HOT HORSE. COOL CHOICE: Lisa’s love of rain sheets and Sally & Mule’s bug rug
Two summer rug picks from two very different parts of Marlborough
El Niño has entered the chat - and if the spring outlook is anything to go by, this summer’s rug drawer may need to work a little harder.
Some parts of New Zealand are heading into warmer, drier weather, while the wider outlook also points to wind, temperature swings and good old-fashioned changeability. In other words: a scorcher one day, a sideways summer shower the next.
Which sounds more like your summer: "Oka-rain-io’s" sideways showers, or Wairau Valley bugs Mule would rather not meet?
So, what should your horse wear?
Between the two of us, we have seen enough New Zealand weather - and enough questionable rug decisions - to know there is no single “summer rug” for every horse and every day. The useful question is: what job do you need the rug to do today?
So we have each picked our likely go-to for the summer ahead. Lisa’s pick is the rug that started it all for her: the Amigo rain sheet. She loves it so much she already has at least three in three different colourways. And in Okaramio, aka Oka-rain-io - that makes perfect sense.
The best bit for Lisa? The detachable neck rug and liner loops. Keep it as a lightweight rain sheet, or add a compatible liner to make it work harder when spring or autumn turns chilly. It is a really handy layering option when the weather cannot make up its mind.
Sally and Mule are preparing for their first summer as a “farm hack” in the Wairau Valley. The dry heat will be a change, but the flies and other creepy-crawlies are the bigger concern. Mule hates flies, bugs, bees — anything that buzzes, crawls or has too many legs, really. He needs a cover every day, and the Airflow is looking like his go-to. Bonus: it should help keep his random golden-brown dapples golden-brown, with no faded summer coat.
Sally & Mule’s pick: Amigo Airflow for the bugs
When the sun is out, the insects are thriving and your horse needs coverage without being wrapped up like a packed lunch, the Amigo Airflow is Sally and Mule’s pick.
Its lightweight polycotton upper helps provide coverage, while open-weave polyester mesh side panels allow air to move around the horse. It also includes:
- a detachable neck cover
- silky lining at the mane, shoulders and tail
- front leg arches for freedom of movement
- a supersized tail flap
- cross surcingles and a fillet strap
- a classic double-front closure with a neater, narrower fit than the Rambo Airflow
This is the one Sally is eyeing up as Mule’s everyday summer cover: light coverage, fly and insect protection, with airflow front of mind for his first Wairau Valley summer. Mule’s review of the flies is already in: absolutely not.
It should also help protect his unusual golden-brown dapples from fading in the summer sun. The coat stays golden; Mule stays blissfully less bothered by the creepy-crawlies.
One honest word before you add to cart: this lightweight fabric is not the best choice for a committed scratcher or a paddock full of enthusiastic rug wrestlers. It is made for airflow, not equine demolition derbies.
Pre-order: $310. Pre-order now to guarantee your rug from the incoming shipment. Sizes listed from 4'6 to 5'9. Afterpay is available.
Lisa’s pick: Amigo Ripstop 900D Plus Turnout 0g for Oka-rain-io
The Amigo rain sheet was the rug that started it all for Lisa. She is such a fan she already has at least three in three different colourways — and when you are based in Okaramio, affectionately known around here as Oka-rain-io, that makes perfect sense. Her pick is the Amigo Ripstop 900D Plus Turnout 0g.
The strong 900D ripstop polyester outer is waterproof and breathable, with zero fill for protection without added insulation. It includes:
- a detachable neckrug (also refered to ad a hood, why we do not know!)
- a straight front closure
- front leg arches for freedom of movement
- Horseware liner loops for added versatility when conditions change
Lisa’s favourite features are the detachable neck rug and liner loops. Wear it as a lightweight rain sheet, or add a compatible liner to turn it into a heavier rug when spring or autumn brings a chill. That layering versatility is why it earns a spot well beyond summer — especially when the forecast contains four seasons and a shrug.
A quick reminder: 0g means zero fill; it does not mean every horse will feel cool in it on a hot day. A waterproof turnout and an open-mesh summer rug do different jobs. Check the conditions and your horse, then rug accordingly.
Pre-order: $248. Pre-order now to guarantee your rug from the incoming shipment. Sizes listed from 4'9 to 5'9. Afterpay is available and bulky freight applies.
The no-faff summer rug test
Before you rug, ask:
- Is today’s main problem heat, insects or rain?
- Is the horse clipped, elderly, sensitive or naturally warm?
- Is there shade or shelter available?
- Is the rug still fitting correctly and sitting without rub points?
- Have conditions changed since this morning?
Then put a hand under the rug and check the horse. A weather app is useful; the horse gets the deciding vote.
Two locations. Two horses’ needs. Two very Lisa-and-Sally picks.
Choose the Airflow when light everyday coverage, airflow and insect protection are the priority - Sally’s likely Mule essential. Choose the 900D zero-fill turnout when waterproof protection and layering versatility are the job - Lisa’s Oka-rain-io favourite.
No doomsday prepping required. Just two summer heroes secured before the weather makes up its mind.
Both rugs are available to pre-order now. Pre-ordering guarantees your rug from the incoming shipment — and Afterpay is available if you would rather spread the cost.
No gatekeeping. No high horses. Just the right rug for the weather in front of you.
Lisa & Sally’s rule: check the forecast, check the horse and never trust a blue sky over New Zealand for too long.
PRE-ORDER THE AMIGO RIPSTOP 900D PLUS 0G
Product availability, sizes and prices can change. Please check the live listings before scheduling.