Although their name might suggest that theyre just for protecting your horse from pesky flies, the best fly rugs and sheets will do so much more than that. Like any rug that your horse or pony wears, a decent fly rug needs to be durable, well-fitting and effective. It should ideally offer increased UV protection, plus it should reflect heat to keep your horse cool and comfortable.As with other types of horse rugs though, there are a countless amount of fly rugs available from a huge array of brands. You might have a horse thats known as the yard Rug Wrecker, or you may have a super sensitive pony who has to be covered up as soon as the sun starts shining. Whichever horse or pony you have, we take a look at the best fly rugs for 2025 to see you through the summer. Jump to:Five of our Favourite Fly Rugs for 2025Rambo Protector Plus Fly RugEquilibrium Field Relief Fly RugLeMieux Arika Armour-Tek Fly RugWeatherBeeta ComFiTec Sweet Itch Shield Fly RugBucas Freedom Fly RugBuyers Guide to Fly RugsTypes of fly rugs for horsesHow should a fly rug fit?What features to look for in a fly rugFive of our Favourite Fly Rugs for 2025Rambo Protector Plus Fly RugRedpost Rates:Self-repairing fabricHigh coverageDetachable neck coverFor horses who can be rough on their rugs in the field, the Rambo Protector Plus is certainly one to consider. Designed and developed by Horseware, it is engineered with a patented self-repairing fabric that is both durable and breathable.Not only does the Protector Plus fly rug withstand boisterous play in the field, but it also provides superb coverage from pesky bugs and UV rays (65% UV protection). Highlights include an extended hood shape, extra depth over the top of the legs, and an extra wide belly covering. Thats not forgetting the supersized tail flap, which continues the rugs protective theme. Rambo Protector Plus Fly Rug Equilibrium Field Relief Fly RugRedpost Rates:77% UVA and 90% UVB protectionFly-deterring pattern and coloursHigh stretch panel over the neckThis innovative design from Equilibrium Products is made with a host of well thought out details to ensure your horse is kept comfortable and fly-free. A close-knit mesh keeps bugs at bay and offers high UV protection while remaining open enough for airflow. The standout feature of this fly rug is its unique monochrome hexagon pattern, developed after testing found it had half the amount of fly landings when compared to other plain and coloured rugs. Equilibrium Field Relief Fly Rug LeMieux Arika Armour-Tek Fly RugRedpost Rates:Pressure relief systemMicro meshPatented 2-part skirtOffering an impressive 85% UV protection, the LeMieux Arika Armour-Tek fly rug is well thought out design that is hard to fault. Its innovative micro mesh provides a second skin fit and stops biting bugs from reaching your horses skin, while remaining breathable and lightweight.Around the bottom of this Arika rug is a patented 2-part skirt; this gives a break in tension around the hemline to allow for your horses natural movement. In addition to this, LeMieux have equipped this fly rug with their design-registered 45 angled T-bar front closure, found on their popular Arika turnout rug range. This front fastening distributes pressure to prevent rubbing on the point of the shoulder and across the chest. LeMieux Arika Armour-Tek Fly Rug WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Sweet Itch Shield Fly RugRedpost Rates:90%+ UV rating600 denier ripstop outerWither relief padFor sensitive horses who need head-to-hoof protection, the WeathetBeeta ComFiTec Sweet Itch Shield Fly Rug is the ultimate layer. This horse rug is made from a strong 600 denier ripstop material that provides protection from summer weather conditions including UV rays, sun bleaching, parasites and insects, reducing irritation and skin allergies such as sweet itch.Just because your horse has to be covered up doesnt mean comfort should be compromised, and WeatherBeeta have made this a priority in their design. A carefully placed relief pad helps to reduce pressure over the withers, and the lined shoulders prevent rubbing and friction. There are also traditional side gussets situated over the shoulders letting your horse move freely and easily. WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Sweet Itch Shield Fly Rug Bucas Freedom Fly RugRedpost Rates:Sun reflective outerFreedom Cut slim fitOverlap T-bar front closureA great value horse rug with a vast number of highly innovative and technically advanced features. Part of Bucas renowned Freedom Collection, this fly rug is made from a lightweight mesh with Anti UV and Anti-Insect technology. The breathable mesh is also sun reflective, to prevent the rug from absorbing heat and causing discomfort. The Freedom Fly Rug has Bucas unique T-bar closure to the front this is a single hook buckle that is concealed by an overlapping Velcro strap to keep it secure. Plus, it is also available in pony sizes. Bucas Freedom Fly Rug Buyers Guide to Fly RugsTypes of fly rugs for horsesThere is a type of fly rug for every horse or pony to wear to protect them from bugs and flies, and most are suitable to be worn in the stable