✓Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com·Updated May 2026
Horse wearing the Boett Sweet Itch full-body turnout blanket in light grey
Sweet Itch Blanket by Boett USA, LLC Boett is the Original Sweet Itch Blanket, designed in Sweden since 1992.
What Makes Sweet Itch Blanket Different?
Boett is a Swedish company and brand that has been in business for over 20 years now. Founded by Lisbeth Sundberg, who runs the Swedish office. Boett is a family business and we are very concerned with the wellbeing of animals, we frequently donate products and funds to animal related charity organizations worldwide.
Can Boett Really Help With Sweet Itch?
Boett is the original Sweet Itch blanket, designed in Sweden since 1992. It is proven to relief symptoms of Sweet itch and makes life more comfortable for horses suffering from this terrible condition. The lightweight but incredibly strong material is fully breathable and will not cause overheating, gnats and insect cannot bite through the blanket, thanks to a special weaving technique that is used when manufacturing the fabric. The blanket is available in three colors, light grey, chestnut and dark brown.
How Does The Boett Blanket Work To Prevent Sweet Itch?
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
How Quickly Will I See Results?
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.
Should I Apply Repellent or Insecticides Under The Blanket?
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.
Should My Horse Wear The Blanket In His Stable?
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!
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.
Can I Keep The Blanket On When I Ride My Horse?
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.
Leg Reflector: A three inch wide bright color reflective strip on a soft pile lining. Closes around the leg with both a heavy duty Velcro and a sturdy buckle. Available in eight sizes.
Helmet Reflector: A yellow reflective strip on a stretchy elastic band, choose from pink, orange or yellow elastic. Slips on the helmet and adds safety to any ride. Fits most hats and helmets.
Tail Reflector: Clips on to the riding blanket or the horses tail with a very strong snap. Three 7” long reflective strips to keep you seen from behind as well.
Order Your Boett Blanket Today!
Don't let your horse suffer with sweet itch-- not when a simple solution is just a phone call away! Boett has the answer you have been looking for! For more information about Sweet Itch by Boett and to place your order, please call or email us today! Horse wearing the Boett Sweet Itch full-body turnout blanket in light grey
What is the Boett Sweet Itch Blanket?
Boett is marketed as "The Original Sweet-Itch blanket from Boett," the patented full-body rug that started the entire category in Sweden in 1992. Rather than masking the problem with sprays or impregnated chemicals, it works as a complete physical barrier between your horse and the biting midges that trigger sweet itch. Boett USA, LLC carries the genuine Swedish blanket, hood/facemask, and the small protective add-ons that finish the coverage. It is built for full 24-hour turnout through the entire bug season, year after year.
Boett Sweet Itch Blanket fitted on a horse for midge protection
How a blanket stops midges from biting
Sweet Itch (also called Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis, or Ssrd) is an allergic reaction to the saliva of Culicoides midges, which is why even one bite can set off frantic rubbing of the mane and tail. The Boett fabric is a tightly woven triple-tricot polyester engineered so the gnats simply cannot reach the skin to bite, with no mesh gaps for them to penetrate. Because it relies on weave and coverage rather than repellent, there are none of the side effects associated with chemical treatments. Boett advises against applying repellent underneath, noting that "It is much better to have a clean skin."
Boett breathable triple-tricot polyester sweet itch blanket detailThe fabric: breathable, water-repellent, built to last The blanket is made from a specialty 100% polyester triple-tricot fabric that is fluorocarbon-treated so it sheds water and grease while staying highly breathable. Boett describes a "parasol" effect that reflects sun and keeps the horse cool underneath, which is why the rug is used comfortably in hot climates like Australia and Saudi Arabia without causing overheating. It is lightweight yet incredibly strong, machine-washable and tumble-dryable, and shape-retaining season after season. If a turnout tear does happen, the fabric can be repaired rather than discarded.
Boett reflective elastic collar accessory for horses
The Maker Behind Boett
Boett is a Swedish family company founded in 1992 by Lisbeth Sundberg, who still runs the Swedish office, and the brand has been protecting itchy horses for over 30 years. Boett USA, LLC is the United States home of the original blanket, bringing the genuine Swedish product to American owners rather than a copy. The company is openly focused on the wellbeing of animals, and its veterinary-recommended design is so effective that, as the brand puts it, other rug makers have copied it. Boett USA is based at 4855 Dover Street.
Sizes, colors, and the full sweet-itch system The blanket comes in 14 sizes mapped to real horse types, from Size 00 Miniature Horse ($180.00) and Size 1 Standard Shetland ($195.00) up through Size 4 Cob ($279.00), Size 5+ Quarter Horse ($299.00), and Size 8 Large horse/Draft ($309.00), with a Size 9 Clydesdale/Shire for the biggest builds. It is offered in three colors — light grey, chestnut, and dark brown — and the matching Boett Sweet Itch Hood/Facemask ($80.00) comes in all three colors and 10 sizes. Targeted pieces complete the protection: the Top & Tail blanket ($149.00), Udder protection ($16.00), and a Front-leg cover ($28.00).
What to Expect After Fitting
Boett protects the moment it is fitted because the midges can no longer bite, and the brand notes the damaged skin cells are typically reabsorbed within 7 to 21 days as the horse stops self-traumatizing. Correct fit is essential — Boett emphasizes that "The Boett blanket must fit," using A and B body measurements so it sits close enough that insects cannot get underneath. For many owners this barrier-first approach replaces the cycle of repellents, soothing creams, and even cortisone shots. To order, choose your horse's size and color at boettusa.com, call (866) 583-6689, or.
