Is it worth getting a fly rug?

Question

ALL of the other horses at my yard wear fly rugs, i dont like them unless a horse is bothered or sesitive to flys.

everyone thinks im crazy leaving my horse without one.

she is a aged TB and had had 2 (small) bumps come up from flies the whole summer. i use fly spray every day.

surely its nicer for a horse to be left natural if flies arent a real problem, are fly fugs becoming quite a trend? do horses get HOT under a fly fug in the hot sun?

i do use a mask or fringe, but even these she doesnt like

Answer 1

Those things are a waste of money.  That's why horses have manes and tails.  Some people act like horses are so helpless and fragile.  I think they put the fly sheets on them because it makes them (the human) feel better.

Answer 2

They are very protective from midge bites.  I've used them for years without any mishap or them appearing to get too hot.  They are only mesh after all.  But if your horse seems happy without one and you have only had two bites - then its an expense you probably dont need!

I think its far more important to have a face mask on for them than a fly rug.  It is nicer to leave them natural but in this weather its best to give them a bit of protection and help dont you think?

Answer 3

No, if your horse doesnt seem bothered then dont waste your money on one. I just use fly repellant spray for my horse

Answer 4

I think that they are ok.  But i have heard that sometimes, the flys get caught under the fly sheet and can irritate the skin. Fly bites are common, you wont be able to completely stop it, and they dont get hot under a fly sheet. My horse doesnt wear a fly rug, nor does the other 16 horses at the yard i am at. They wear fly masks and stuff, but not rugs. Your not crazy!!

Answer 5

get your horse a whittaker full fly sheet... it has a full head mask and neck and joins onto the rug..it makes them look like a oversized fly but pretects them..... or use whitchazel on the lumps they go down straight away

Answer 6

No, I wouldn't say so. With the fly sheets, sometimes the flies get caught up in the sheet and just make it even more miserable for the horses. And yeah, horses can get hot if it's 90-100 degrees out and sunny. I like them though for other purposes because they help with the sun-bleaching problem if you show to make your horse really shine.

Answer 7

Personally I think it's all for decoration. Yes it's a trend and it's completely unneccesary. All I ever got for using them was horses with rubbed shoulders and a couple of ripped fly sheets. However if you ever trail or if you ride outside a lot the half fly sheets that just cover the horses rump really help expecially if you have an over sensitive horse.

Answer 8

From everything I have ever heard about them they are extremely good and also block a lot of UV and stop your horse from fading in the sunlight.

However if your horse is not bothered by the flies and the possibility of colour-fade doesn't concern you then I really wouldn't bother with one.

Answer 9

Oh yes fad.for the most part...most of the horse clothes are horse fads...the tack stores and manufacturers of all of these fantastic, colourful, and protective gear are geared for the younger generation and first time horse owners.  What ever did the horses do before tack stores???  If your horse is comfortable with out the fancy duds...then I say leave her alone.   I do use the fly sheets and fly maskes when I am camping with my horse...after all I am keeping my horse in one place regardless of where he would like to stand in order to get away form bugs, sun, rain, wind or cold...so I try to accomodate him the best I know how.  However when at home the horses are on their own to find relief from what ever and as far as I can see, they do a good job and know where to go to get the job done.

Answer 10

I don't use a fly sheet on my horse, but that said I am getting one.

Really if she has no problems with flies I see no reason.

For me I want to use one because my horse is black, and overheats in the sun (I am getting a light coloured fly sheet) and gets huge welts from flies.

But if you have no problems than go without it. There's no reason to put one on otherwise.

Answer 11

If your horse is comfortable without the rug, there's no reason to waste your money on one. None of my horses ever wore a rug. I think the rugs are becoming quite a trend. It seems like there's a rug for EVERYTHING now. I don't think the horses get hot though. It's just a mesh like the fly mask.

Answer 12

Personally, I don't really see fly rugs necessary unless your horse is bothered by flys/insects. And if your horse doesn't like masks even then theres even more reason not to have one. If she is kept at a place that is near the beach (sand flies) or anywhere that has alot of midges then you should consider it but otherwise, don't bother.