Sweet Itch Rugs

Sweet Itch Rugs for Horses – Ultimate Protection Against Biting Insects

Sweet itch is a frustrating and painful condition for many horses, caused by allergic reactions to biting midges. Sweet itch rugs are specifically designed to provide full-body protection, acting as a barrier to prevent midges from biting and triggering this uncomfortable condition.

At Online for Equine, we offer a range of high-quality sweet itch rugs to keep your horse comfortable, protected, and stress-free during fly season. These rugs are carefully designed to provide maximum coverage and protection, helping to manage and prevent sweet itch effectively.

What is Sweet Itch?

Sweet itch is an allergic reaction to the saliva of midges (Culicoides), causing intense itching, scratching, and discomfort for horses. Symptoms often include hair loss, open sores, and irritated skin, which can significantly affect your horse’s health and well-being.

The best way to manage sweet itch is to prevent midges from biting your horse. Sweet itch rugs are made from dense, breathable fabrics that block midges and other biting insects, providing a reliable solution to avoid flare-ups.

Why Choose a Sweet Itch Rug?

Sweet itch rugs are a must-have for horses prone to insect-related skin conditions. Here’s why they’re so effective:

• Full-Body Coverage: Designed to cover your horse from ears to tail, these rugs often include integrated neck covers and belly flaps for maximum protection.
• Midge-Proof Fabrics: The dense weave prevents midges from penetrating the rug, reducing the risk of bites and allergic reactions.
• Lightweight and Breathable: Despite their dense structure, sweet itch rugs are made from breathable materials, keeping your horse cool and comfortable in warm weather.
• UV Protection: Many sweet itch rugs also offer UV-blocking properties, shielding your horse’s coat from harmful sun rays and preventing coat bleaching.

Key Features to Look For

When selecting a sweet itch rug, it’s important to choose one that meets your horse’s specific needs. Look for these features:

• Integrated Neck Covers: Protects the neck and poll area, which are common targets for biting midges. Some neck covers even extend to cover the ears for extra protection.
• Belly Flaps: Shields your horse’s sensitive underside, a favourite spot for biting insects. If your horse needs extra coverage, consider a fly rug with belly flaps.
• Durable Materials: Tear-resistant fabrics ensure the rug can withstand daily turnout and wear.
• Secure Fastenings: Adjustable straps and surcingles keep the rug securely in place, even during active turnout.
• Breathability: Ensures airflow to prevent overheating while still offering complete protection.

Explore More Fly Rug Options

While sweet itch rugs are ideal for horses with insect-related skin conditions, you may also want to explore other types of fly rugs to suit your horse’s needs:

• Fly Rugs: Our fly rugs collection includes lightweight and breathable options that provide effective protection against flies and UV rays. These rugs are perfect for everyday use during the warmer months.
• Waterproof Fly Rugs: For horses turned out in unpredictable weather, a waterproof fly rug offers dual protection from biting insects and light rain, ensuring your horse stays dry and comfortable.

Each type of fly rug is designed to provide unique benefits, so you can choose the best option for your horse’s specific needs.

Pair Your Rug with a Fly Mask

To ensure complete protection, don’t forget to shield your horse’s face and ears with a fly mask. These masks are essential for preventing irritation caused by flies and midges while also offering UV protection for sensitive facial areas. Pair your sweet itch rug with one of our fly masks to give your horse full head-to-hoof coverage.

Why Choose Online for Equine?

At Online for Equine, we are dedicated to providing high-quality equestrian products that help you care for your horse effectively. Our range of sweet itch rugs is carefully curated to ensure comfort, durability, and practicality for horses prone to sweet itch.

Here’s why customers trust us:

• High-Quality Materials: Our rugs are made from durable, breathable fabrics that provide reliable protection throughout fly season.
• Affordable Prices: We offer a variety of options to suit all budgets, so you can find the perfect solution without compromising on quality.
• Free UK Delivery: Enjoy free delivery on UK Mainland orders over £50, making it easy and affordable to shop with us.

Shop Sweet Itch Rugs Today

Investing in a sweet itch rug is essential for protecting your horse from midges, flies, and UV rays during the summer months. These rugs provide complete coverage and are designed to prevent sweet itch flare-ups, ensuring your horse stays comfortable and stress-free.

Browse our full range of fly rugs for lightweight options or consider a fly rug with belly flaps for enhanced coverage. Pair your rug with a fly mask to ensure your horse is fully protected from head to hoof!