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 the original Swedish full-body turnout rug designed to stop sweet itch by acting as a complete physical barrier between the horse and biting midges. Boett USA, LLC sells the genuine product, which the brand markets as "The Original Sweet-Itch blanket from Boett." It is designed for 24-hour turnout throughout the insect season.
What is sweet itch and what causes it?
Sweet itch, also called Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis (SSRD) or summer eczema, is an allergic reaction to the saliva of Culicoides midges. When an affected horse is bitten, the allergic response triggers intense itching, usually along the mane and tail, leading to rubbing, hair loss, and broken skin. Because it is an allergy to the bite itself, preventing the bite is the most reliable way to control it.
How does the blanket prevent sweet itch without chemicals?
The Boett blanket uses a tightly woven triple-tricot polyester fabric and a full-coverage design so midges physically cannot reach the skin to bite. It is not a mesh that gnats can bite through, and it is not impregnated with insecticide, so there are no chemical side effects. Boett even advises against applying repellent underneath, stating "It is much better to have a clean skin."
What is the blanket made from?
It is made from a specialty 100% polyester triple-tricot fabric that is highly breathable. The material is fluorocarbon-treated so it is water-repellent and grease-repellent while still letting the horse's skin breathe. It is described as lightweight but incredibly strong and built to withstand sunlight, sweat, and movement for several seasons.
Will my horse overheat in a Boett blanket?
No. The fabric has a "parasol" effect that reflects the sun and helps keep the horse cool underneath, and it is fully breathable so it does not cause overheating. The brand notes it is used comfortably in hot climates such as Australia and Saudi Arabia. Many owners find their horse is more comfortable in the blanket than exposed to constant biting.
Who makes Boett and where does it come from?
Boett is a Swedish family company founded in 1992 by Lisbeth Sundberg, who still runs the Swedish office. The brand has been protecting itchy horses for over 30 years. Boett USA, LLC is the United States home of the original Swedish blanket, so American buyers get the genuine product rather than an imitation.
What sizes does the Boett blanket come in?
There are 14 blanket sizes mapped to real horse types, ranging from Size 00 Miniature Horse and Size 1 Standard Shetland up through Cob, Quarter Horse, Friesian, draft, and Size 9 Clydesdale/Shire. The matching hood/facemask comes in 10 sizes. Boett recommends taking A and B body measurements to choose the right fit.
How much does the Boett Sweet Itch Blanket cost?
Pricing scales with size: Size 00 Miniature Horse is $180.00, Size 1 Standard Shetland is $195.00, Size 4 Cob is $279.00, Size 5+ Quarter Horse is $299.00, and Size 8 Large horse/Draft is $309.00. Always confirm the current price and stock for your specific size on boettusa.com, as some sizes sell out seasonally.
What other Boett sweet itch products are available?
Beyond the full blanket, Boett USA offers the Boett Sweet Itch Hood/Facemask ($80.00) for head and face protection, a Top & Tail blanket ($149.00), Udder protection ($16.00), and a Front-leg cover ($28.00). These pieces complete the coverage on areas the main blanket does not reach, giving the most sensitive horses head-to-tail protection.
How long until I see results after putting the blanket on?
Protection begins the moment the blanket is fitted, because the midges can no longer bite the skin. Boett notes the horse's damaged skin cells are typically reabsorbed within 7 to 21 days once the self-traumatizing stops. From there the mane, tail, and coat can begin to recover over the season.
How do I measure my horse for the right size?
Boett emphasizes that "The Boett blanket must fit" and uses A and B body measurements to map your horse to one of the 14 sizes. A correct fit is essential so the blanket sits close to the body and insects cannot get underneath the edges. The boettusa.com size guide and sizing breeds (Shetland, Cob, Quarter Horse, draft, etc.) help you match your horse.
Can the Boett blanket be washed?
Yes. The blanket is machine-washable and can be tumble-dried, which makes seasonal care straightforward. The durable triple-tricot polyester holds its shape through washing and repeated turnout use. Keeping it clean also supports the brand's advice to maintain clean skin underneath rather than layering on repellents.
What happens if the blanket gets torn in turnout?
Because of the strong polyester construction, a torn Boett blanket can be repaired rather than thrown away. The fabric is described as lightweight but incredibly strong and engineered to defy the continuous stress of sunlight, sweat, and movement. With care, owners report the blanket lasts several seasons.
Is the Boett blanket veterinarian recommended?
Boett positions its blanket as a veterinary-recommended, drug-free way to manage sweet itch, and the brand notes its design has been so effective that other rug manufacturers have copied it. Because it prevents bites physically rather than treating symptoms, many owners use it to avoid the cycle of creams and, at worst, cortisone shots. As always, consult your own veterinarian about your horse's specific condition.
How do I order a Boett Sweet Itch Blanket?
You can order directly at boettusa.com by selecting your horse's size and color, or contact Boett USA by phone at (866) 583-6689 or by email at [email protected]. Boett USA is based at 4855 Dover Street. Confirm current availability for your size, since popular sizes can sell out during peak bug season.
Is Boett better than fly sheets or insect repellents?
Boett is a barrier-first solution: instead of repelling midges with chemicals that wear off, the tightly woven triple-tricot fabric stops them from biting at all, with no impregnation and no side effects. Unlike open mesh fly sheets, the weave is engineered so gnats cannot bite through it. For horses with true sweet itch allergy, preventing every bite is what stops the reaction, which is why owners often turn to Boett after sprays and standard sheets fall short.
