I have a little shetland pony who has a boett sweet itch blanket on. The flies used to drive her mad and she would itch herself to the extent of leaving sores that wouldnt heal. After getting the blanket, she may look odd, but it works and she is a lot happier. She certainly does not rub to the extent that she did. My farrier says that they are effective as he sees a lot of horses wearing them