Q. Does the Boett Blanket really work?
A. Emphatically YES. Of the thousands using the Blanket over 95% have reported that their horse has shown a rapid and often dramatic improvement.

Q. Why should I buy a Boett Blanket when there are now other, cheaper, midge rugs available?
A. The Boett Blanket is a totally unique product. It was the first occlusive blanket to be manufactured and it has undergone thorough testing on tens of thousands of horses over the last 23 years and proved itself as the world’s favourite. The design has been constantly improved and the clever fabric is made exclusively for Boett. If you are offered a product "exactly like a Boett" someone is not telling you the truth!

Q. How does it work?
A. Because of its unique fabric (not a mesh that midges might bite through) and clever design the Blanket stops midges biting the skin, preventing the allergic reaction called Sweet Itch. The Blanket is not impregnated with insecticide or midge repellent, avoiding the undesirable side effects often associated with these chemicals. The Blanket can be machine-washed and tumble dried and, if it is accidentally torn, it can be easily repaired

Q. How quickly will I see results?
A. As soon as the blanket is fitted midges can no longer bite the areas most prone to Sweet Itch. However it normally takes from 7 to 21 days for dead and damaged skin cells (the cause of the extreme itchiness associated with Sweet Itch) to be re-absorbed. During that time the horse will continue to show a degree of itchiness.

Q. Should I apply repellent or insecticides under the blanket?
A. No. It is much better to have a clean skin. The Blanket will do its job very effectively and will prevent midge bites on every part that it covers.

Q. Which midge repellent should I use when I take the blanket off to ride my horse?
The blanket is quickly removed for riding, but it is important to remember that the horse can then be bitten. It is quite possible to ride or drive (and even jump) with the blanket in place, but if "street cred" or saddle design precludes this option then 'Spray Gold DEET' should be used while riding without the protection of the blanket.

Q. Is the Blanket waterproof?
A. The Boett fabric is treated with a water- (and grease) repellent during manufacture, so that the Blanket will dry rapidly after rain and not become clogged with grease. However the open texture of the fabric is designed to allow moisture to pass freely through - if the blanket was made waterproof, the horse would sweat too much during warm weather.

Q. Will my horse over-heat in hot weather when he is wearing the blanket?
A. No, the Boett fabric has a shading rather than an insulating effect. Veterinary test results agree with our own observations that horses wearing the blanket are cooler than their field companions exposed to the full sun.

Q. When should my horse start/stop wearing his blanket?
A. This depends on where you live. As a general guide for European countries the blanket should be in place not later than early March and be worn until November. You need to be vigilant and remember prevention of Sweet Itch is better than cure: An increasing number live in their Blanket all year round.

Q. Should my horse wear the blanket in his stable?
A. The Blanket is designed to be worn 24 hours per day, every day by horses at grass. We believe that Sweet Itch horses are much better if they are kept at grass the whole time (thus avoiding the 'boredom factor' in stabling - a stabled horse can spend hours looking for things to rub on and may consequently exacerbate any itchiness). However if circumstances are such that he has to be stabled for part of the day then he should wear his blanket unless you are able to completely stop midges entering the stable - very difficult!

Q. Can I place a rug on top of his Boett Blanket during spring and autumn?
A. Yes. Many owners do so in the early spring and late autumn without problems.

Q. Can I keep the Blanket on when I ride my horse?
A. Yes, during particularly midgey evenings you can ride out with the Blanket in place. The belly-flap and hood (if worn) are removed and the back leg straps loosened. The stirrups conveniently hang below the bottom hem of the Blanket.

Q. I have a young horse that is expected to grow. Should I allow for this when ordering the blanket?
A. No. The blanket needs to be a good fit for his current measurements. If he has outgrown it by the following year there is an enthusiastic market for used blankets that are in good condition. We will happily put prospective purchasers in touch with you.

Q. Will midges crawl under the blanket?
A. Culicoides are not good walkers - they land where they intend to feed and they make their way down the hair shafts to the skin. They will not crawl under the blanket.

Q. If my horse is bitten, for example on his head or legs, will the symptoms of Sweet Itch appear elsewhere on his body?
A. Contrary to traditional belief we are quite sure this is not so - the symptoms appear where the bite occurs.

Q. How often should I shampoo my horse?
A. Regular shampooing (weekly or fortnightly) is well worthwhile. In the early days, pre-Boett we found a noticeable decrease in itchiness with regular shampooing of our affected horses. There is some recent Canadian research that may suggest a possible explanation for this. However DO use a non-allergenic shampoo and always rinse VERY thoroughly.