Neck rugs for sweetitch ponies still suffering with the midges

M

mustardsmum

Well-Known Member
Joined
16 December 2012
Messages
625
Location
South West
Visit site
Another rugging question (must be that time of year!)

I have a sweet-itch sufferer, who, because it’s been so warm, the midges are driving him mad. Thought I would leave his sweet-itch rug on, but if it rains he gets wet and cold so I put a lightweight turnout on instead. All fine, but this rug has no neck, so thought I would pick up a neck cover to attach to the turnout on eBay. All fine, brand new Landa neck cover arrived today, much excitement (love getting parcels....) but the it has a fill!! I thought it would be lightweight like the rug. I have put it on my boy – as he is being driven mad by the midges and has now mastered balancing on three legs, managing to remove most of his mane scratching it out with his back legs (amusing to watch but not much fun for him).

To be honest, even with the rain, the midges here are awful – we are in the bottom of a small wooded valley and short of a good hard frost, these are monster midges. We do have a field shelter, but if I try and shut him in, he will stand and rub against until he has rubbed holes in his skin, so he is out with electric tape across everything. My main worry is whether he’ll be too hot with a neck rug with a fill? He is not currently clipped – his previous owner said he hates being clipped (needs to be sedated) - I think his skin is hypersensitive but for a New Forest pony he has a very thin coat. Hate to think I have over rugged – usually my ponies are naked, he is our first native that has needed to be covered up all year round. Is it better having him a bit warm, or horrible irritable and itchy, or will the neck cover not really make that much difference give the main turnout has no fill?

Glass of sloe gin to anyone who hasn't fallen asleep :D
 
Last edited:
You can get 'no fill' necks they may not match but will probably fit. Another option would be a snuggy hood type of thing, they do a headless hood (basically a vest and neck) that is very good

I have had my sweet itch pony clipped and so far so good
 
Did see some no fill neck rugs, but didn't know if they would fit? Saw the landa on ebay and thought all the landa's were no fill (thats what my turnout is, and is a couple of years old) but have since discovered they are not! will look at the snuggy hood - didn't realise that you can get a neck on its own, that might be a better solution!

Glad your pony is ok - we are going to attempt to reintroduce the idea of clipping to him on Friday...... (whilst wearing full body armour!!)

passes over glass of sloe gin...... :)
 
I will take your sloe gin and put my feet up thank you :)

The snuggy necks are fab, my SI pony wears the full face one in the summer but the neck is more versatile. They arent officially waterproof but a good dash of 'pure' fabric conditioner in the wash makes them pretty good in at least average rain

I've seen a few very cheap rug neck covers on ebay recently they all seem similar with three straps to attach to rug D rings maybe worth a cheap punt..

We had to twitch my pony to get the hair on his ears clipped but since its been done he doesnt have any mud marks on his face at all so hopefully he isnt itching, he seems miles happier for the clip - well worth persevering if you can manage a clipped pony
 
You could just get a no fill with a neck. Adding a neck to a standard rug usually leaves a gap anyway unless you get a detach-a-neck rug, which is why I usually just get combos or rugs with removable necks. I know I've seen no fill combos about.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top