|
|
[ Prices & Sizes ] [ Fitting ] [ Hoods ] [Horse Care ] [ Rug FAQs ] [ The Pagony ] [ Testimonials ] [ Rug Dealers/links ]Frequently Asked Questions about DeMeulenkamp Sweet itch Rugs
Do they really work?Yes, they do. They can really help prevent sweet itch, and while nothing can cure it, they stop most of the midges biting, so your horse doesn't get as itchy and can live outside in comfort. Will I still need fly repellent?Yes, use fly repellent anywhere not covered by the rug (we recommend Nettex Stop-Itch, especially for geldings' dangly bits) Do the rugs have zips?No, the rug is all in one. You put it on over the horse's head. My horse is head shy. Won't he freak out?We've never yet had a horse that refused to have the rug put on. It's almost as if they know it will help. Take your time and be patient and your horse should accept it happily. Is the neck cover included?The neck cover is an integral part of the rug, which comes to just behind the horse's ears and is held there by elastic and the cut of the rug. Is a hood included?No, hoods are available separately. Do I leave the rug on all the time?The horse needs to wear the rug whenever he might be bitten by midges (of course you can take it off to ride, just use lots of fly repellent). But PLEASE take the rug off at least once every 24 hours, give your horse a groom and make sure he's comfortable. Is this rug the same as the Boett?The design is very similar, and the material is the same as 2005 or earlier Boetts according to the manufacturer. We prefer this material to the newer "improved" material of the later Boetts as there are less problems with static and weight. How is it different?On all but the smaller rugs there are 3 straps on the belly piece for improved fit. The belly piece is permanently joined onto the rug (with a wide, soft piece of material that passes between the front legs) rather than having straps to rub or come unfastened. The rugs have gusseted shoulders for ease of movement, excellent quality clips and elastic that won't go saggy after two washes, along with webbing rather than elastic on the belly piece so it stays well-fitting. Is the rug breatheable?Yes, it is completely breatheable so it can be used on a damp horse, and left on in the rain. Is it washable?Yes, machine washable at 30 degrees - you can even tumble dry it, though it dries really quickly on its own. How tough is it?It won't stand up to barbed wire (but then no itchy horse should be anywhere near barbed wire in the first place) and very enthusiastic horseplay may tear it, but tears won't run, and it's easy to mend the rug by hand or with a home sewing machine. If your horse rubs a lot on post and rail fencing or the stable then again, he may damage the rug, even with his own back hoof if he's very itchy. Try to get the rug on early in the season, and line any fences with electric fencing to prevent rubbing as far as possible. We've even lined our field shelter with a strand of electric wire and it works perfectly. The horses don't rub, and not only are their rugs protected, but so is the field shelter! If you put a rug onto a horse which is already itching severely, bath the horse thoroughly first and cover all itchy places with a soothing cream such as Sudocrem, and ensure there is nothing for your horse to rub on. Can I get spare material/clips etc?The rug comes in a useful bag which can be used for patching if necessary. We sell a bag of spares (material, clips, elastic, webbing) for £15 It's cold but there are still midges around. What should I do?Your horse can wear a DeMeulenkamp rug under his normal turnout rug.
|
-