Blanket Vent - Quality Issues

[jumpsnake]

From a Tack Shop Owner's perspective -
Weatherbeeta is the absolute worst in terms of quality verses customer service.

Yes, their blankets fall apart. Yes, the company is aware of it.
But NO, they do not stand behind their products.

When we sell a Weatherbeeta prodcut to one of our customers and the item does not hold up to normal, everyday use, the company simply will not accept the return. It leaves the Tack Shop in a bad situation. In our case, we replace the product with a different brand and call the defective product a loss. But this shouldn't be.

I don't think it's simply a fact that the blankets are made in China. I believe that the quality control simply is not there. Over the years, Weatherbeeta products have been made cheaper to save money here and there and as a result, you have parts of the blanket that just will not hold up. (in this case, the lining. Several years ago, it was the buckles)

Invest in a Rambo. (not a Rhino or an Amigo, they do not compare) Yes, the cost is quite a bit higher up front, but it will long outlive any other blanket out there.

One wonders why you continue to carry WB if you know it is possible (indeed likely if this thread is any indication) that you will have to take a loss? On the other hand, kudos to you for keeping your customers happy!

[Void]

Last year I bought a Rider's International NorthWind turnout for my extremely tough on blankets TB and so far it is still going strong *crosses fingers*

[kgro632]

I was just going to ask if anyone had used Pessoa. I've had one for 6 years now and really, really like it a lot. Its in great condition still and is used from Dec - Feb. I like that its quilted and the weight is good for us in Fl. Never had any problems with rubbing either.

I just went on the search and found the very same one for my newest horse. Gotta say: HorseLuvers got it here in two days!

Do you turn your horse out in it?

Mine's a Turnout blanket medium weight, pretty blue plaid....rubs my geldings shoulders bald with a shoulder guard and ripped within a month of using it.

If he was in a stall I'm sure it would hold up fine, but then again I'd get him a stable blanket if that where the case.

I'm thinking Rambo wug will be his next blanket.

[SmplySweet1021]

Thanks for all the info guys!!! Now just a big girl job to afford Mr. Bobo and I will be in business

[MintHillFarm]

Imjumpin - I should check all the Rambos I have and see where they are made. Your point is well taken.

It is up to any company to oversee quality. So, while the Made in China issue on the negative side may apply to some products, the company whose name is on the label is, in the end, responsible. Weatherbeeta has sacrificed quality for a cheaper product.

I have never purchased a Big D nor seen one in person yet...

[goodmorning]

For a good inexpensive sheet, I like the Centaurs. They actually fit my big TB, no rubs, and have held up well, somehow?

I do like the Rambo/Rhino line but they rub the gelding, are fine for everyone else. I also don't think they are breathable, FWIW. We have major temp swings here & they can lead to a sweaty horse. I think they are overpriced, however.

My favorite is one particular line form Schenider's. I've found that the other lines are not up to par, so I don't even bother. I ordered a different line from them once, because they had a better color option, and it wasn't waterproof! I sent it back, they didn't dispute it with me. I did mention that the product line was not nearly as nice as the other that I usually order, and the rep agreed, maybe that's why they didn't put up a fight Triple Crown also makes lovely products. Saratoga Horseworks is OK, but you have to watch out for quality as well. Blue Ribbon is nice. I was given a Dover heavyweight blanket w/neck attachment for Christmas last year. I don't think it's as warm as the Schneider's or Rambo with the same fill, but it doesn't lead to rubs and is waterproof, and on it's second season without a scratch. I have an old Bucas blanket that I inherited somewhere along the way, and it's a great blanket as well. Must be 10yrs old, at least.

Pessoa & Weatherbeeta (spent a lot of $$$ on the Take to have it last FIVE days!) are terrible, IMO.

[dalpal]

This year, I tried the Smart Pak blankets...I think The Supreme...whatever the most expensive ones are, b/c they came in size 87. So far, so good.

My older Weatherbeetas were definitely higher quality and lasted longer than the new ones. I attempted re-waterproofing with no success.

Totally agree. I am fortunate enough to own a 2002 Penguin Model with Doeskin Lining, full neck cover. That blanket has been amazing. I think I paid 250.00ish dollars for it back then.

It is the only non Rambo/Bucas that I own.

I wouldn't buy a new Weatherbeeta, they are not the same.

[mvp]

Time to think outside the box?

From a Tack Shop Owner's perspective -
Weatherbeeta is the absolute worst in terms of quality verses customer service.

Yes, their blankets fall apart. Yes, the company is aware of it.
But NO, they do not stand behind their products.

One wonders why you continue to carry WB if you know it is possible (indeed likely if this thread is any indication) that you will have to take a loss? On the other hand, kudos to you for keeping your customers happy!

Yeah. Not to diss you, but why do tackstores do business with these guys? Yes, I know they are a huge distributors. But they do find the cheapest sources of material and labor they can, changing their products as need. They *cannot* be contacted except through tack stores. I wouldn't want that "middle man" job.

I have never purchased a Big D nor seen one in person yet...

You're just on the Wrong Coast, honey. They are made in NorCal I believe. In the past, I remember them being cut for big-butted QH types. But I think you can get them to build what you want.

BMB is another custom/western manufacturer.

I used to get nice blankets from Jack's Manufacturing long, long ago. Has anyone seen those lately?

MintHillFarm, you can order Jack's Manufacturing stuff through Jack's Turf Goods (no relation). They are at Vernon Downs and advertise regularly in _HorseBits_ up where you are. That's Central New York for the rest of you.

