Blanket Recommendation for Draft cross?

[Pleased_As_Punch]

I lease a Belgian cross and, well, she's got a big rump. I recommended to her owner that they consider blanketing this year as she's in all day turnout now. He agreed and said he would reimburse me for whatever I bought. :D

I am in the market for a medium-weight turnout. Does anyone know of any brands likely to do well on a big-butted Draft cross? Or will the chest-to-back-of-tail measurement ensure that I will end up with something that fits well?

Thanks!

[DraftMommy]

Schneiders has a line of "big fella" blankets that do well for drafts or large crosses up to 96" I think. They also have a larger made QH blankets that provide more room for a cross.

[luckles]

I just got a Rambo XL for my big guy. The thing I like about Rambo's is that they last forever. They may cost more, but they are definitely worth it!

[aiken4horses]

I second the Rambo's. I've had some for 5+ years now, good as new, tough as nails.

Their sizing is generous and love how they come way up the neck for coverage.

[bird4416]

My Belgian crosses love their Rambo XL's. Its a great fit for the hefty boys and girls.

[wateryglen]

Usually 84's will do it but what matters more is the depth or sides lengths that the blanket has. Since these horses are so "round":winkgrin: they take up the side lengths a LOT so you want a blanket thats go lotsa extra material there. Where it'd hang to a Tb's knees; it'll probably just clear the under belly line on your guy!! That's why the Rambo's are so popular but there are so many cheaper imitators. I've had Weatherbeetas fit mine well. Figure 2" larger size than he measures.

The thickness matters on whether he's clipped. Since these horses have so much meat & hair on them they really don't get cold outside much ever. I think a waterproof shell would just do it. Something to block wind & water only. Go lighter than you would other breeds IMHO!!! :yes: Especially as they can be fatter easier!!!!:winkgrin:

[BarnBum50]

My guy was not only wide but long and the Weatherbeetas were always the best fit over Rambo & Schneiders. ;)

[Pleased_As_Punch]

Lots of good advice here. I measured my mare tonight and she came out at an 82. Thing is, she's only about 15.2 hh, so my trainer was all "Get the 80! Everything else will be to her knees!" However, upon being reminded of her, ah, roundness, he agreed to start with an 82 and go from there.

[AKB]

Our Irish Draughts fit into their Rambo XLs quite nicely. Nothing else seems to fit them, as their big necks need extra room. I think we got our last blankets at www.adamshorsesupply.com. It can be hard to find the Rambo XLs.

[bird4416]

An 81 Rambo XL would probably fit her as they are generously cut. My 17 hand Belgian/t'bred cross always got shoulder rubs from other blankets but gets no rubs from the Rambo XL.

[Bravestrom]

I use the greenhawks - canada - high neck - I like it because it reduces neck/shoulder rubs - and it comes in 90 - we have 3 that wear this blanket.

[kahjul]

My draftX wears the Amigo. I've tried all the others and these fit her like a glove-no rubbing anywhere and they are pretty cheap. Her lightweight has gone through 3 season, her medium only made it through 1 but we had a bad day!

[nj2]

Our PerchXTB ALex will live the rest of his life in some kind of blanket due to injury that left a big bald patch that sunburns
So at present we have 16 differnt sheets, blankets, unlined waterproof turnouts

HANDS DOWN the 84 regular cut (Not the new freestyle) Weatherbeeta has the best fit and so far he has treated them very well - going on 4 years of continuous use for some of the blankets

we have had an Amigo lite TO that he just destroyed and I was not happy with the fit

I am not a Rambo fan for bigger horses because most I have seen did not fit as I would like - too tight around the shoulders and not wide enough across the chest
But everyone has their own opinions

I am also a great blanket bargain hunter and generally of the opinion that a horse is going to trash and destrop a blanket at some time regardless fo teh price - therefore Im not going to feel as bad losing $100 for a cheaper but fits good brand over at $250 fancy brand
I can replace it several times over if need be - so High priced brands are not a bargain to me