as well as the field.Most horse owners opt towards a traditional mesh fly rug or sheet. These are made of a close-knit material that blocks insects from landing directly on and biting your horses skin, but still allows airflow. For sensitive horses and those prone to seasonal conditions, a sweet itch rug is likely to be more appropriate. Typically, a sweet itch fly rug is made from a breathable material that is extremely closely woven to stop even the smallest of insects getting through. They also offer more coverage, mostly with wide belly flaps, generous neck covers that sit up and over the ears, and extra large tail flaps.If showers are on the forecast but you are worried it is too warm for a lightweight waterproof turnout rug, you could consider a waterproof fly rug. These are very similar to a traditional fly rug, but are a hybrid design that feature a shower- or waterproof panel over the back. This keeps your horses core areas dry, while the mesh sides maximise ventilation.Rambo Hoody Sweet Itch RugEqui-Sential Waterproof Fly RugHow should a fly rug fit?A fly rug should, like any other horse rug, fit your horse or pony comfortably. It shouldnt be tight across the shoulders as this may cause rubbing, and there needs to be enough room around the chest and neck to allow your horse to move and graze freely. You also want to avoid a fly rug that is too big, as it may slip back and cause pressure points.Like all horse rugs, you should regularly remove and check your horses fly rug to ensure it is sitting correctly and isnt causing any discomfort.Some brands offer size-specific fly rugs to accommodate different breeds of horses and ponies. Styles such as the Bucas Buzz-Off Big Neck Fly Rug are popular for stallions and breeds of horses that tend to be wider across the shoulders like Friesians, Andalusian and Draughts, as it allows extra room in all the right places.Nowadays, there are also purposefully designed petite and pony fly rugs. These feature all the details you would expect from a standard size fly rug, but scaled down precisely for ponies.Amigo Petite Bug RugAmigo XL Bug RugWhat features to look for in a fly rugBeside fit, there are several key features to consider when choosing a fly rug for your horse:Neck Options: Many fly rugs have either detachable or integrated (combo/fixed) neck covers. These help to protect the mane and neck, an area often susceptible to smaller biting flies and insects.UV Protection: All fly rugs offer varying levels of UV protection. This higher the UV rating, the more protected the skin and coat is. Extra Coverage: A lot of modern fly rugs are designed with belly flaps instead of conventional surcingles, and most have over-sized tail flaps. These are often targeted areas for flies, so the more you can keep covered, the more comfortable your horse is likely to be.Colour & Patterns: Some brands have fly rugs in bold colours and patterns, such as zebra print. There has been various research conducted to support this, which suggest that flies are less likely to land on these colours and patterns. Some colours are also chosen as they reflect heat, keeping your horse cool throughout the day.Extended coverage over the earsWide tail flapChoosing the right fly rug can be challenging, but finding the right one can have a huge impact on your horses comfort and well-being. Whether youre dealing with bothersome bugs during the day or midges out in the morning, and with so many options available, its all about finding what suits your horse best.Need some further advice? Our knowledgeable team has years of hands-on experience working with horses of all types and are always here to help. If youre unsure which rug is right for your horse, get in touch with us today. Were happy to offer friendly, expert advice to help you find the perfect fit for your four-legged friend. Simply emailinfo@redpostequestrian.co.uk, call01803 812040, or pop into ourTotnes Store. Shop All Fly Rugs The post The Best Fly Rugs for Horses to Wear in 2025 first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The HorseDevelopmental orthopedic disease (DOD) is a common concern in young horses and refers to a group of conditions where the horses skeleton grows abnormally. Often, nutritional management plays a large role in young horses that develop this condition. In this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live, Charlie Barton, BVetMed, MS, Dipl. ACVS-LA, postdoctoral fellow at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, explains DOD and how owners can reduce their animals risk.This podcast is an excerpt of ourAsk TheHorse Live Q&A, Caring for Young Horse Joints. Listen to thefull recording here.About the Expert: Charlotte Barton, BVetMed, MS, Dipl. ACVS-LACharlotte Barton, BVetMed, MS, Dipl. ACVS-LA, earned her veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College in London and, after completing two internships in the U.S., undertook a surgery residency at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins. After residency Barton stayed on at CSU as a postdoctoral fellow and her research interests include cartilage repair techniques and gene therapy.

