What are the main differences between the Mesh Ripstop, the Airflow Ripstop, and the Mesh Show Rugs? Which summer rug is best for your horse, climate or scenario? Let us help you decide with a quick summary:
Firstly, which is which in our 2025/26 Aussie Bird Collection?
Mesh Show Combo = Brolga
1. Fabric content, weight, and feel.
Our Mesh Ripstop is a high cotton content (60%), which appeals to the natural fibre devotees, and makes it very breathable. The ripstop in these is a tough, higher gsm, and can feel heavier or thicker than the airflow ripstop, however because they breathe so well, horses don't tend to sweat under them, and the fabric does soften with wear.
The Airflow Ripstop is primarily a synthetic blend, however synthetic fabrics have come a long way in recent years, and they aren't the 'sweat fests' they used to be. This fabric is very comfortable for the horse to wear, a lower gsm which makes it lighter, and a very tough, durable, diamond weave. If you live in the tropics for example, and your horse is likely to get wet regularly, these will be a tougher option than a natural fibre.
The Mesh Show is once again a high cotton content (60%), so is great for breathability. It's a premium 220gsm show rug fabric, which of course is not as tough as a ripstop fabric, but is a softer, lighter version, more suited for travelling to/at shows or in the stables etc. In saying this, a lot of people still use these in paddock scenarios.
2. Drop length
The Mesh Ripstop and Mesh Show have a much longer drop, which will give the horse more insect protection down the legs.
The Airflow Ripstop finishes below the belly.
3. Mesh Style
The Mesh Ripstop and Mesh Show have a very soft, more open mesh, which may let more air through. The Airflow Ripstop has a closer weave, with smaller holes, however is a tougher mesh.
4. Pattern/Fit/Sizing
Yes, they are different patterns. The neck of the Airflow Combo version is very generous, with a roomier fit and drop below the neck, but a shorter rug drop below the belly.
The Airflow is also probably a touch on the generous side. If your horse is in-between sizes, choose the smaller size in the Airflow. (Using a rug that is too long for your horse can lead to slippage and rubbing.) The Mesh Ripstop version is a neater fit, choose your horse's regular size, and in comparison, if in-between sizes, this time choose the larger size. The Mesh Show should fit almost the same as the Mesh Ripstop, but being a lighter fabric, will initially sit more softly on your horse than the ripstop fabric, giving it the illusion potentially of being a larger fit.
Both have a PVC chest strap and plastic neck clips, however the Mesh Ripstop and Mesh Show have the addition of a small metal buckle at the top of the neck piece.
Should you buy a Combo or a Rug and Hood Set?
This is usually personal preference, and depends how you like to rug your horse, and what your desired outcomes are. Rug and hood sets are usually used when horses are in show prep, for extra coverage; and quality hoods, like our Earlwood hoods, can be kinder on manes than combos.
In saying that, the combos are also fine to use whenever and wherever you wish, but tend to be more 'paddock scenario'. Not everyone is comfortable using a hood on their horse when turned out.
Still undecided or have questions?
Feel free to contact us directly and we'll try and offer more personalised advice.