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Post by kafee on Jul 22, 2015 13:25:30 GMT 1
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Post by antares on Jul 22, 2015 14:26:43 GMT 1
I have tried a few different ones. Boett first as that was most recommended but antares hated having it pulled on over his head and in the end I found it to be not all that hard wearing.
Premier equine the belly flap was held on with velcro which didn't work after one season.
I use rambo sweet itch hoodies now which are the most hard wearing of the three mentioned, easily washed and easy to use
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Post by kafee on Jul 22, 2015 15:59:10 GMT 1
Thamls antares. I've used a Boett successfully, but he was electric fenced off everything he could rub on, poor boy. Good point about pulling it on over the head, Sunny is a bit head shy because of the discomfort of the sweet itch.
My local feed merchants have 5'6" and 5'9" rambo's in stock for £110. I can get one cheaper on line but I like to see what I'm buying, and it's easier to take back if it's not right for some reason.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2015 16:02:36 GMT 1
Although Connor didn't have sweet itch he was very bothered by the flies. I borrowed a Masta Bug Rug - their version of a boett really and although it was fine once on I hated having to hoik it over his ears and I doubt you'd stand a chance with Sunny at the moment so I'd definitely suggest a different style. I bought the Derby House cheapy cheap one and although it fitted nicely and was nice and lightweight it tore straight away when he rolled and stretched the shoulder so if Sunny if liable to do any rubbing I don't think it'd stand up to it.
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Post by mags on Jul 22, 2015 16:49:53 GMT 1
I know a couple of people with SI horses (and have one in our herd). The Rambo SI hoodies are good. Even better if you add some velcro to the two halves of the belly flap so they overlap underneath the horse and don't leave a gap. I've handled all three makes of Boett-style rugs: Boett, DeMeulenkamp and Pagony. Frankly, I didn't see much difference between them, so if you are happy with the pull-over type, I'd probably go with a Pagony first (cheapest). The nice thing about them is that they wash easily and can be repaired easily with a normal sewing machine. They all have a limited lifetime. Often it's the elastic that eventually goes slack. Rips and tears can be repaired, but not much you can do about saggy elastic. The Rambos are pretty tough though and last pretty well.
The pull-over rugs can be a bit static-y, which is one reason why some horses come to really dislike them. Imagine getting zapped each time it is put on...
As for lotions, the ones with benzyl benzoate seem to be most effective for a lot of horses. Other potions seem to work for one, but not the next SI horse. Most of the people around me use biteback products these days. A friend tried Avon Skin so Soft on her mare, and she broke out in massive hives from it. Whatever you use, I'd do a spot test first.
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Post by kafee on Jul 22, 2015 19:55:12 GMT 1
Thanks mags. The rambo is sounding like the way to go. I'm vaseling his mane and tail every few days, which makes him comfortable and chilled, he just looks awful. I vaseline his sheath area every day if he'll let me. I wipe the horse 'deet' fly repellant all over him once or twice a day, which works on body and legs, but not mane and tail. He's wearing a Shires full face and ears fly mask 24/7, which he's happy in. He had an eye infection when I put it on him, but bathing with salt water twice a day cleared it up.
I noticed Coopers fly repellant on the shelves when I was at the feed merchants last week. I used it for years, particulary on Raffles who has SI just on his quarters. One bottle lasted a year! Can't help wondering if it disappeared as the active ingredient is now banned, so now it's reappeared it won't be as effective? Anyone any idea?
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Post by Hannah on Jul 22, 2015 20:24:01 GMT 1
My friend uses Rambo SI rugs, they seem to do the job well.
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Post by antares on Jul 22, 2015 22:08:31 GMT 1
Not sure about the coopers.
I've recently found neem oil, it stinks and the midges think so too!!! I put a little bit on the uncovered bits every couple of days and on muggy days I put it on twice a day, seems to work well.
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Post by kafee on Jul 23, 2015 7:07:02 GMT 1
Thanks Hannah, another vote for the Rambo. He does have blunt branches he can rub on, so he'll need a tough rug. I've sawn off the sharp ones to stop him doing himself real damage, but I'm doing my best to stop him needing to rub.
Quite a few people have mentioned Neem oil, but I couldn't see it at my feed merchants. I think I'll be there buying a Rambo rug today, so I'll ask.
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Post by mollichop on Jul 23, 2015 7:24:19 GMT 1
Hi Kafee, I don't think you will find neem oil at the feed merchants it's not a branded or main stream repellant. I bought some online and did find it effective. Yes it stinks but it's liveable with. You need to keep it fairly warm or it goes hard, doesn't effect its efficacy but definitely hampers getting it out of the bottle and on to the horse!  |
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Post by mags on Jul 23, 2015 8:43:52 GMT 1
I've used Coopers in the past to treat lice, and my friend with SI horse also tried it, but hasn't stuck with it. I think part of the problem is that you can't/shouldn't use it on damaged skin, and most SI horses will end up with the odd sore bit here and there.
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Post by antares on Jul 23, 2015 12:04:38 GMT 1
I just buy neemoil from amazon |
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Post by clipclop on Jul 23, 2015 13:50:04 GMT 1
Just remember that ANY type of oil (inc avon skin so soft) can and will burn in sun so needs consideration and careful use.
Sent from my GT-I9195 using proboards
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Post by kafee on Jul 23, 2015 16:32:24 GMT 1
Hi everybody. Thanks for all advice and info. The feed merchants don't stock neem oil but would if they could find a supplier! I've bought him a 5'6" Rambo, and even managed to put it on him: he's never worn a rug before. Excaliber and Sunny were necking when I left them so I hope it stands up to it!
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Post by kafee on Jul 30, 2015 7:18:38 GMT 1
Just remember that ANY type of oil (inc avon skin so soft) can and will burn in sun so needs consideration and careful use. Sent from my GT-I9195 using proboards Sooooooooooo, I was just basting him by applying vaseline? Ooooops, good point! He's still rubbing his mane even though he's been covered up with the SI rug for a week. I'd love to shampoo the vaseline out, but he's so jumpy about anything touching his neck that I daren't. I found the vaseline washes out in the rain, so next time we're forcast heavy rain, I'll take the rug off and let him have a shower! He's ripped the left ear on three fly masks with ears, and keeps getting them off in the process. He keeps his old battered basic fly mask on, so that's what he's in now, 24/7. |
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