Field Relief Fly Rug
£95.00
Made with your horse’s comfort in mind, the Field Relief Fly Rug will keep them protected from the flies while remaining cool and able to move freely in the field. With a unique hexagonal pattern tested to reduce fly landings by 51% on average when compared to other fly rugs*.
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Featuring:
- Anti-rub lining.
- Wither pressure relief panel.
- Shoulder relief shaping
- 90% UVB protection.
- Elasticated surcingles with belly flap.
- Extra-large tail flap.
- Contoured back shaping.
The inspiration behind the Field Relief Horse Fly Rug
We had a few requirements we wanted to address with the Field Relief Fly Rug. First and foremost was comfort. As a rug your horse wears for long periods of time and moves around in all day (and potentially all night), we wanted a rug that would fit from ears to tail for full protection, allow your horse to move and keep them cool. Features like our unique shoulder shaping, as well as our wither relief panel and anti-rub lining, offers space and allows your horse to move with ease.
Secondly, we tested several colours and patterns to see which one flies liked landing on the least! The monochrome hexagonal print had less than half the amount of fly landings when compared to other plain and coloured rugs*, and therefore influenced our design.
What is it made of?
The rug is made up of different panels to allow relief and ease of movement through the high movement areas, as well as those at risk of rubbing.
A quick dry, high stretch panel lines the top of the neck allows a snug fit for protection against flies while preventing against rubbing. The use of a separate panel also eliminates the need for a silky satin lining inside the fly rug mesh, offering a more breathable option with less material.
This neck panel then feeds down to the wither relief panel which is designed so there are no seems on the sensitive and prominent wither area.
Going down from this is our unique shoulder relief shaping, made with extra material to allow your horses shoulder to move without restriction.
The mesh of the rug is designed to be closed enough to restrict biting insects, but open enough to keep the horse cool when the temperatures are warmer. Finally, the material protects against the sun’s harmful rays, offering 77% UVA and 90% UVB protection.
Who is this UV protective fly rug for?
- Horses with a UV sensitivity.
- Horses sensitive to fly irritation​.
- Horses who bleach in the sun.
- Horses prone to sweet itch​.
- Horses who get warm easily.
- Sensitive horses prone to rubbing.
Size Guide
| Point | Taken from | 5'6 | 5'9 | 6'0 | 6'3 | 6'6 | 6'9 | 7'0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Back measurement | 125cm/49" | 130cm/51" | 135cm/53" | 145cm/57" | 150cm/59" | 155cm/61" | 160cm/63" |
| B | Bottom measurement | 173cm/68" | 179cm/70" | 184cm/72" | 191cm/75" | 199cm/78" | 206cm/81" | 215cm/84" |
| Point | A |
| Taken from | Back measurement |
| 5'6 | 125cm/49" |
| 5'9 | 130cm/51" |
| 6'0 | 135cm/53" |
| 6'3 | 145cm/57" |
| 6'6 | 150cm/59" |
| 6'9 | 155cm/61" |
| 7'0 | 160cm/63" |
| Point | B |
| Taken from | Bottom measurement |
| 5'6 | 173cm/68" |
| 5'9 | 179cm/70" |
| 6'0 | 184cm/72" |
| 6'3 | 191cm/75" |
| 6'6 | 199cm/78" |
| 6'9 | 206cm/81" |
| 7'0 | 215cm/84" |
Print Testing to Deter Flies from Landing
Many researchers around the world have been curious as to why flies don’t cause zebras as much distress as other animals. There are several theories for this including light polarization, pattern contrast, pattern size and aliasing (misidentified visual signals that effects landing).
Research into these theories carried out by professors from the University of Bristol in 2020 showed that certain patterns, such as black and white checked rugs had less horse fly landings compared to a plain grey rug. This research was expanded on, again by the University of Bristol, and in 2023 an article was published, that supported the hypothesis that checkboard black and white patterns had significantly fewer landings than uniform grey material.
We wanted to develop a fly rug with this research in mind
We designed a selection of patterns that took inspiration from the research, but also remained aesthetically pleasing.
We have carried out our own testing on a selection of print designs, including plain colours, contrasting black and white, colourful prints and a monochrome hexagonal print. The goal for conducting our fly attraction test was to determine which of the fabric prints or colour choices had the least amount of fly landings. The results of this test would inform design decisions for our fly rug.
Our test method was based on a combination of the methods used by the professors from the University of Bristol and other previous studies that investigated fly landings in cattle.
