Nearly that time of year again - Fly/Sweet Itch Rugs

[Bozzy]

When I bought Forrest last Summer he had itched most of the top of his tail out. He always wore a fly rug whilst out and it didnt really get any worse (though it never got any better) and over winter it has now grown back.

I have however noticed that he's started scratching the area again already (is it not a bit early for midges?) and have been thinking about rugs for him over Summer. He had just about trashed his last fly rug by the end of the summer (Premier Equine International that lasted 3 years!) so have been thinking about getting a sweet itch one. Anyone have any experience of the Rambo Sweet Itch hoody? I quite like the look of it though am guessing I'd have to use it with a fly mask all the time to keep the hood over the ears?!

Or any other recommendations? Also for any good lotions and potions for his tail? He's not itchy anywhere else.

http://www.horseware.com/images/flyrugs/rambo/sweetitch/sweetitch_r1_c1.jpg

[eventerbabe]

Have you tried benzyl benzoate? Apply it straight out of the bottle and rub in well (provided the skin isn't sore or broken). It knocked Kez's itching on the head. The rambo sweet itch rug gets positive reviews (think martini55 has one?). The snuggy hoods one is also supposed to be good. It's what i'm buying for my little one.

[joey_olop]

I have the rambo sweet itch rug for my boy, last summer was the 1st summer he had a full mane & tail.

Ive only had it a year & he has trashed it though but my fencing is barbed wire so its probably that thats caused it:rolleyes:

Will probably go for something a bit cheaper this time incase he trashes it again.

Highly recommended though :)

[Jessey]

I just unpacked my fly rugs as the midgies are out in force already :( I find Bo itches his tail, I use Aquious cream with tea tree oil, get the cream 500ml for £2 from a chemist and pure TT oil for about £2 for 15ml from a chemist, mix the oil int he cream and apply libreally, soothes the skin and moisturises and keeps the bugs at bay too :D
I have the Mark Todd fly combo and the Bucas, they are great, horses were comfortable in them :p
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y291/Jessey129/General/poniessummer2006048.jpg

[martini55]

Have you tried benzyl benzoate? Apply it straight out of the bottle and rub in well (provided the skin isn't sore or broken). It knocked Kez's itching on the head. The rambo sweet itch rug gets positive reviews (think martini55 has one?). The snuggy hoods one is also supposed to be good. It's what i'm buying for my little one.

Yes I have the rambo :) I think it's a really good rug and the only downside is what the OP said- the ears tend to pop out without a face mask but you get one free supplied (at least I did). Unfortunately for me though it was too big! :rolleyes: I was worried about my mare over-heating in a rug in the summer but she was actually cooler in the rambo than without. I suppose it's better being white than dark bay! It's made of quite a tough material so I assume it would withstand some rubbing but I use electric fencing and so there is nothing for my horse to rub on. She kept a full mane and tail all last summer so it did do it's job well :)

Having said that, I really do like the snuggy hoods but they are a bit out of my price range unfortuantely. But if you have the money then it's something to look into. There is the Boett of course but I have heard of many horse's managing to trash their's!