Summer Rugs
Summer rugs keep horses comfortable through the warmer months: fly rugs and fly combos block biting insects, summer sheets keep coats clean and dust-free, and lightweight turnouts handle changeable British weather without overheating. This collection has more than 500 options from Shires, Rhinegold, Gallop Equestrian, StormX, HKM and John Whitaker, with in-stock fly rugs starting at £16.35.
In a hurry? Quick picks
- Best value fly rug: HKM Fly Rug — £16.35
- Best-selling all-rounder: Gallop Equestrian Fly Mesh Combo Rug — from £25.20
- Zebra print: StormX Original Zebra Print Fly Rug — £34.93
- Sweet itch cover: Shires Tempest Plus Sweet-Itch Combo Rug — £62.09 (5ft 6 in stock)
- Flies plus showers: Shires Tempest Original Waterproof Fly Rug — £62.99
- Small ponies: Rhinegold Mini Fly Rug with Detachable Neck Cover — £27.78 (3ft 6 to 4ft 3)
Which summer rug does my horse need?
| Your situation | Best type | A good in-stock pick | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fly protection on a budget | Mesh fly rug | HKM Fly Rug | £16.35 |
| Head-to-tail fly cover | Combo fly rug with neck | Gallop Equestrian Fly Mesh Combo Rug | from £25.20 |
| Extra visual fly deterrent | Zebra-print fly rug | HKM Rideon Fly Rug Zebra | from £27.24 |
| Riding out in fly season | Ride-on fly rug | Gallop Equestrian Ride On Fly Mesh Rug & Neck Set | from £40.17 |
| Sweet itch (midge allergy) | Fine-mesh sweet itch combo | Shires Tempest Plus Sweet-Itch Combo Rug | £62.09 |
| Flies and summer showers | Waterproof fly rug | Shires Tempest Original Waterproof Fly Rug | £62.99 |
| Cool nights, no fill needed | Lightweight turnout | Shires Typhoon Lite Turnout Rug | £48.60 |
| Clean coat in the stable or lorry | Summer sheet | Rhinegold Summer Sheet | from £23.89 |
| Ponies and minis | Pony-size fly rug or combo | Gallop Equestrian Ponie Turnout Fly Rug Combo | from £35.82 |
Prices reflect in-stock sizes checked 19 July 2026 and may change.
What is a summer rug and when should my horse wear one?
A summer rug is any lightweight, unfilled rug designed for warm weather. The main jobs are keeping flies and midges off, protecting pink skin and dark coats from strong sun, keeping a groomed coat clean, and taking the edge off cooler nights. Most horses need one from late spring through early autumn, whenever insects are active or the weather swings between warm days and chilly evenings.
Fly rug, summer sheet or lightweight turnout — what is the difference?
Fly rugs and fly combos
Fine mesh that insects cannot bite through, in standard-neck or combo (neck-cover) styles. Combos such as the Gallop Equestrian Fly Mesh Combo Rug (from £25.20) or the Rhinegold Fly Rug With Neck Cover (from £35.23) protect the neck and mane as well as the body. Mesh is light and breathable, so most horses can wear one all day in the field.
Summer sheets
A light cotton-style sheet, like the Rhinegold Summer Sheet (from £23.89), keeps a clean coat clean in the stable, on the lorry or before a show, and adds a thin layer on cooler evenings. It is not a fly barrier in the way mesh is, but it does keep dust and light insect bother off.
Lightweight turnouts
A no-fill waterproof turnout, such as the Shires Typhoon Lite Turnout Rug (£48.60) or the combo version (£61.20), suits wet British summers: rain protection without warmth. The Saxon Defiant 600D Standard Neck Lite (from £53.99) is another sturdy no-fill option.
Which summer rug helps a horse with sweet itch?
Sweet itch is an allergic reaction to midge bites, so the goal is stopping midges reaching the skin. A fine-mesh combo that covers from ears to tail, such as the Shires Tempest Plus Sweet-Itch Combo Rug (£62.09), helps limit midge contact around the mane, back and tail — the areas most horses rub. A rug supports day-to-day management rather than treating the allergy itself, so if your horse reacts badly, involve your vet in the plan.
What about ponies and small horses?
Plenty of this collection comes in pony sizes. The Rhinegold Mini Fly Rug with Detachable Neck Cover (£27.78, 3ft 6 to 4ft 3) covers small ponies and minis, and the Gallop Equestrian Ponie Turnout Fly Rug Combo (from £35.82) adds waterproof fly cover for pony turnout. Pair either with a fly mask such as the KM Elite Space Fly Mask (£26.49) for full cover.
Summer rug FAQs
What is the difference between a fly rug and a summer sheet?
A fly rug is made of fine mesh that biting insects cannot get through, built for turnout in fly season. A summer sheet is a light woven sheet that keeps the coat clean and adds a thin layer of warmth, but it is not a dedicated insect barrier. If flies are the problem, choose mesh; if cleanliness or a light layer is the goal, choose a sheet.
Do zebra print fly rugs really work?
Research suggests stripes make it harder for flies to judge their landing, and many owners report fewer flies settling on striped rugs. Results vary from horse to horse, but a zebra rug like the StormX Original Zebra Print Fly Rug (£34.93) gives you the same physical mesh barrier as a plain rug, with the stripes as a possible bonus deterrent.
What size summer rug does my horse need?
Measure from the centre of the chest, along the side of the body, to the rear of the hindquarters. That measurement in feet and inches is the rug size — UK rugs run in 3-inch steps, roughly 3ft 6 for small ponies up to 7ft 3 for the biggest horses. If your horse is between sizes, size up for a fly rug so the mesh covers fully without pulling.
Can my horse wear a fly rug in the rain?
Standard mesh fly rugs are not waterproof, though they dry quickly and a summer shower rarely causes a problem. For horses out all day in changeable weather, a waterproof fly rug such as the Shires Tempest Original Waterproof Fly Rug (£62.99) combines a mesh body with a waterproof top panel, so one rug handles flies and showers.
Can a horse wear a fly rug 24/7?
Mesh fly rugs are light and breathable, so many horses live in them through fly season. Check daily: remove the rug regularly to look for rubs, heat or trapped debris, refit it so it sits square, and take it off in very hot, still conditions if your horse shows signs of overheating.
Will a fly rug cure sweet itch?
No rug cures sweet itch — it is an allergic reaction to midge saliva. A fine-mesh sweet itch combo helps by limiting how many midges reach the skin, which supports comfort through the season. Combine it with sensible turnout timing away from dawn and dusk midge peaks, and speak to your vet if your horse reacts severely.
Not sure which rug suits your horse? Get in touch and our team will help you choose the right type and size.
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Last reviewed 2026-07-19 by the Just Horse Riders team.