Need blanket suggestions!

[ShayDarra]

My mare is a Clyde/TB cross who is 15.3 and 1200 lbs. Last year her turn outs were both 75" Weatherbeetas - one Orican and one lighter weight Landa. Her actual measurement is 78", but I know that Weatherbeetas tend to run large. My 78" TB is just fine in his 75" Weatherbeeta. This year it looks like she's gotten a bit thicker in the neck and even on the loosest hole, they are going to be a little too tight in the neck when she's out grazing.

From what I've been able to find, the "warmblood" fit blankets all seem to start at size 80". Anyone have any experience with any really good, durable (min 1200 denier) turnouts that may run a bit more generous in the neck measurement that would fit a full figured, but not really big mare?

And what about turnouts with the "Hug" closure system. Anyone have experience with them?

Thanks,

SD

[Trevelyan96]

My TB has a huge girth, so although he wears a 78", they are always too tight in the shoulder area and don't cover him well. I bought him the Riders' Full fit from Dover, which comes in all weights, and it fits him fantastic!

Oh, and the one I bought him 2 years ago is still in great shape!

[ShayDarra]

I looked at Dover and didn't find one labeled "full fit". Do you perhaps have the "warmblood fit"? That one appeared to be cut fuller throught the body and the sizes started smaller than some of the others I've seen.

Thanks,

SD

[Simkie]

Rambo XL.

[ShayDarra]

Looked up the Rambo XL on Dover and found that they are pretty proud of that blanket! Do you own one? Do you feel that the price is comparable to the quality and longevity? The fit sounds like what I need, but would want some personal endorsements before ordering one. Because I also want a matching sheet, I'm looking at a pretty good investment. I live in Texas near Houston, so we don't have really harsh winters, but I'm getting ready to clip the girl since we work pretty hard during the winter and need to have the blankets in the ready position.

Appreciate your feedback!

SD

[jubilee43]

I found this list very helpful


http://www.chicksaddlery.com/HJBlanketReview2008.pdf

[jazzrider]

For durability and quality, you really just can't beat Rambo. I think you'd have a hard time finding someone who doesn't agree that Rambo's are great. But paying $250 for a blanket can be hard to swallow. I used to have to only have Rambos on my guys because I had a boarder horse that was very destructive to blankets. Now that he's not here anymore, I very happy to be able to buy less expensive (but less durable) blankets and have them last for years. I'm particularly fond of Dover's Rider International Supreme blankets, and they work fine for my husband's horse, who sounds a bit like yours (thick necked).

[iownapaint]

While still expensive, there's this on eBay...
http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-Rambo-XL-Turnout-Blanket-Heavy-Weight-78_W0QQitemZ160296498607QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item16 0296498607&_trkparms=72%3A1207%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C 240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[pattnic]

I got a "Hug" flysheet for my mare this summer. While it allowed her to freely stretch her neck to graze and caused no rubs, the damn thing would always shift to either one side or the other.

[CurlyLindsay]

I really like the HUG sheets and blankets for my wider heavier horses.

In the UK they sell an extender panel: http://www.shiresequestrian.co.uk/shop/images/P/93Ed.JPG but I've never seen anything like that in the states.

[Cloverbug]

As someone who cleans and repairs horse blankets here's what I see as far as repairs.
Weatherbeetas are okay. They don't always tend to hold up if you have a horse that rough on blankets and likes to play with their buddies. I'm also not sure what Weatherbeeta's been thinking about some of the material choices they use with their blankets. They are very poor and not holding up to the wear and tear of the horse.

Schneiders - good quality and hold up. They also have a few that are for the fuller figure horses :) They also wash nicely and some of the models have the adjusta fit shoulders. http://www.sstack.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=9147&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=91&iSubCat=549&iProductID=9147

Rambos/Rhinos - they are great but more pricey. They wash nice and hold up well

Dover brand - I see lots of repairs on these and they don't seem to hold up well. Also the ones that have the clips for the front closure tend to break the clips.

Hugs - another one I see lots of repairs. The buckle system is made of plastic and the elastic tends to break.

Shires - very similar to Rambo's & Rhino's hold up well but can pricey

Passoa - okay. Haven't been around long enough to really got a good idea on them

[Trevelyan96]

I looked at Dover and didn't find one labeled "full fit". Do you perhaps have the "warmblood fit"? That one appeared to be cut fuller throught the body and the sizes started smaller than some of the others I've seen.

Thanks,

SD

It looks like they're calling it a 'european fit' on the website.

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

I love the Hug blanket--no rubs and very adjustable. I've converted most of the barn over the last 2 years too.

I got one for my new horse for $90 in the "clearance" portion of the Dover sale catalogue (last one, not the new one that just came out).

[Ainsley688]

Just don't buy the Hug blankets if it's really windy (the flap blows around in the wind, since it is not secured down near the bottom, just at the top...) it always annoyed me, lol. Also, they are not very durable. The Tiger beast had one and my sisters blanket-killer of a pony destroyed them in short time. BUT, if you are fortunate to not have your horse turned out with a blanket-killer, than they're fine.:lol:

[lohsela]

Love the HUG blankets... they are a little less durable then others, but they do offer the best fit around and now that they come with double belly straps they are more secure. The Hugs are the only blankets that fit my 16h TB...

[summerhorse]

I love the HUGs too. Mine aren't hard on blankets so that works out OK and the weird shoulder girl is free from rubs. Previously the only blanket that didn't rub her was the Weatherbeeta Extreme (no longer made but I'd imagine that they are similar to current ones). But it finally wore out after 10 years or so and went from heavy to medium weight and is easier to tear now.

[Candle]

Schneiders are freaking awesome!!! I had a short, thick, really thick necked Conn/TB pony, and her blanket was Schneiders. Inexpensive, great quality, and fit really well.