Why Fly Mesh Rugs Are Essential for Horses in Summer
Why Fly Mesh Rugs Are Essential for Horses in Summer
Updated September 2025
Australian summers are long, hot, and tough on horses. Intense sun, relentless insects, and sweltering humidity all combine to make the season stressful for both horses and their owners. While some riders avoid rugging in summer for fear of overheating, a well-designed fly mesh rug can actually make your horse cooler, calmer, and better protected. In this guide, we’ll explore why fly rugs are essential in hot weather, what makes Delzani’s mesh fabrics unique, and how to choose the right option for your horse.
The Summer Challenge: Heat, Sun and Insects
Flies and biting insects are more than an annoyance. They cause horses to stomp, swish, pace, and rub, leading to weight loss, anxiety, and skin trauma. Insects can also spread infections and worsen conditions such as Queensland Itch. At the same time, Australia’s harsh UV rays can bleach dark coats, burn pink skin, and make sensitive horses miserable. The right fly mesh rug provides a physical barrier against both problems, offering shade and protection without sacrificing airflow.
Airflow vs Protection: The Mesh Advantage
Traditional cotton rugs trap heat and sweat, leaving horses hotter and more uncomfortable. Mesh rugs, by contrast, are designed with airflow in mind. Their open-weave construction lets heat escape and allows sweat to evaporate naturally, helping regulate body temperature. But not all mesh is created equal. A weave that is too open won’t stop smaller insects, while one that is too tight can limit ventilation. The best rugs balance cooling airflow with effective insect defence, which is where Delzani’s mesh fabrics stand out.
Does Rug Weight Really Matter?
Many horse owners assume that a heavier rug is automatically hotter. In reality, the way a fabric is woven matters far more than its GSM (grams per square metre). A strong, flat-weave mesh can feel just as cool as a lighter cotton rug while lasting much longer. Rider feedback from hot and humid regions like South-East Queensland consistently shows that a well-designed mesh rug can outperform lighter fabrics, keeping horses both cooler and more comfortable while resisting daily wear and tear.
Delzani Fly Mesh Fabric Guide
At Delzani, we’ve developed three fly mesh fabric options to give riders the flexibility to match their horse’s needs, coat type, and climate. Each delivers excellent airflow, insect protection, and UV resistance, but with subtle differences in weight and weave:
Barcoo Mesh (280gsm, Flat Weave): Our premium all-season mesh. The flat weave construction makes Barcoo gentler on coats compared to raised meshes, reducing the risk of rubbing. Its tighter weave provides excellent insect defence and UV protection, with a stabilised UV rating of 87%. Strong, durable, and versatile, Barcoo is trusted by riders across Australia as their go-to mesh rug.
Warrego Mesh (200gsm, Raised Weave): Designed for maximum airflow, Warrego uses a raised, more open weave that allows extra ventilation. At 200gsm, it delivers strength comparable to Barcoo but with increased breathability. With a UV stabilised rating of 82%, Warrego is the perfect choice for hotter, insect-heavy climates, though horses with very fine coats may prefer the smoother Barcoo weave.
Barcoo Lite (130gsm, Flat Weave): Our newest release, the Barcoo Lite, offers all the benefits of the Barcoo’s coat-friendly flat weave in a lighter 130gsm fabric. This makes it ideal for extreme summer heat where maximum airflow is critical, while still delivering reliable insect and UV protection. Barcoo Lite is the ultimate choice for riders who need cooling without compromise.
UV Protection and Coat Health
Mesh rugs do more than stop flies; they protect your horse’s skin and coat. Strong UV resistance reduces the risk of sunburn on pink skin and prevents bleaching in darker coats. Horses that wear UV-rated rugs not only stay more comfortable, but also maintain a healthy, glossy appearance year-round. This is especially important for show horses, but it benefits paddock companions just as much by improving overall comfort and reducing stress.
Which Horses Benefit Most?
Fly mesh rugs are especially valuable for horses prone to insect sensitivity, such as those suffering from Queensland Itch. Horses with dark coats that absorb heat also stay cooler in breathable mesh than under cotton or ripstop rugs. Even easy-keepers benefit: without a rug, flies can drive horses to constant stomping and tail swishing, causing fatigue and weight loss over summer.
Pairing Mesh Rugs with Summer Essentials
A fly mesh rug is most effective when used alongside other summer protection. A fly mask shields the delicate face and eyes from both insects and sun, while insect sprays protect legs and exposed areas. Daily grooming with a quality brush keeps coats clean and comfortable under rugs, preventing irritation and rubbing.
Final Word
Fly mesh rugs aren’t just a luxury; they’re a necessity for Australian horses in summer. By combining airflow, UV protection, and insect defence, they keep horses cooler, healthier, and happier. With premium fabrics like Barcoo, high-airflow Warrego, and the new ultra-light Barcoo Lite, Delzani has a mesh rug for every horse and every climate. Explore our fly mesh rug collection today and discover the difference Delzani quality makes this summer.
Written by Jane Griffiths - An experienced Australian horse owner and product developer with over three decades immersed in equestrian life. Jane has spent years refining horse rugs, tack, and riding apparel to better suit Australian climates. She has enjoyed countless weekends at gymkhanas, show jumping events, and pony club competitions with her daughter, and still loves hitting the trails with friends whenever she can. Her lifelong passion for horses and hands-on understanding of equine comfort continue to shape her practical, rider-first approach to horse care and product design.
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