The Boett (pronounced Bo-ett, as in Go-get!) Blanket was invented in Sweden seventeen years ago to offer protection to horses and ponies suffering from insect-bite allergy. It has been continually developed since then and is now used around the World as the best way to manage Sweet Itch, whilst avoiding undesirable side effects.

• The blanket is made from a unique purpose-designed fabric, (not a mesh) which midges cannot bite through. It offers COMPLETE protection to all parts of the horse that it covers and the soft fabric does not damage the hair.
• The fabric is light but strong, so the horse can wear the blanket 24 hours a day, month after month, in total comfort.
• It is highly breathable and over-heating does not occur - the blanket has a 'parasol' effect that helps to keep the horse cool in full sun.
• Its grease and water-repellent properties mean that it does not become clogged with grease or hair and it will soon dry after rain.
• The fabric has sufficient 'give' to allow freedom of movement and the clever blanket design ensures that normal horse activities - rolling, mutual grooming, galloping etc. - can continue.
• All seams are elasticised and straps are fully adjustable to ensure a good fit. Full fitting instructions are supplied.
• The blanket is quickly removed for riding and one application of insect repellent to the horse at that time usually ensures a bite-free ride. Some owners ride with the blanket in place.
• During early spring and late summer the blanket can be worn under a rug if required.
• Horses wearing the blanket keep their full manes and tails and have glossy, clean coats.
• The Blanket is machine washable and can be tumble-dried. If necessary, the fabric is easily repaired using 'Copydex' adhesive or by patching with a domestic sewing machine.
• The life of the blanket - typically 3 years on mares and 2 years on geldings (more playful!).
• There are fourteen sizes, in three colours - dark brown/black, bright chestnut and light grey.

Ideally the horse should start wearing the blanket before symptoms appear, but even later in the season, once the blanket is fitted, sores will quickly heal and mane and tail growth restart. Typically it will take from one to three weeks after the blanket is fitted for damaged skin cells to recover and itchiness to decline. Horses wearing the blanket all summer keep their full manes and tails and have glossy, clean coats and those susceptible to sun sensitivity and contact nettle rash are also helped.

The Boett is different from other designs of horse blanket and should fit snugly, apart from the neck where there is ample fabric to ensure full cover when the horse puts his head down to graze. It covers the neck, the body and the tail and consists of two separate pieces: The mane, neck, body and tail-piece is fitted over the head (it is extremely rare for a horse to object to this) and there is an elastic neck band which adjusts behind the ears for a snug fit. The separate adjustable belly-flap is attached over the blanket with two elastic surcingles and a chest strap. It takes only a couple of minutes to fit.

The Boett Blanket and Hood fabric is resilient. It is strong enough to withstand normal horse activities - rolling, mutual grooming, galloping etc. Horses being horses, it must however allow an animal to break free should it become hooked-up on anything. For this reason common sense should be applied to the use of the blanket if it is not to get torn. Electric fencing is ideal for horses with Sweet Itch, considerably prolonging the life of the blanket. Barbed wire is totally inappropriate and certain types of hedging or rough stone walls can also cause damage to a seriously itchy animal. If that animal just happens to be wearing a brand new blanket the outcome can be disastrous. The animal's environment should therefore be checked for protruding nails, jagged branches on hedges or trees and other sharp objects that could cause damage.

Boett of Sweden are justifiably proud of their workmanship and quality control-blankets never 'self destruct' while the horse is grazing! If a blanket does suffer damage the reason is usually obvious- unsuitable field boundaries or even an aggressive herd leader's teeth can be responsible. It makes sense to take steps to avoid these potential problems. Experience shows that, on average, a blanket will last for three years on mares and two years on geldings… . boys will be boys!

Horses at grass, including mares with foals at foot, can wear the blanket permanently to great benefit, 24 hours per day, every day, all summer long. Indeed, a significant number of horses even wear the blanket during mild spells in winter when midges can be on the wing. Others wear a Boett Raincoat in the wetter winter months, which has the added advantage of keeping them clean and dry.

Individuals that require stabling should continue to wear their blanket inside, unless the building is completely midge-free - very difficult to achieve. The Blanket can be worn under a rug in late autumn and early spring, though care should be taken to make sure over-heating doesn't occur.

Horses and ponies realize very quickly that the blanket makes them more comfortable - as far as they are concerned the benefits are such that, other than when the blanket is in the washing machine, there is no good reason to remove it.

The Boett Hood

Two out of three horses with Sweet Itch suffer damage to the head area. The ears, forehead and around the eyes are commonly affected. For these animals the Boett Hood offers protection. It has ample adjustment and is secured to the blanket by a loop behind the ears, a long elastic strap, which is fastened to a point inside the blanket by the wither area and by two snap-clips below the cheeks. No head collar is required.

As with the blanket, horses rarely object to the fitting and use of the hood. There are eight sizes of hood.

Other items we recommend are:

The Midge Mask

Prevents damage around the eye and protects the face from forehead to muzzle. The mask also stops fly-borne 'runny-eye' infections and is suitable for all horses, ponies and donkeys. Unlike the Boett Hood, the midge mask does not protect the ears.

'Spray Gold' Deet (min 98%)

Use on areas not covered by the Boett Blanket or if the blanket is removed for riding - spray or wipe-on. A summer "must" for all equines- and riders too. 'Spray Gold' Deet is available as a 200ml mist spray and a 500ml Refill.

'Pure Gold' Ointment

The Boett Blanket does a wonderful job on the areas that it covers. However some horses and ponies are also bitten on the sheath and on the legs. These areas are impossible to cover with fabric - this is where 'Pure Gold' comes into its own, forming a protective barrier between the midge's mouth and the animal's skin.

'Pure Gold' is a refined, long-lasting, thick ointment that will not melt or run off in hot weather. It is kind to both horse and human skin. We don't make any claims for healing properties (our own horses respond best to 'Sudocrem' antiseptic cream where healing is required) but we do find it deters further midge attack.

'Pure Gold', which can be removed using our Non-Allergenic Shampoo, is available in 300g and 1200g tubs.

Non-Allergenic Shampoo

Regular shampooing can benefit the condition of allergic horses and ponies. Weather permitting, we also advise you to shampoo your horse before fitting the Boett Blanket - it doesn't make sense to put a clean Blanket onto a dirty horse.

Many horses with Sweet Itch have very sensitive skin. From our own experience, and from speaking to others, we know that some shampoos containing for example, Tea Tree Oil, Citronella, Oil of Eucalyptus and other additives may cause dramatic allergic reactions. This concentrated-formula Non-Allergenic Shampoo is a powerful cleaning shampoo containing no added perfume or colour. It contains no cheapening additives such as salt and it is pH neutral - it is safe to use on even the most delicate areas as frequently as required. It is also a low-lather formulation, which makes thorough rinsing after shampooing easier and leaves the coat clean and shiny.

We have tested many different shampoo formulations and we are sure that for all allergic horses and ponies and those with sensitive skins this formulation is ideal. It is available in 500ml and 4 litre containers.

Whichever shampoo you use it is important to rinse your horse thoroughly afterwards. A low-lather shampoo makes this easier.

Managing your horse the Boett way means that you and your horse can enjoy summer again without the problems caused by the dastardly midge - swipe here

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