De Meulenkamp rugs
FAQ | Prices
Sweet - Itch Problems?
 The tack shop is very proud to be the sole Irish Supplier of DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs........
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The DeMeulenkamp "Itch-Off" rug was developed by an Icelandic horse breeder in Holland, who was  pleased with the results using other sweet itch rugs, but who resented the very high prices being charged. He decided to invent his own rug and sell it at a price which is reasonable. Along the way, he improved the original, using stronger elastic which does not go loose, darted shoulders and three girth straps to prevent sagging of the belly piece.
Sweet itch rugs have become a recognized treatment and are recommended by numerous vets. The protection works both against insect bites and the sun. Itching is soothed or eliminated completely. Horses calm down and show normal behaviour. The visual impression of a horse with this outfit might make your neighbour smile, the sweet itch sufferer will be quite happy with his or her new looks.
 Sweet itch is a horrible condition brought on by an allergy to midge bites. Lotions, potions, feed supplements and other treatments may help, but the only way to truly help your horse is to prevent him being bitten in the first place. Sweet itch rugs work by preventing midges and flies biting your horse, and also by protecting your horse from injury if he does decide to rub. They work best if you put them on early in the season, before your horse has been bitten and starts rubbing. This varies depending on local weather conditions but in the UK it can be anywhere between the middle of March and the middle of May. In some areas, midges may be present nearly all year round.
What does the DeMeulenkamp Rug do?
True sweet itch rugs are designed to prevent midges from biting your horse, unlike ordinary fly sheets which allow midges in through gaps around the legs, tail and belly. Even some so-called "sweet itch rugs" are no more than glorified fly sheets as their material allows midges to bite straight through the rug!
 DeMeulenkamp rugs are different. They are lightweight and breathable, and very comfortable for your horse to wear, with darted shoulders, shaped back and neck, and plenty of adjustment. The unique material is a very fine yet strong weave to withstand horseplay and completely deter the bites of midges. These rugs are meant to be worn 24/7 whenever midges might be around, and you should not need to stable your horse. They are showerproof, but if they get soaked in heavy rain they dry quickly and can be left on the horse.
Cleaning
The rug can be machine-washed at 40 degrees centigrade / 104 degrees Fahrenheit. You should wash at least every 2 weeks or so - your nose will tell you when.
"Dress Code"
The rug must be worn 24 hours per day during the entire sweet itch season except when working the horse. If you do not keep to this strict dress code, the midges will find their victim easily and your horse will start itching again. It’s fine in the rain - the rug will dry out very quickly on the horse. When riding, apply fly repellent, concentrating on the midline (back and belly), legs, mane and tail area.
Comfort
Horses wearing the rug do not suffer in hot weather. Body motions are not hampered, bodily functions can be performed normally including rolling, suckling foals and even covering. Above approx. 30 degrees centigrade / 86 degrees Fahrenheit the horse may sweat lightly on his chest or neck, but no more than un-rugged horses. We have horses all over the world wearing these rugs, including Saudi Arabia, Dubai, California, Southern Spain, Greece and so on. The rugs are lightweight, breathable and comfortable, and horses are fine wearing them even when it's very warm.
Horses with sweet itch generally understand quickly that the rug is doing them good and will allow it to be put on or off with little or no problems. It is inadvisable to put on a wet rug. For such cases a second, already dry, rug is recommended. But rugs dry very quickly.
Obviously, the rug can’t cover your horse from top to tail. For the bits which aren’t covered, like sheaths on geldings, udders on mares etc, use fly repellent regularly. We find Nettex Stop-Itch, Beelzebug and Camrosa very good. Another thing worth trying is the baby product Sudacrem - it's cheap and effective, and available from Boots or most chemists.
Wear & Tear
With geldings, and certainly with stallions who are more prone to play and fight, the rug should last approx. 2 years; this period may be longer with mares. From time to time you´ll have some needlework to do. Your rug will come in a cloth bag - if necessary, use the bag for patching the rug. If the rug is torn, it will not "run", but it’s advisable to mend the hole as soon as possible. Rugs can be mended by hand or on a normal home sewing machine. Horses and barbed wire do NOT mix. Sweet itch horses and barbed wire are a terrible combination. Please, for your horse’s sake - do not use barbed wire
Frequently Asked Questions about DeMeulenkamp Sweet itch Rugs (FAQ)
Do they really work?
Yes, they do. They can really help prevent sweet itch, and while nothing can cure it, they stop most of the midges biting, so your horse doesn't get as itchy and can live outside in comfort.
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Will I still need fly repellent?
Yes, use fly repellent anywhere not covered by the rug (we recommend Nettex Stop-Itch, especially for geldings' dangly bits)
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Do the rugs have zips?
No, the rug is all in one. You put it on over the horse's head.
My horse is head shy. Won't he freak out?
We've never yet had a horse that refused to have the rug put on. It's almost as if they know it will help. Take your time and be patient and your horse should accept it happily.
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Is the neck cover included?
The neck cover is an integral part of the rug, which comes to just behind the horse's ears and is held there by elastic and the cut of the rug.
Is a hood included?
No, hoods are available separately.
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Do I leave the rug on all the time?
The horse needs to wear the rug whenever he might be bitten by midges (of course you can take it off to ride, just use lots of fly repellent). But PLEASE take the rug off at least once every 24 hours, give your horse a groom and make sure he's comfortable.
Is this rug the same as the Boett?
The design is very similar, and the material is the same as 2005 or earlier Boetts. We prefer this material to the newer "improved" material.
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How is it different?
On all but the tiny rugs there are 3 straps on the belly piece for improved fit. The belly piece is permanently joined onto the rug (with a wide, soft piece of material that passes between the front legs) rather than having straps to rub or come unfastened. The rugs have gusseted shoulders for ease of movement, excellent quality clips and elastic that won't go saggy after two washes.
Is the rug breatheable?
Yes, it is completely breatheable so it can be used on a damp horse, and left on in the rain.
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Is it washable?
Yes, machine washable at 40 degrees - you can even tumble dry it, though it dries really quickly on its own.
How tough is it?
It won't stand up to barbed wire (but then no itchy horse should be anywhere near barbed wire in the first place) and very enthusiastic horseplay may tear it, but tears won't run, and it's easy to mend the rug by hand or with a home sewing machine.
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Can I get spare material/clips etc?
The rug comes in a useful bag which can be used for patching if necessary. Spare clips are available and additional material are available.
It's cold but there are still midges around. What should I do?
Your horse can wear a DeMeulenkamp rug under his normal turnout rug.
Why are they so cheap?
We don't make a huge profit on each rug - we just sell lots of rugs, and keep lots of horses and their owners happy.
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Prices
Sizes 0-2 - €140.00
Sizes 3-6 - €145.00
Sizes 7-10 - €85.00
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