Shires Tempest Original Combo Fly Rug Review
Price: £52.00
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars
We're also excited to introduce Tay, the face behind thewalkingequestrian as our product tester! If you've come across her content, you'll know exactly why we wanted to work with her. Tay has built a loyal following by sharing the realities of horse ownership with refreshing honesty, plenty of humour and a down-to-earth approach that so many riders can relate to. Whether she's celebrating the wins or laughing through the inevitable challenges, she always keeps it real and that's exactly what we love about her.
Over the coming weeks, Tay will be putting some of our products to the test and sharing her genuine thoughts (we wouldn't want it any other way!). So keep an eye on her content to see how she gets on. And if you're tempted to try them for yourself, we've got a little treat for you – use TAY10 at checkout to enjoy 10% off your order*. Happy shopping!
Meet Tay & Boris
My name's Tay and I own Boris, my 15.1hh Welsh x Thoroughbred. Boris has quite sensitive skin and regularly comes up in bumps and mild reactions from bug bites during the summer months, so finding a durable, good-quality fly rug is really important for us so we put the Shires Tempest Combo Fly Rug to the test!
What were your first impressions of the Shires Tempest Original Fly Rug?
When I first took the rug out, the first thing I noticed was just how white it was. Putting a bright white rug onto a muddy pony wasn't easy!
Straight away though, it felt like a really good-quality rug and looked durable enough to cope with everyday turnout.
What size did you buy and was it true to size?
I bought the rug in a 6ft and found it true to size. It fitted Boris really well overall and gave him plenty of coverage while still allowing him to move comfortably in the field.
How has the rug performed during daily use?
The rug has been brilliant. Boris is very sensitive to flies and insects, so I needed something that would offer reliable protection throughout the day. Since using this rug, I've been really pleased with how well it performs and how comfortable Boris seems wearing it.
What are your favourite features?
Honestly, I love everything about this rug.
If I had to pick standout features, the belly guard is definitely one of them. For horses that react to flies, protecting their underside is so important.
I also really like the adjustable tail cord and the chest clips. They help keep the rug secure during turnout and make it easy to put on and take off.
Were there any negatives?
The only small thing I noticed was that the neck can sometimes ride back slightly. That said, it hasn't caused any rubbing or discomfort for Boris, so it hasn't been an issue for us.
Do you think the rug offers good value for money?
Yes, absolutely. At around £54, I think the price is very fair for the quality and performance. It's durable, comfortable and does exactly what I need it to do.
Would you recommend the Shires Tempest Original Fly Rug?
Definitely. I'd particularly recommend it for horses with sensitive skin or those that are reactive to bugs and fly bites - especially with the large tail flap providing extra coverage. If your horse struggles during fly season, it's well worth considering.
Will you continue using it?
Yes, absolutely. We'll definitely continue using this rug throughout the fly season.
Final Verdict
The Shires Tempest Original Fly Rug has been a fantastic addition to Boris's summer wardrobe. Aside from the neck occasionally moving back slightly, I really can't fault it. It's comfortable, durable and offers excellent protection for sensitive horses during fly season.
FAQ SECTION
Is the Shires Tempest Original Fly Rug suitable for horses with sensitive skin?
Yes. In this trial, the rug was used on a horse prone to bumps and mild reactions from insect bites and performed very well. The extensive coverage and comfortable fit helped reduce irritation during turnout.
Does the Shires Tempest Original Fly Rug fit true to size?
Our reviewer purchased a 6ft rug and found it fitted true to size. As with any rug, it's worth measuring your horse carefully before purchasing.
Does the neck cover stay in place?
The neck section may move back slightly during wear, particularly on active horses. However, our reviewer found this did not cause rubbing or discomfort.
Is a belly flap important on a fly rug?
For many horses, yes. Flies and midges often target the underside, so additional belly protection can be particularly beneficial for sensitive or sweet itch-prone horses.
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