I saw a post and I just cannot get it out of my mind. Therefore, Im coming here to talk about it, because I think it raises a broader question.The post was someone asking if they should purchase a horse that had attacked a person and literally ripped someones finger off. While this was the first time the horse did that much damage, the horse is known to be dangerous on the ground. But this persons motivation to buy it was because it was great to ride. I dont want to give anymore details, but thats the gist of it.It sounded pretty horrifying to me. I dont care how great a horse is to ride, why on earth would you want that horse around? Why on earth would you seek to get a problem horse?Lets discuss.I Can Fix itSomeone sees a dangerous animal and thinks that animal would never hurt me.I want to use the word animal instead of horse, because I think it applies to way more than horses. People see a dangerous dog and think, that dog loves me, they would never hurt me. It applies to people who get big cats as pets, and think they have some kind of connection that will override the cats natural prey instinct. Doesnt matter if the animal is domestic or wild, people seem to think love overrides all natural instinct in an animal.For all I know, maybe there is some spiritual energy that imbeds itself in both and infuses their souls with a deep connection. I know people often do feel deep connections with animals. I know animals can either be trained really well, or they do just like certain people more. But the majority of the time I dont think this is because of some deep connection. I think people just want to believe that because it makes their relationship special.So in the specific case of a horse thats already been noted to be dangerous, and has actually hurt someone really really badly, chances are, they are going to do it again. This was not an accidental injury, it was on purpose. That horse wants to hurt people.It doesnt matter what caused it, the poor horse might have been abused, or had something done to it, or maybe its just twisted in its brain. I obviously have no idea what led the horse to this behavior, but this is a horse that can never be trusted.That horse is going to be a liability forever. This information would have to be disclosed to all boarding barns, and no barn is going to want that kind of horse around. I dont think Id want to be at a barn that had a horse that was attacking people. Where on earth would someone keep this kind of horse?Not to mention the lawsuits this person is going to end up getting sued. They would probably need a big insurance plan to cover any potential injuries, or insurance might decline to cover this kind of horse.Can a horse like this be rehabbed? Maybe but it could be really dangerous. And the horse still couldnt be trusted.Theres So Many Nice Horses Already Out ThereMaybe an experienced trainer could fix this horse, I truly dont know. But with so many horses out there that wont try to attack you at any given opportunity, why would you give a home to one that would?I get the appeal of saving a horse, but theres other ways. Theres horses being loaded up on the slaughter trucks every day that would never try to hurt someone. Theres horses sitting at rescues, waiting for their perfect person to come along. Theres lonely horses whos owners got too busy, but would probably love it if someone took it off their hands.Theres so many nice ones out there, why on earth would anyone bother with one that would hurt someone?The Only Reason to Put Up With a Dangerous HorseSo there are people who will put up with a very dangerous horse, and thats because the horse is incredibly talented and will win at shows. But this people are always professionals, with professional staffs who understand how to deal with it. Theres no way the average hobby rider should put up with a dangerous horse, theres zero payoff. You just have a really dangerous horse that will probably end up scaring you and making you not want to ride.Notoriously Dangerous Horses That WonCurious what level of talent has to be present to put up with a dangerous horse?How aboutMan OWarHe fought like a tiger, Riddle once said in describing his stables early experiences with Man o War. He screamed with rage and fought us so hard that it took several days before he could be handled with