Cheap sweet itch rugs

Um, hate to say it, but IME "cheap and cheerful" just aint. When I had my boy first (he's got mild to moderate sweet itch) I thought it was economy to buy the cheapest, and flimsiest rugs - only to go out later the same day and find a lovely new rug trashed beyond repair :(

The problem is that some of the cheaper rugs don't have the hoody bit over the poll area, so unless you treat that area witih midge/fly repellant; you're still gonna have an itchy horse and once they start to itch, they'll rub everywhere.

I'm using the Rambo Hoody at the mo; plus a mask when needed. Not cheap, but effective - he's in a fairly exposed field with not too many trees, so probably one of the better places to put a sweet itch.

He's in at night, and when he's in the stable, I put on an Amigo Mio rug - very light; but just what he needs. But I don't think this rug would last two minutes out in the field!

Other rugs specifically for sweet itch you might consider are the Boett (never used one but apparently very good - but expensive!); the De Muelenkamp (spelling???); and the Pagony (have used this one and the quality of it left a lot to be desired so wouldn't buy another).

IF you can get one; they're like hens teeth - a Pessoa sweet itch hoody is brilliant; mine is still serviceable after my horse was on working livery, where rugs didn't exactly get a lot of tender loving care! Well worth the money - if you can find one.

Premier Equine do sweet itch hoody's - but last year their sizing came up a bit small. Quality was OK and it lasted well when he was out most of the time; value for money was good too IMO. They've got a website so well worth a look perhaps.
 
Unfortunately buy cheap buy twice. The Rambo sweetitch hoodie is one of the best and most hardwearing ones. Cheaper for the smaller sizes, try Throstle Nest Saddlery at BArnsley, they are good on price.
 
Masta have brought one out that looks just like the Boett but half the price, still around £80 but better than £160. I'm waiting for mine to be delivered so don't have any opinion on it yet. I agree you need to protect the poll/forelock area with spray/lotion as the midges make a bee-line for the mane here if uncovered.
 
horserugsnot4u said:
Masta have brought one out that looks just like the Boett but half the price, still around £80 but better than £160. I'm waiting for mine to be delivered so don't have any opinion on it yet. I agree you need to protect the poll/forelock area with spray/lotion as the midges make a bee-line for the mane here if uncovered.
Click to expand...

Ha ha I like your username and so true !

I make a TCP solution to spray on my horses mane and tail, stinks but works, I use a bottle of TCP and put it in a spray and top up with water. Also handy if your horse gets bitten/stung, just spray solution and it'll be gone by the next day
 
my pony doesn't suffer from sweet itch but the derby house fly rugs cover stomach and poll, perhaps they would work?
 
kerilli said:
ditto that. cheap ones don't last, a £30 rug that lasts a month or two is expensive imho. the Rambo Hoody is in its second year and as new. that works out cheap. just my experience anyway.
Click to expand...

Ditto too. And I usually don't do expensive rugs, but with sweet itch you can't compromise.

I used to buy other rugs, but they never lasted a season, whereas our sweet itch hoodies are into their third year, so worked out much cheaper in the long run. I even use them on the horses that don't get sweet itch as normal fly rugs.

You need to have two for a real sweet itcher, so that one can dry out while the other one is on for wet days.

Forgot to say, you can usually get them cheaper on ebay. Sometimes hardly used ones come up for half the price..
 
Last edited:
Evn though I have just spent an hour patching up a Boett for the second time (it's now in its second year) I would advise against buying cheap rugs. Geldings just don't respect them.
 
Derby House fly rugs are good. Big tail flap, belly flap and hoody that goes right up and hooks over the ears. Seem quite hard wearing as well. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top