Sweet itch rug... Which one??

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chotty

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Just wondering what sweet itch rug everyone recommends?

I know the Boett is supposed to be the best but I need one right now (new horse has it quite bad right now) and unless I buy it on a credit card, I can't afford one this month! Have had reccomendations for the Horseware Rambo one, and also the Z-itch?

Just wondering if I should look at one that is close fitting and is adjustable at the legs, like the Z-itch, or one that is more 'loose' like the Horseware one?

X
 
I guess it depends how itchy your horse is. I had two with sweet itch, one mild, one moderate, and they both did great in the sweet itch hoody (Rambo). In fact I now use it as a flyrug on all my horses, its so good. The Rambo isn't loose Imo, it should be fitted.
 
I just bought the premier equine sweet itch combo and I love it! Fits my Sec D perfect and he hasnt itched at all since. I think he has very mild SI though. Absolutely worth the money even just as a fly rug!

Also depends what the horse is like. We have a chunky traddy cob and a big Friesian and it was too tight on the neck and shoulders for them, but bigger sizes were too long.
 
Have a look at previous threads on "sweet itch" on here.

My rug of choice is the Rambo SI hoody; pricey yes but unsurpassed IMO. Close second is the Premier Equine range - cheaper and still very serviceable. Have never tried the Boett but tried the Pagony which is supposed to be the "cheapie" version. Forget it!!! Badly made, poorly stitched - I had to virtually re-make the flippin thing myself!

I'm sticking with my Rambo now. Bear in mind (OK so obvious I know) that the Boett-type rugs (and think Snuggy Hoods?) have to go on OVER the head; which is a total nightmare with mine, he hates it and the whole thing turns into a daily battle. Not worth it! - Rambo is easier, quicker, and very effective!
 
Does anyone know of a rug which goes on like a traditional rug (not over head) which also has fabric between the front legs (like a flap) as my boy always gets scabby there. His fal boett style rug rubs bald patches at the tou of his front legs on the outside.
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
Have a look at previous threads on "sweet itch" on here.

My rug of choice is the Rambo SI hoody; pricey yes but unsurpassed IMO. Close second is the Premier Equine range - cheaper and still very serviceable.
Click to expand...

This :)

If your horse is really itchy right now then I would choose a tough rug like the Rambo/PE . The Boett types are too easily ripped IMO.
Electric fencing off anything that your horse can rub on will help him and preserve the rug.
Net Tex stop itch is very soothing and a great repellent for any area that the rug can't cover.

I found the Boett and similar useful but too easily ripped and had problems with legs straps and elastic stretching and coming off. I have a big box of Boett pieces...:p
 
Thank you very much for the replies everyone! Think I'll invest in the Rambo SI rug :) currently using deosect and just about to go out and buy 'Power Phaser' spray in the hope they'll stop biting her! She's itchy, but thankfully hasn't rubbed too much hair of as of yet! X
 
I have bought my mare a Shires Sweet Itch rug this summer which goes over her ears and has a large belly flap. The majority of her body is covered by it, and she is a large CBx type. Absolutely fabulous rug and really made a remarkable difference to her. The only thing I would say is that the fabric is quite thick, and she does tend to sweat slightly in it on very hot days.

ETA, whilst it is hard to do, and feels a bit cruel, it really does help to stop the itch-scratch cycle. My mare is out all summer, and I block off anything she is able to scratch or rub on at all, so anything from fence posts/rails to trees. It does feel mean when you do it, but I find her itching reduces immensely when she is not able to scratch and she becomes a lot happier throughout the summer.
 
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I had the Rambo SI rug before, but my mare has grown out of it now. I have just got the PE SI rug, and I have to say I much prefer the PE rug. It is lighter, yet feels more substantial. The Rambo seemed to be forever twisting round on her, where as the PE just stays put.

I liked the PE enough to go and buy another as her second SI rug. And if you get them on a 20% off day, they are a good bit cheaper too :)
 
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