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Post by skint on Jun 18, 2007 23:00:32 GMT
I know we covered this earlier in the year but I wonder if anyone has got a routine down to a fine art in keeping their ponies itch free (well as much as possible) what supplements work etc. Our pony has got a boett type rug which seems to work but I have problems with him rubbing the neck cover down when he in the the stable. I attatch it to his headcollar in the field but he cannot have a headcollar on 24/7. Any ideas I have been putting a mesh fly rug on top of the boett in the stable which seems to work a bit.
Someone was telling me yesterday about their friend who had a pony really bad with sweet itch it had all the injections etc but never improved and them in desperation she went to a homeopath who made up some capsules and the pony is lads better. Has anyone ever had any dealing with this type of medicine and if so could they recommend anyone.
Ours is a lovely pony and it puts me about to see him so itchy, we have managed to keep all his coat and tail and only a tiny bit of mane has been rubbed away which we covered with a false plait showing him.
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Post by not logged in on Jun 19, 2007 11:14:30 GMT
IMO there is no substitute for the Boett - and you need the funny headcover too. We started our pony on drops from a specialist vet. We used these from February to October. During this time he shredded at least 3 different "top"fly rugs, and I can't really say that I noticed any difference. I spoke to the sweetitch place in N. Wales and bought a rug complete with headcover. The pony wore this 24/7 (except in the ring - and when it had its twice weekly wash and dry - I just used a very quick wash and fast spin. It dried in no time either in the tumble drier or outside).
On midgy evenings we even hacked out in it - though we did remove the headcover as he rather resembled a donkey when he wore it. We fenced the paddocks with electric fencing so he had nothing to itch on. By now this was almost an aquired habit!
This pony was liver chestnut and his coat looked just fabulous...and he had a lovely tail for the first time in years. In fact he looked so good that his ex owners walked straight past him at a competition, remarking that the smart chesnut pony looked a bit like their old pony. I overheard and pointed out to them that it was him. Their first question was "how did you cure his sweet itch?".
The boetts are so good for keeping coats in nice condition that I know several people that use them on all their ponies.
I also followed a suggestion for a home made fly repellent that really works. This really stops horses itching and good on humans too. We use Avon skin so soft woodland fresh bath oil and mix it 60/40 with water. I keep it in a spray bottle. Just give a good shake and spray. do a "patch test" first, though even our fairly sensitive chestnut pony is fine with this. We used this whenever he was un-boetted. It does leave an oily residue so not very good on show days.
If you haven't already done so, get in touch with the sweet itch centre (I will look up web address for you). Sorry for the ramble and hope this has been helpful!!
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Post by alien nli on Jun 19, 2007 11:52:15 GMT
Recommend the Avon for midges, we use it on holiday to stop the mosquitoes biting, jolly good idea for ponies too! Also the boett is certainly the best, it does a great job in getting rid of winter fluff as well and it handily collects in the belly section!
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quince
Junior Member
Posts: 105
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Post by quince on Jun 19, 2007 12:46:55 GMT
yep another vote here for the boett, others on my yard have tried all sorts including the snuggy one but the boett is best. Wish I could afford them for all the show horses itchy or not.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2007 12:52:15 GMT
I used the Avon product and my Dartmoor was allergic to it! I use maggot oil from our local animal health stockist, seems to be working.
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Post by Snuggy Fan on Jun 19, 2007 21:17:18 GMT
Snuggy Hoods do the best Sweet itch set, I have tried them all Boett is ok but no where near as good as Snuggys, they also have an excellent after sales service.
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Post by Wiltshire Man on Jun 19, 2007 22:09:40 GMT
I've problem with Snuggy hood as they make bottom mane rub and twist which make hair fallen out easliy because this hood is rather heavy. Now I used Rambo itchy rug (that went over the ear) I find this one is very good and very light, it didn't rub the mane, very breathable even in hot weather, and my horse love this rug, it also keep coat fantastic clean unlike other itchy rug that has lots of hole which allow lots of dirt go in.
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Post by lils on Jun 20, 2007 5:58:36 GMT
Snuggy Hoods do the best Sweet itch set, I have tried them all Boett is ok but no where near as good as Snuggys, they also have an excellent after sales service. I have a Snuggys Brand New Sweet Itch Body for Sale
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Post by skint on Jun 20, 2007 8:14:03 GMT
Hiya What size is it I could well be interested, if you want to pm me that would be great
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