Clydesdale Summer Heavy Horse Rugs
Clydesdale & Heavy Horse Summer Rugs
Lightweight & Fly Protection for Big Horses
Finding summer rugs that genuinely fit Clydesdales and other big horses can be difficult. Standard horse rugs often lack the chest room, shoulder freedom and side drop needed for heavy horse builds.
Our Clydesdale summer horse rugs are designed specifically for bigger horses, combining breathable fabrics, generous sizing and a fit that allows comfortable movement during Australia's warmer months.
Whether you're looking for a lightweight rainsheet, breathable mesh rug, cotton summer rug or insect-repellent fly rug, you'll find a solution designed for real Clydesdale proportions.
Waterproof Summer Rainsheets
- Durable 1200D waterproof outer for strength and long-lasting wear
- Ideal for summer storms and wet paddocks
- Lightweight, breathable, no insulation
- No Neck Join design helps prevent leaks down the shoulder
- Silky satin lining to reduce rubs
- Keeps big horses dry in wet conditions without overheating
Best for: Sudden storms & wet ground
Breathable Cotton & Mesh
- Lightweight mesh and cotton summer rugs designed for hot Australian conditions
- Optional IR3535 fly-repellent mesh available in select summer styles
- Excellent airflow, UV protection, and fly relief
- Ideal for paddock wear, dry heat, and long summer days
- Comfortable, breathable options for big horses that overheat easily
Best for: Hot, dry summers & airflow
Hybrid Mesh Rainsheets
- Waterproof rainsheet topline with breathable mesh sides
- Hybrid design with optional IR3535 fly-repellent mesh for high insect-pressure areas
- Excellent airflow while keeping rain off the back
- Helps reduce flies, midges, and summer irritation without sprays
- A true all-in-one summer solution for changeable conditions
Best for: Changeable weather & high insect pressure
Choosing Summer Rugs for Clydesdales & Heavy Horses
Clydesdales, draft horses and other heavy breeds often need more room through the chest, shoulders and body than standard-built horses.
Choosing a summer horse rug isn't simply about finding a longer size — the overall cut and fit matter too.
A well-fitting heavy horse summer rug should allow comfortable shoulder movement, provide adequate chest adjustment and give enough depth through the body while still remaining secure in windy conditions.
Horse Rugs for Bigger Horses – Sizes up to 7'9
Finding horse rugs for bigger horses isn't always easy. At Love My Horse, we specialise in rugs designed for Clydesdales, heavy horses, draft breeds and other large-framed horses, with the extra room and coverage bigger horses need.
Our heavy horse range includes hard-to-find 7'3, 7'6 and 7'9 horse rugs, with styles designed to provide generous chest room, neck depth and side coverage without simply scaling up a standard horse rug.
Whether you need a lightweight summer rug, breathable mesh, fly protection or a waterproof option, our larger sizes are made with the fit and proportions of bigger horses in mind.
Which Summer Rug Is Best for a Heavy Horse?
Cotton → airflow and everyday summer protection
Mesh → flies and maximum ventilation
Waterproof / hybrid → wet summer weather + insect protection
💚Protect Your Big Horse From Biting Insects
Some of our Clydesdale summer horse rugs feature advanced IR3535 insect-repellent technology, helping reduce biting flies while keeping big horses cool and comfortable throughout Australia's warmer months.
Why choose IR3535?
✔ Helps reduce biting flies and insects
✔ Breathable 410gsm mesh construction
✔ Comfortable airflow for hot weather
✔ Ideal for horses sensitive to flies
✔ Insect-repellent protection built into the fabric
Best For: Summer paddocks, high insect pressure and horses sensitive to flies.
💚 Look for the green heart icon throughout our range to quickly identify IR3535 fly-repellent rugs.
👇Shop Fly Repellent Horse Rugs below ↓
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Proudly supported by Colonial Clydesdales
Worn & tested on working heavy horses across Australia.
❤️ Clydesdale & Heavy Horse Summer Rug FAQs
Clydesdales and other heavy horses often have broader chests, larger shoulders and deeper bodies than standard horses. A rug designed with a roomier cut and generous chest adjustment can provide a more comfortable fit while allowing freedom of movement.
The best summer rug depends on the weather and the protection your horse needs. Breathable cotton rugs are a practical choice for everyday summer wear, while mesh fly rugs provide greater airflow and protection from biting insects.
For wet summer weather, a waterproof rainsheet or hybrid rainsheet can provide rain protection while lighter mesh sections help improve airflow.
Clydesdales vary considerably in size, so it's important to measure your horse rather than choosing a rug based on breed alone. Love My Horse Clydesdale and heavy horse rugs are available in sizes from 6'6 to 7'9, with options designed to accommodate larger chests and heavier builds.
Always check your horse's measurements against our size guide before choosing a rug.
Yes. A well-fitting fly rug can be particularly useful for Clydesdales, draft horses and other heavy breeds during warm weather when flies and biting insects are active.
Breathable mesh allows air to circulate while creating a physical barrier between insects and the horse. Some Love My Horse heavy horse summer rugs also incorporate IR3535 insect-repellent technology for additional protection against biting insects.
The main difference is the overall cut and proportions. Heavy horses such as Clydesdales generally require more room through the chest, shoulders and body than a standard-built horse.
Simply choosing a longer standard rug may not provide the extra width and depth a heavy horse needs. Love My Horse Clydesdale rugs are designed around the proportions of bigger horses to provide a more comfortable and secure fit.
View our Clydesdale Rug Size Guide for detailed measurements and fit advice.
HORSE RAINSHEETS: WHEN & WHY TO USE ONE
Rain doesn't always mean your horse needs a heavy rug. Learn when a lightweight rainsheet is the better choice — and what to look for.
A rainsheet can be one of the most useful rugs in your horse's wardrobe — but only when it's used in the right conditions.
Learn when to use a lightweight rainsheet, how waterproofing and breathability affect comfort, and what to look for when choosing protection from wet and changeable weather.
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ARE COTTON HORSE RUGS REALLY COOL IN SUMMER?
Cotton is often considered the obvious summer choice — but is it always best? Discover what really matters for keeping your horse comfortable in the heat.
Cotton horse rugs are a summer staple — but fabric alone doesn't determine how cool and comfortable your horse will be.
Learn how breathability, airflow, fabric weight, fit and Australian summer conditions all influence comfort, and what to consider before choosing your horse's summer rug.
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WHY IS MY HORSE SO ITCHY?
Constant scratching, rubbing or a damaged mane and tail? Discover what could be making your horse itchy — and what you can do to help.
An itchy horse isn't always just reacting to flies. Midges, insect bites, allergies, skin irritation and environmental triggers can all contribute to rubbing and scratching.
Learn what may be causing your horse's itch, what signs to look for, and practical ways to reduce irritation and protect their skin before the rubbing causes further damage.
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QUEENSLAND ITCH IN HORSES
Is your horse rubbing and itching every summer? Learn what causes Queensland itch — and how the right protection can help.
Queensland itch is more than just an annoying insect bite. For sensitive horses, biting midges can trigger an intense allergic reaction that leads to itching, rubbing and skin damage.
Learn what causes Queensland itch, why some horses react more severely than others, and how coverage, breathability, fit and insect-repellent protection can help.
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