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Discussion on Another blanket question...what type do you use?
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Member:
sdms
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 - 1:04 pm:
Hello, everyone. I know this subject has been talked to death but I wanted to bring it up again. In fact, I seem to remember reading a very similar thread last year but can't, for the life of me, find it. So, if anyone can provide a link to it this one will be short and sweet. 
I have never blanketed my horses. I've always been of the mind that they are tough and their winter coats are sufficient. This was reinforced last winter with my two boys who lived outside with no shelter in one of the worst winters I've seen.
Problem is, now we've gone and bought two mares. One of the mares is 21 and although she's gained weight she's not fat. I saw her several times this spring shivering on a cool morning after a rain and again a couple days ago. I'm considering blanketing her this winter but since I've never blanketed before I'm at a loss about where to start looking. I'd like something that's not too heavy but is tough and would protect her from the elements.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
~Sara
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 - 1:23 pm:
Hi Sara The rainblanket from Bucas[Ire] served me very well. Light resists every attack from for example ayoung very interested friend and 24/7 on without removing each day gave no problems. The old ladies loved it refused to live outdoors without it after a while
Cheaper versions from most of the brands do very well too but this one stayed good for a very long time[even after washing!]
Jos
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Member:
hwood
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 - 1:31 pm:
Hey, Sara.
I have have two styles of WeatherBeeta and another less expensive brand. Both have worked well, but I love the WeatherBeeta. I have three different sizes of the Orican style, and they fit well and rally keep the wet off. They are medium weight and wind and waterproof . . . and they hang down almost to the knees. I can cross and tighten the belly straps nicely and the elastic leg straps can be crossed, twisted and fastened to stay out of the way . . . and I have had no problems with them. They have a smooth, nylon lining that is easy to clean.
I also have one of the plaid styles but it fits very closely across the horse's shoulders, and I don't like the fit as well as on the Orican. I think the Orican is less expensive, too. I think I paid 99 dollars at the Tractor Supply here in Wichita. If Valley Vet has a special on them, you can probably get one or two without having to pay shipping.
I have two heavy-weight less expensive, no-name brands . . . along with several medium-weight ones, and one of the horses got caught in the elastic leg straps. I had them as short as they would go, but the clips are not as good as the ones on the WeatherBeeta brand. Horse was fine, blanket was ruined.
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Member:
ngossage
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 - 3:21 pm:
Hi, Sara. My boy is very rough on his blankets. I bought 2 Rhinos and they didn't last. Holes from bite marks, fence rubbing, and who knows what else. Now I use them as back ups or underneath layers.
I have been pretty happy with both his medium & light weight Rambos. Both are waterproof and give him plenty of room (best fitting blanket I've found for his body type). Surcingles, tail strap, and back leg straps are all still in great shape after 3 years.
Good luck!
Nicole
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Member:
imogen
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 - 3:22 am:
Hi Sara
I find I need two weights for Irish winters - really we are protecting them from persistent rain and saltburn from the sea here, not cold. A light blanket for the first equinoctial gales, then heavier blankets for the December-March period, then lighter blankets again in April.
I have a light Bucas rainsheet like Jos which is fine and also a Horseware light sheet which is better, and strangely is the Rhino brand. I have also had two Rhino heavier blankets that, as Nicole says, did not last well at all even though all are made by Horseware. Avoid those awful front fastenings that are kind of triangular clips, they are a disaster, go for the old fashioned two horizontal straps across the chest.
On the other hand I also have heavyweight Horseware Rambos that appear to be indestructible if you fix the small things - one of mine is 10 years old this year but the horse in question is kind to blankets. I have a Chinese Worldbeater stable rug which is even older - I got it 2nd hand 10 years ago...
All the best
Imogen
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Member:
sdms
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 - 11:48 am:
Thank you SO much everyone. These recommendations give me a good place to start looking. I thought I got lucky finding a WeatherBeeta Orican on Craig's list yesterday but when I measured my mare last night the blanket would have swallowed her! I guess I'll keep looking. Wish me luck!
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