This is totally dependent on the build and withers height of your horse. We have put together a size chart as an indication that you can follow.

It is best to wear the blanket day and night from the beginning of March until the end of October. This way the horse is always optimally protected against midges.

Your horse's blanket fits well when it fits well on all fronts. In any case, you start by closing the chest closure, then the surcingles and then the leg straps. The blanket should not hang over the tail attachment. It is better to have a few centimetres of buttock exposed than to have the blanket hang a few centimetres over the tail attachment. When a blanket hangs over, it slides backwards more quickly, creating chafing on the chest.

Your horse will do everything to relieve the itch. This often manifests itself in rubbing the mane and tail against everything possible. Think of wooden fences, water troughs, poles, walls, etc. This rubbing can cause broken manes and tail hairs, bald spots, thickened skin on the mane and tail root, and open wounds on the mane and tail. Your horse will also scratch its belly more often than normal.

Yes. Itching is worse than pain. When you put on an eczema blanket the itching will (largely) stay away.

Scientific research has shown that zebras are stung less than animals with a solid color because of their black and white stripes. The blanket reflects the light differently, which gives an annoying reflection for stinging insects.

No. The purpose of a blanket is to keep the organs warm. A neck piece is therefore actually unnecessary. Necks are often used on light-coloured horses. A neck piece also keeps the neck clean. Of course there are exceptions and there will be horses that benefit from wearing a neck piece in the winter against the cold. With fly and eczema blankets it is useful to wear a neck piece, the more of the skin is covered, the less chance there is that your horse will get itchy.

Horses get chafing when a blanket does not fit properly. When a blanket is too big, the blanket hangs over the tail at the back. The blanket can pull backwards, causing it to sit tight around the chest. When the horse is then in motion, it starts chafing.

When a blanket is too small, it is often too tight. Again, the blanket is too tight around the chest and again, the blanket will chafe when your horse is moving.

Of course, it could also be that your horse's blanket fits well, but your horse is sensitive. In that case, you could purchase a chest protector.

Yes! The appropriate fly repellents are Tedax and Edialux Veerust. The spray works temporarily and is mainly used while driving.

It is also wise to put your horse in an open pasture, as midges do not like wind.

Yes, definitely! Derfen specializes in summer eczema products and has a number of products, including Derfen Original Lotion, which care for the wounds and soothe the itching somewhat.

We recommend Derfen Natjely, among others. For the best result in combination with Derfen Derfongen.

Yes, a lot can be repaired. Buckles, girths, chest closures and tears or holes in the blanket. Replace it yourself, or have it repaired as soon as possible, so your horse can't hurt itself on the loose closures. Check out our workshop page for more information.