Sweet Itch Mask

The Snuggy Hoods Sweet Itch Mask offers excellent coverage for face, ears and eyes and is designed to be used with the Bug Body (attaches with D-ring and velcro loop) or with a full high neck fly rug/summer sheet. We recommend the Sweet Itch Mask for the following uses - Sweet Itch prevention & allergy/fly/insect/UV ray protection.

This unique Sweet Itch Mask has built in ears and mesh eyes. It is lined in the mane area behind the ears with a silky fabric and has elasticated adjustment in multiple places for a close, secure fit. The Sweet Itch Mask comes either as a pull on or zipped option for easier fitting.

Constructed of a robust yet lightweight and fully breathable fabric which prevents insects biting, and is also heavy showerproof, stops coat bleaching (harmful UV rays) whilst keeping your horse or pony clean!

The optional zip runs from chin to under the neck. Without a zip the Sweet Itch Mask is 'pull on' so simply slip over the nose and pull backwards into position.

Designed for use with the Bug Body Fly Rug but is suitable for use with any full neck fly rug or summer sheet. Also ideal for use with the Headless Sweet Itch Hood for optional face coverage. The Sweet Itch Mask will attach to the Bug Body neck or Headless Sweet Itch Hood with a metal D-ring and strong velcro loop for security. A velcro loop is included at the top of the neck of both the Bug Body and Headless Hood - this is there to loop through the metal D ring provided with every Mask - for extra security.

A spare Velcro loop is provided so the Sweet Itch Mask can be attached to the neck of an alternative rug for added security. We strongly recommend customers attach the Sweet Itch Mask to a rug neck as instructed in the fitting information sheet. If you need help with this please contact us before using the Mask.

ZIP OR PULL ON ? - we would always recommend a pull on hood unless the horse is head shy. Why? Less fiddly, Less to break, Less Bulky. If your horse is head shy or would find fitting stressful or upsetting, we would always recommend a zipped hood.

*** Please note that the BROWN Mask has BLACK mesh cover the eyes ***

What is Sweet Itch?

Sweet Itch is caused by an allergic reaction to the bites of the Culicoides midge and, to a lesser extent, Simulium Equinum. At present there is no known cure for Sweet Itch. Once an equine develops the allergy it is generally affected every Spring, Summer and Autumn. There are two approaches to improving the comfort of an affected animal: to minimize the allergic reaction with corticosteroids, anti-histamines or soothing lotions or to minimise midge attack using a Sweet Itch Rug. The second method offers the most effective protection and avoids the need to use harsh chemicals, expensive repellents and messy oils or greases. The Snuggy Sweet Itch Rug has been approved by Veterinary professionals for the prevention of the midge bite allergic reaction.

• XXXS - Miniature Horse

• XXS - Miniature Horse/Shetland (34″ and under), Small Pony Foal

• XS - Around 11.2hh, Small Shetland, Small Section A, Lead Rein Show Pony, Small Riding Pony - wearing a  Small Pony-Shetland Bridle. Usually wearing 4’6″-4’9″ Rugs

• S - Around 12.2hh, Heavier Section A, Dartmoor, Section B, 12hh SHP 
Small Pony – Pony Bridle. Usually wearing 5’0″ Rugs

• S/M - Around 13.2hh, 13hh SHP, Larger Sec B, 13.2 Show Pony (Bigger Fronted) Pony Bridle lower holes. Usually Wearing 5’3″ or 5’6″ Rugs

• M - Around 14.2hh, 14hh SHP, Section C, Exmoor, Fell, 14.2 Riding Pony, Small Arab Pony lower holes -Cob Bridle middle/higher holes. Wearing 5’6″ to 5’9″ Rugs

• M/L - Around 15hh-15.2hh, SHP, Finer TB, Small Highland,  Anglo Arab, larger Sec D, Andalusian type, Sports horse, Quarterhorse Connemara type wearing Cob (middle/lower holes - Full Bridle (middle - higher holes). Usually wearing 6’0″ to 6’3″ Rugs

• L - Around 16.2hh Large sports horse/IDX, Large Spanish horse, Sports horse, Lightweight Show Cob, Full Size Bridle on middle/lower holes. Usually wearing a 6’6″ to 6’9″ Rugs

• XL - Up to 17.2 Irish Draft, Large Warmblood, Heavy Show Cob, middleweight Hunter, Extra Full size Bridle (middle/lower holes), Usually wearing 6’9″ or 7’0″ Rugs

• XXL - 17.2hh+, Heavyweight Hunter, Shire, Clydesdale, Percheron, 7’3″+ Rugs, made to measure Bridle

• robust yet lightweight
• fully breathable fabric which prevents insects biting
• heavy showerproof
• stops coat bleaching (harmful UV rays)

Check out our product/fitting video!

Please make sure to study our Fitting Advice and Size Guide pages for further information. You will also find helpful videos on fitting your product properly.

PLEASE BE INCREDIBLY FUSSY WITH THE FITTING OF ANY PRODUCT COVERING THE HORSES FACE. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HORSE UNATTENDED UNLESS YOU ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE HORSE IS HAPPY AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THE FIT. IF UNSURE, PLEASE REMOVE IT IMMEDIATELY AND CONTACT US, OR PHOTOGRAPH IT ON YOUR HORSE IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO CHECK.

AS WITH ANY ITEM, ILL FIT CAN CAUSE RUBBING AND CAN MOVE WHICH CAN BE DANGEROUS. THAT SAID, WE MUST ADD, THAT THE BEST FITTING HOOD AND RUG CAN MOVE IF CAUGHT ON SOMETHING OR RUBBED OR PULLED AT. UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS.

• machine wash
• up to 40 degrees cycle
• fast spin
• can be refitted damp

(tumble dry not recommended)