1. When should I start with a sweet itch blanket?
Try to check when the sweet itch commenced last year and try to be ahead of this period by using the blanket in time. Make sure you use the blanket before the sweet itch season. The use of the blanket when the horse is already itching and grazing, does not result in an ideal situation.
Keep in mind that the weather and the condition of the horse can be of influence to the starting moment of the sweet itch. If it is not clear when the sweet itch commenced last year, just keep a close eye on your horse. As soon as the scratching, itching and rolling starts, it is of utmost importance to immediately put on the blanket.
2. What do I have to do when my horse wears a sweet itch blanket (for the first time)?
When the horse wears a sweet itch blanket for the first time, it is important that you keep a close eye on it for the first days. Take your horse for a stroll directly after having put on his new 'outfit'. The horse has to get used to the blanket quickly and accept it. Normally spoken the horse is adjusted to the blanket quickly, it can even experience the blanket as a liberation: finally free of mosquitos!
3. What do I have to keep in mind when my horse wears a sweet itch blanket?
It is important that both the field and the stables are free of things that can rip the blanket as much as possible. This can cause tears. Furthermore it is important to check whether the blanket is still in the right position, at least once a day. Take the blanket off regularly, a bit of fresh air is always nice for the horse (also see question 6)! Please make sure to carefully fold in any loose ends after rugging the horse. This can be done by winding it around the fastenings.
4. How do other horses react to a horse wearing a sweet itch blanket?
Every horse in each herd is unique, the reactions can therefore vary. Often it goes as follows: most horses in the herd come and have a look at the horse that is wearing a blanket for the first time. In general horses in a herd are being accepted as always. With a mare and a foal there is no problem in drinking. When a mare gets covered, it is important that she only wears a neck blanket and not a rug. A rug can get in the way and a neck blanket will not really bother a stallion, generally spoken.
5. How long will an Ivanhoe sweet itch blanket last?
This is not easy to predict. The lifespan depends amongst others on the nature of the horse. Furthermore the accomodation and fields are determinative for the lifespan. An accomodation with fencing with few sharp edges, corners and objects, will contribute towards a longer lifespan.
6. How do I maintain my Ivanhoe sweet itch blanket?
Shaking out the blanket on a regular basis (at least twice a week) enables the fabric to keep on breathing and makes it dry quickly after a shower. For the same reason washing of the blanket on a monthly basis is of great importance. The blanket can be washed in the washing machine at 30 degrees Celcius. Concerning damage: as soon as the blanket is damaged, we advise you to repair the damage as soon as possible. This prevents the blanket from ripping any further.
7. Can the sweet itch blanket be repaired when it has been damaged?
When damaged 'normally', the blanket can be repaired without any problem. The fabric is relatively thin and can therefore be repaired on all domestic sowing machines. It is however important that the damage arised is being repaired as soon as possible. This prevents the fabric from tearing any further. You can buy special 'repair sets' at www.ivanhoe-products.com or at one of the dealers. The repair set contains a cloth of Ivanhoe fabric, elastic band (of 20 mm and of 40 mm) and buckles (of 20 mm and of 40 mm).
8. Are the Ivanhoe sweet itch blankets and rugs safe?
Ivanhoe Horse Equipment takes the utmost care with the development of her neck blankets, rugs and hoods. Next to a user description, each Ivanhoe Horse Equipment rug is accompanied by a safety instruction. In there you will find information on how to deal with the Ivanhoe sweet itch rugs in a safe way.
Has your question not been answered yet?
Then please fill in your question below. It will be sent to Ivanhoe and you will receive an answer as soon as possible. Should Ivanhoe not be able to answer your question, we will inform you about that. In that case we recommend you to contact your vet.