The Test in Depth
Six fabric choices of identical size and shape were placed in a field (adjacent to horses) where a significant number of horse flies had been reported. The fabric choices were secured onto a plastic box lid and covered in a clear plastic film. The top of the clear plastic was coated with a horse fly attracting trapping glue. ‘Landing zones’ for each print were all of equal size, and care was taken to apply the same amount of fly glue to each fabric choice. The baited ‘landing zones’ were left in place for 6 hours before recording how many flies had landed and therefore become stuck and the results compared.
The test was repeated on 3 separate occasions so an average could be taken. It was ensured the days had a similar weather conditions; sunny, no precipitation and minimal wind.
The Results of the Fly Rug Attraction Test
The results showed that our monochrome hexagonal design had significantly fewer landings than plain colours – The randomised Black & White print didn’t perform as well as expected, we would speculate this was due to there still being larger patches of black within this particular design.
Our chosen monochrome hexagonal print had less than half the amount of fly landings when compared to other tested prints and colours.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fly rug is not showerproof. However, due to the lightness and high breathability of the fabrics the rug dries very quickly.
The fly rug has not been specifically tested for aiding sweet itch sufferers, but due to the close weave of the materials a significant level of protection is offered from insect bites.
Denier is a unit of measurement used to determine the fibre thickness of individual threads or filaments used in the creation of textiles and fabrics. Fabrics with a high denier count tend to be thick and sturdy. Fabrics with a low denier count tend to be sheer, soft, and silky. The weight of our fly rug mesh is 160gsm to make sure the rug is durable, yet lightweight and breathable.
Our monochrome hexagonal print had on average 51% less landings than plain and coloured designs during our in-house fly attraction testing.
Due to the smooth surface of the stretch panel, there should be very little chance of the mane being rubbed.
Delivery, returns, exchanges and guarantee
Delivery charges are calculated based on the location of delivery, weight, and value of the order. Standard charges are:
For parcels up to 20kg: UK Delivery
- Standard Delivery – 2 Working Days – £4.99 – for orders under £40 and placed before 2pm. (UK Mainland only. Excludes Highlands, Northern Ireland, and Islands)
- FREE Delivery – 2 Working Days – for orders over £40 and placed before 2pm. (UK Mainland only. Excludes Highlands, Northern Ireland, and Islands)
- Scottish Highland & Islands Standard 4-6 Working Day Delivery – £7.99 (up to 15kg)
- Next Day Delivery – £6.99 – for orders under £100 and placed before 2pm. (UK Mainland only. Excludes Highlands, Northern Ireland, and Islands)
- FREE Next Day Delivery – for orders over £100 and placed before 2pm. (UK Mainland only. Excludes Highlands, Northern Ireland, and Islands)
We hope that you are happy with your products, but if you aren’t, we do understand that sometimes when buying online that items may not be as expected, you may need a different size or you might have just changed your mind!
Our policy lasts 30 days. If you are unhappy with your purchase, you may return or change your product without reason within 30 days of the delivery of the goods. This policy does not affect your statutory rights.
In order to receive a refund/exchange:
• your item must be clean, unused and in the same condition that you received it.
• your item must be in its original packaging.
• your item must be returned to us within 30 days from receipt of your order*.
• you must fill out the online returns form before returning your item, and include your name, order number and address inside your return package.
All Equilibrium Products are covered under a one year guarantee, except for Equilibrium Massage products which are guaranteed for 2 years. The guarantee is valid with proof of purchase, either email, card receipt or shop receipt, from the date of purchase, providing the product is used and cared for in accordance with instructions. The guarantee is not transferable to another person.
If you find the product faulty during the guarantee period, and you have bought direct from Equilibrium Products please contact us, we will be more than happy to arrange a refund or replacement. If you have bought your product elsewhere please contact the company you purchased it from.
The following are specifically excluded from the terms and condition of the guarantee:
- Damage caused by misuse, accident, negligence or improper handling of the product or not used in accordance with instructions
- Normal wear and tear.
- Any modification made by the purchaser to the product or any repairs other than by an authorised agent.
- Damage resulting from incorrect maintenance according to the instructions of use (e.g. stored in damp/wet conditions, washed on too hot a wash).
- The guarantee is only valid if the correct Equilibrium Multi Plug Charger and correct Equilibrium Battery are used, the mains charger attachment appropriate to the country of use must be used. The guarantee is invalid if used with an adapter.
- Damage caused due to the use of the product on voltage other than that stamped on the product.
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