[lilypondlane]

Another huge fan of Rambo's here, but had an "Aha!" moment reading that they are now made in China. Explains alot! My old Rambo's (from the 90's) are still around, still in excellent condition, but the newer ones -- not so much. Lining material is cheap and flimsy, for one thing. Tail flaps get ripped off easily. Even the buckles aren't as strong. Disappointing, to say the least. The Rambo's have them all beat when it comes to ease of putting on/taking off, though. I just wish they were still made in Ireland.

[justathought]

I too find one particular line of Schneiders are particularly good and a great value given their price.

The Dover Riders blankets also have held up well for the price.

I am inclined to try the Big D blankets next time I need one.

I hear that Rambos are great ---- I just find the upfront cost a bit tough to tolerate.

[SmplySweet1021]

How do Big D's typically fit? True to size or do they run big/small?

They have a great deal on Turn out Sheets right now, unfortunately 78" is sold out but others are 49.99

[Doctracy]

I bought a weatherbeeta back in the mid-90s. It never did fit any of my horses. I finally threw it away since it was so weird shaped.

[greaymare]

Which line from Schneider"s??

[Saddith]

I have used weatherbeetas in the past, the only one that held up and that I still use is a stable blanket. Wish they still made those! The other rain sheets either fell apart, or they make him sweat (non breathable). Fit was OK, for the price.

This year I broke down and bought a Kensington Roustabout. Beautiful blanket, well made and is made for CA weather (temps that swing from one end to the other). So far, it has done beautifully although my horse is NOT hard on blankets. They make a cutback version, and a euro neck version. I also like the strap connectors - they are like leg clips, not the tbars you find on every other blanket. They offer a lifetime warranty, except it states that you can at anytime return the blanket and get 50% off your next blanket. They will clean and repair your old one and donate it to a horse charity. They also claim to be US manufactured and made, here in CA. If I have the cash, I think I will pick up another one at the EA this year.

My next blanket purchase, I think I am going to try a HUG (from HUG, not dover).

I ordered from Schneiders, and the blanket did not fit him at all. I put it on him for about 5 seconds and put it right back in the wrapper. Return was easy, but it took them 2 weeks to refund my money. Quality seemed decent though. I too am curious which line everyone likes? I would guess it is the Marathon line? The blanket I ordered ad returned was the tekno-fleece one.

[MintHillFarm]

Interesting that perhaps Made in China from some years ago is not the same as Made in China in 2008> now?

It comes down to the company name on the label to take responsibility for what comes over from China (or elsewhere)...

When I think of paying $80.00 for a Weatherbeeta turn out sheet (sounding like a good price for a quick purchase for a horse in need) what does the retailer pay for it then? 40.00? And then what does the assembler in China (or elsewhere) make on it? 10.00? No wonder that these items are generally crappy, right?

[caqh]

Thumbs up for Big D and BMB

Here's another vote for Big D and BMB. I love Big D for the same reason I love my True Religion jeans--custom made for the curvy set! My 15.3 Appendix only had Big D clothes. She wasn't particularly hard on her clothes, but her waterproof turnout lasted 4 winters with me, and then I donated it to one of our eq team horses (who lived out 24/7) and it lasted him another 3 winters. Lining ripped once or twice, leg strap needed restitching once or twice, but other than that I cared for it myself. Machine washed with Nikwax waterproofer and it was good as new. Great colors, exceptional quality (love that the straps are secured with leather!), and nice options (love the closed fronts--we western folks don't like to bother with front closures, lol).

Friend of mine has a warmblood, and her whole barn ("A" barn) uses custom BMB's as their blankets of choice.

Among the many reasons why I'm looking forward to horse ownership again is to order a custom Big D wardrobe for the new beast. :-)

[rugbygirl]

Big D blankets in my experience as well, seem to fit "curvy" types. Athletic horses with well muscled shoulders and necks. They seem to size a TINY bit big. I had my 15.2hh 3 year old Arabian wearing a size 69...his other size 69 blanket was always a little tick short of his tail, but the Big D fit perfectly.

My tank of a filly couldn't share that blanket as a weanling, though she also measured for a 69, the neck opening was just a little big for her baby neck and chest.

[goodmorning]

I too am curious which line everyone likes? I would guess it is the Marathon line? The blanket I ordered ad returned was the tekno-fleece one.

It was this line. However, mine were tan & burgandy, one solid color. The changed it this year, it seems, but I haven't had to order any because they have help up great. I've always done the 1680D, FWIW
http://www.sstack.com/euro-turnouts/...-euro-extreme/

I tried a New Briton one, and it was horrendous! I also bought a Stormshield Viking two-tone one, not a great sheet, IMO - but for $50? I don' think it would hold up to the 3" of rain we had yesterday! The Centaur, Rambo, and Schneider's all have held up great in this weather (for multiple seasons), with the Rambo being the one that leaves me worried on days where the temp fluctuate with the morning at 45f and the afternoon pushing 56f. I don't like the breath-ability and have had a sweaty horse in this sheet, which makes me worry. But then again, 10f to 55f in 36hrs is quite the temperature swing

[Sonoma City]

I've had great luck with the Dover Northwind turnouts blankets. They are 1680D, and put against a Rambo the fabric is definitely stronger. My horse is rough on blankets, and hasn't managed to rip the Northwinds since I started buying them two years ago. While Dover might be difficult to deal with for returns if you go through the mail order (they can't exactly send a brand new blanket out to everyone who says they have an issue, which I completely understand), they are great if you bring things back to the store. I had a sheet that had lost some of it's water proofing after a season. I brought it in completely muddy, in a trashbag, and they replaced it with a brand new one with no problem.

[MintHillFarm]

I am very anti - Dover (over the phone anyway) at this point in time. And I am hundreds of miles away from one of their stores or I would probably go in. The in person approach is likely much better.

I may just have to give Big D a try next time.