s head and include a snug-fitting belly band and large tail flap for full-body protection.</p?

While primarily designed for horses with sweet itch, these rugs also offer enhanced protection from flies and other biting insects for all horses, making them a great alternative to standard fly rugs offering fuller coverage.

Zebra Print Fly Rugs & Sweet Itch Rugs – The Science Behind the Stripes

Studies have shown that flies are less likely to land on striped surfaces, such as zebra patterns. This discovery has led to the growing popularity of zebra print fly rugs and sweet itch rugs. Not only do they offer a bold and stylish look, but they may also enhance fly deterrence through visual confusion.

Fly Rugs & Sweet Itch Rugs to Suit Your Horse

Our collection includes a wide variety of fly rugs and sweet itch rugs in different colours, and styles. You’ll find options with fixed or detachable neck covers, belly flaps for extra protection, and fly rugs with waterproof toplines — perfect for the UK’s unpredictable weather. Whether you’re looking for a standard fly rug or a sweet itch with better coverage, our collection includes options to suit every horse.