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The Solution Section (FAQ)
Who is Boett USA?
Per Boett USA, LLC: Boett is the ORIGINAL Sweet Itch Blanket — designed in Sweden since 1992. Per the company: a Swedish company and brand in business for over 20 years, founded by Lisbeth Sundberg who runs the Swedish office.
Boett is a family business concerned with the wellbeing of animals; frequently donates products and funds to animal-related charity organizations worldwide.
How does the Boett Blanket work to prevent Sweet Itch?
Per Boett USA: 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.
Specs:
- Lightweight but incredibly strong
- Fully breathable — will not cause overheating
- Gnats and insects cannot bite through thanks to special weaving technique
- NOT impregnated with insecticide or midge repellent — avoiding undesirable side effects of chemicals
- Can be machine-washed and tumble-dried
- Easily repaired if accidentally torn
How quickly will I see results?
Per Boett: as soon as the blanket is fitted, midges can no longer bite the areas most prone to Sweet Itch. However, it normally takes 7 to 21 days for dead and damaged skin cells (the cause of the extreme itchiness) to be re-absorbed. During that time the horse will continue to show some itchiness.
Should I apply repellent or insecticide under the blanket?
Per Boett: No. Per the company: "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."
What colors are available?
Per Boett USA: available in three colors — light grey, chestnut, and dark brown.
How do I order?
Per Boett USA, LLC: Phone 866.583.6689, email [email protected], website http://www.boettusa.com. Pricing as quoted is subject to change.
What is the Boett Sweet Itch Blanket?
It is a full-body horse rug made from a specially developed technical fabric that acts as a physical barrier against the biting midges that cause sweet itch. Unlike a thin fly sheet, it is heavier and built for continuous 24-hour turnout. Paired with a matching hood, it covers the horse from poll to tail.
What is sweet itch, and what causes it?
Sweet itch, also known as Sweet Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis (SSRD) or Culicoides Hypersensitivity, is an allergic reaction to the saliva of biting midges. Affected horses rub themselves raw, losing mane and tail hair and developing broken, flaking skin. It is found across the USA, Canada and many other regions wherever these midges live.
How does the blanket stop sweet itch?
Because the problem is caused by the insect physically reaching and biting the skin, Boett uses a mechanical barrier rather than chemicals. The dense, light-but-strong fabric is woven so midges cannot bite through it, while the material still lets the horse's skin breathe naturally. Keeping the bugs off the skin breaks the allergy-and-itch cycle.
What is the blanket made of?
It is made of 100% polyester woven into a breathable, fast-drying, shape-retaining fabric. The cloth is both water and grease repellent, so it sheds rain and dirt. It also has an inner conditioning surface intended to keep sensitive, allergic skin from breaking or flaking.
Is the fabric treated with harsh chemicals?
No. Boett states the protective treatment is PFAS-free with no harsh chemicals. This matters for sweet-itch horses because their skin is already irritated and sensitive, so the blanket relies on its weave and finish rather than insecticidal coatings.
Can the horse wear it all day and night?
Yes. 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 designed specifically for round-the-clock turnout during the midge season rather than occasional use.
Is it safe to leave the blanket on while trailering?
No. Boett warns that you should never keep the blanket on your horse while hauling, not even short distances, because it may cause overheating. Remove it before loading and put it back on after the trip.
Does the blanket help the horse's coat, mane and tail?
Yes. Because the horse is no longer rubbing against fences and stalls to relieve itching, horses wearing the blanket keep their full manes and tails and have glossy, clean coats. The inner conditioner also helps protect the skin from breaking or flaking.
Can it reduce the need for cortisone shots or medication?
Boett reports that by keeping sensitive skin protected, the blanket can make extra care or cortisone shots unnecessary for many horses. Results vary by horse, so owners should still work with their veterinarian, but the goal is to manage sweet itch by prevention rather than ongoing treatment.
What sizes does the blanket come in?
The blanket is available in 14 sizes ranging from size 00 (Miniature Horse) up to size 9 (Clydesdale/Shire). Named fits include 1 Standard Shetland, 2 Welsh/Dartmoor, 3 Pony/Standard Icelandic, 4 Cob, 5 Full/riding horse, 5+ Quarter Horse, 6 Riding Horse, 7 Friesian and 8 Large horse/Draft. Boett provides measuring guidance to help you choose.
Is there a matching hood, and what other accessories are available?
Yes. A matching hood/facemask is available in all three colors and 10 sizes for $80.00. Other accessories include a Top & Tail blanket ($149.00), a front-leg cover ($28.00) and udder protection ($16.00), so you can build full coverage for a heavily affected horse.
What colors are offered?
The Boett Sweet Itch Blanket is offered in three colors, with matching hoods available in all three. The blanket follows Swedish design and is produced in Portugal.
How much does the blanket cost?
Pricing depends on size. Examples from Boett USA include $180.00 for size 00 (Miniature Horse), $195.00 for size 1 (Standard Shetland), $279.00 for size 4 (Cob), $299.00 for size 5+ (Quarter Horse) and $309.00 for size 8 (Large horse/Draft). Some sizes sell out, so availability varies through the season.
How do I wash and care for the blanket?
The blanket is machine washable and can be tumble-dried, which keeps it practical given how long it stays in service. Because the fabric is fast-drying, water repellent and grease repellent, it sheds dirt and dries quickly, and it is shape-retaining so it holds its fit through repeated washing.
Who makes Boett, and how long has it been around?
Boett is a family company with roots in Sweden, founded in 1988 by Lisbeth Sundberg, who runs the Swedish office. For more than 30 years the brand has focused on helping horses with sweet itch and insect-related skin irritation, and it is the original blanket of its kind.
Who runs Boett USA?
Boett USA, LLC is run by Caroline, Lisbeth Sundberg's daughter, who lives just outside Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and five rescue dogs. As an animal-focused family business, Boett frequently donates products and supports horses in need.
How do I buy a Boett blanket in the USA?
You can purchase directly from Boett USA online at boettusa.com, which carries the blankets, hoods and accessories and handles wholesale inquiries. You can also reach the brand through its Facebook and Instagram pages at @boettusa for fit and ordering questions.
