Shires Highlander Horse Rugs
The Shires Highlander range covers your horse for every season: lightweight turnouts for mild days, midweight and heavyweight rugs for winter, plus fly and sweet-itch rugs for summer. Turnout rugs start from £69.30 in stock, fly and sweet-itch combos from £67.50, and matching neck covers from £23.40.
In a hurry?
- Mild days / stable: Highlander Original 50 Turnout Rug — lightweight 50g fill, from £70.20.
- Deep winter: Shires Highlander Original 300 Turnout Rug — heavyweight 300g, from £77.40.
- Fly and midge season: Shires Highlander Plus Sweet-itch Combo Rug — full-body cover, from £75.60.
- Rain plus flies: Highlander Plus Waterproof Fly Rug — from £79.20.
Which Highlander rug should I choose?
Highlander comes in two families — Original (the everyday range) and Plus (upgraded fabric and fit). Within each, the number is the fill weight in grams: the higher the number, the warmer the rug. Use the guide below to match the rug to your weather and your horse.
| Rug | Fill / type | Best for | From (in stock) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Original 50 Turnout Rug | Lightweight 50g | Mild, wet days; clipped horses in early autumn | £70.20 |
| Shires Highlander Original Lite Turnout Combo | No-fill lite, combo neck | Rain protection without added warmth | £83.70 |
| Highlander Plus 200 Turnout Rug | Midweight 200g | Cold, changeable winter weather | £90.00 |
| Shires Highlander Original 300 Turnout Rug | Heavyweight 300g | Deep winter and hard frosts | £77.40 |
| Shires Highlander Plus Sweet-itch Combo Rug | Full-body fly cover | Midge and fly season; itchy horses | £75.60 |
What weight rug does my horse need?
As a rough guide: a lightweight (turnout lite to 50g) suits mild, wet weather; a midweight (150–250g) suits typical UK winter days; and a heavyweight (300g and above) is for the coldest spells, older horses, or those who are clipped. A horse's coat, age, workload and whether they are stabled or out all affect the right choice — if you are unsure, get in touch and our team will help.
Do I need a combo rug or a separate neck cover?
A combo rug has the neck cover built in, giving seamless coverage in one piece. A standard turnout rug can be paired with a matching neck cover — such as the Highlander Original 50 Neck Cover from £25.20 — so you can add neck protection only when the weather turns. Combos are simplest; separates give you more flexibility.
Fly and sweet-itch rugs
For summer, the Highlander Plus range includes fly sheets, sun-shade combos and sweet-itch rugs. These act as a physical barrier that helps reduce your horse's exposure to biting midges and flies. They can support a horse prone to sweet itch, but they are not a treatment — if your horse is affected, your vet can advise on a full management plan.
Shires Highlander rugs: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Highlander Original and Highlander Plus?
Original is the everyday Highlander range, while Plus is the upgraded line with improved outer fabric and fit. Both are offered in the same fill weights, so you can pick the warmth you need in either family.
What do the numbers like 50, 100, 200 and 300 mean?
The number is the fill weight in grams. A higher number means a warmer rug: 50g is lightweight for mild days, 200g is midweight for typical winter, and 300g is heavyweight for the coldest weather.
Are Highlander turnout rugs waterproof?
Yes — the Highlander turnout rugs are designed with a waterproof, breathable outer so your horse stays dry in the field. Fly and sweet-itch rugs are made for summer use; the Highlander Plus Waterproof Fly Rug combines rain and fly protection in one.
Do these rugs come with a neck cover?
Combo rugs have the neck cover attached. Standard turnout rugs do not, but matching Highlander neck covers are sold separately from £23.40, so you can add coverage when you need it.
How do I measure my horse for a rug?
Measure from the centre of the chest, along the side of the body, to the point of the buttock. That length in feet and inches is your rug size. If your horse falls between sizes or you are unsure, get in touch and our team will help.
Can a Highlander rug help a horse with sweet itch?
The Highlander Plus sweet-itch and fly rugs act as a physical barrier that helps reduce contact with biting midges and flies. They can support a horse prone to sweet itch but are not a treatment — speak to your vet for a full management plan.
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Last reviewed 2026-07-13 by the Just Horse Riders team.