safety.Well known racing legend Man oWar was also a bit of a jerk. He displayed a rebellious and aggressive nature, being difficult to handle on the ground and frequently dumping his exercise riders.Go Man Gojes plain mean as a bear most of the time Eldridge Strausswas ornery from the day I met him, but he was the greatest horse I ever rode Robert Strauss, jockey.Called the Man oWar of Quarter horses, he was incredibly talented, as well as difficult and dangerous to handle.So in the cases of big money winners, it probably is worth it to keep a dangerous horse, handled only by professionals, in a mostly controlled environment. The horse is literally being used for one purpose, and spends the rest of its time being left alone.Is It Really Worth it?Despite all the horse movies that showcase a difficult horse being tamed by a plucky girl, life doesnt work that way. (and I know some people feel they solved a horses problem and made them great, but I would argue that the horse was not dangerous, but instead was simply uneducated, or scared, or shy, and went through training to behave. A very normal process for all horses.)For a true dangerous horse why. Why would you risk being injured. Why would you take on someone elses problem. Why would you potentially ruin your own future because of a horse that probably hates you. Theres so many horses that would love to be doted on, snuggled and spend time with you. Why on earth would you let one of the good ones go without a home to take a chance on a jerk?I have no idea what if the finger eater is going to get a new home, but I hope it is just humanly euthanized. I know it makes people cringe and recoil to think of putting down an otherwise healthy horse, but I dont see a way forward where that horse isnt going to be a threat to people. It would have to be kept in a very controlled environment, with people who understand it, for the rest of its life. Possible? Sure. But how long are people going to be interested in that? People forget, people move on with their lives, or they will go to extreme measures to keep the horse controlled. So it will either end up with a lonely, awful life, or itll hurt someone again.Of course I could be wrong on that, but again, I dont see why someone would take the risk when theres loveable, kind ones out there. Dont make some elses problem your problem.The post Should I buy a Horse That Hurt Someone? appeared first on An Equestrian Life.

One horse at a boarding facility in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, recently tested positive for pigeon fever.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Pigeon FeverPigeon fever is a bacterial infection that affects cattle and horses. It can cause large abscesses, most commonly on the chest and under the belly. Horses become infected when bacteria enters through broken skin, such as small scrapes or wounds. Peak season for infection is late summer through fall.Good horse health safety practices are key to limiting the spread of pigeon fever. These practices include:Fly control;Not sharing water buckets or equipment; andAvoiding tying horses in high-traffic areas.If a horse owner suspects that their animal is affected, they should contact their veterinarian.

Horse Sport Ireland are now accepting applications from veterinary clinics to become a designated clinic for the Horse Sport Ireland Stallion Selection veterinary examination, via an online application form. The closing date for applications is Thursday, July 10th 2025. A designated veterinary clinic allows stallions who wish to present for Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) Studbook inspection to undergo the entire HSI veterinary examination prior to the inspection date. From 2026 onwards, all stallions coming forward to HSI Studbook Inspections must undergo their veterinary examination in a designated clinic. Applicants will no longer have the option to have their stallion re-vetted in Cavan prior to their inspection. The HSI Stallion Inspection veterinary process which will be carried out in its entirety prior to the day of the stallion inspection includes: Identification of stallions X-Rays Endoscope Five stage veterinary examination Blood samples Movement examination EVA, EIA, CEM and Fragile Foal Syndrome (FFS) []

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