Rugs for summer & insects

It’s the time of year to start thinking about the summer rug situation. Welcome to my Ted talk .

If your horse is happy in a nice Australian made summer rug then I am eternally jealous.

But if you have to delve into the world of mesh rugs then let me tell you all the ways they are not created equally.

Firstly, the Queenslander’s got something right with their heavy mesh rugs in all manner of ridiculous checks. The long hem on them that resembles a nightie. The mesh is surprisingly tough, they do hold a repair, and usually, all the spots buckles/hardware are attached to the rug are reinforced so they break less to start with. The good ones are reinforced all the way under the neck where they tend to catch on things as well. Ten points to gryffindor for all those features. If you’re buying new from the makers you can also ask for scraps of matching fabric to repair them in.

But if you have a little (big) sook, like I do, then perhaps despite the Queenslanders best efforts they’re still crying in the corner of the paddock bc of the big bad insects. Thats where your Rambo things come in. I am surprised to say I have been impressed with the vamoose/fly buster types. I thought it would be a bit of a joke tbh. But whatever end of the earth chemicals it is they put on them, it does actually work. At least it does for my horse with whatever brand of insects it is that torment him. I did put leg straps on mine, as I have with all my Rambo rugs, and do as well for many TFQ customers.

In contrast I can’t say many (any) positive things about the soft mesh imports (and let’s put flag rugs and the cheap mesh hybrids in this same rubbish bin as well) that are a dime a dozen. When they rip they usually warp out of shape so repairs look sh1t. The mesh is too soft to hold hardware for long. The mesh is too soft and catches on eeeeeeverything. They don’t really fit and the hardware on them usually fails as well. And because of the comparatively low replacement cost repairs just aren’t worth it. Or the fabric is too flimsy to hold a decent repair.

My aus made mesh rugs are by ‘Ruggit Rugs’ and they’re genuinely great, I’m sure there are other good mesh rug makers out there but I haven’t personally used them. I got mine second hand bc tight ar$e, and I wanted to peruse them in person first. I’ve got a 6’3 and a 6’6 if anyone wants to come and see them in person.

And don’t forget with Rambo rugs to go up a size. But then mine was way too big around the neckline so I did dart it.

Thanks for coming to my Ted talk.