Harvey has a nice broad chest, but also a fairly low set neck. Believe me when I tell you that blanketing Harv is a challenge. In the photo left he is wearing a Weathabeeta 81" -- a Christmas gift from several years back. He broke through the first set of fasteners within a month or two. He is about to break the replacements.
Style matters
Harv wears an 81 or 82" blanket. This blanket is long enough -- butt seam is at or beyond his tail. It's just the wrong style. Most blankets fit closely around the neck, no doubt to protect against the wind.
Custom blanket?
Bottom line, Harv just can't wear the blankets that are snug around the neck. He's torn through so many standard blankets, it would be more economical to have one custom made for him! I have had luck with the Hug-style blanket and the Amigos/Horsewear brands. Because I'm a doting mom, I just ordered an Ovation blanket with elastic-front inserts. Will let you know how it goes!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Blanketing: Anyone know of a good tailor?
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what about the ones with no buckles in the front. The slip over the head ones? It fits our rather large quarter horse very well, who has a low set neck.
ReplyDeleteClosed front blankets can be hard to find in the "name brands" I go with. I have owned them, and they work for Harv. I think they're safer too -- the one Harv is wearing in the photo would be a real hazard once the elastic finally goes. He's in his new bankie now!
ReplyDeleteJust in time for the cold weather...
Both my old pony and my TB are horrible to find blankets for. Through my skepticism, I tried Hugs and they worked perfectly. I had to return and re-order one for my pony because it was too short, but the one for my horse was excellent.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Low set neck and broad chest = look for a QH blanket. For Weatherbeeta, that means looking for a "Style B", or a Rambo QH.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried a closed front blanket from Schniders with the "v-free" wither? A study in Michigan showed they put the least amount of pressure on the horse compared to other blankets. They are very adjustable, fit well, and most of them have a 1 -2 year warranty. My mare has been wearing hers for several years and it still looks new!
ReplyDeleteI have found the Adjusta-Fit blankets from Schneiders to fit anything. They also stand behind their guarantee.
ReplyDeleteWhy not stick with the Hugs? They've fit every difficult-to-fit horse I know, and they're worth every penny.
ReplyDeleteKnow a horse with the same problem. Try these blankets http://www.sstack.com/jump.jsp?level=3&itemID=692&itemType=CATEGORY&iMainCat=91&iSubCat=692 , I guarantee you will not be disappointed even if the price for such well made blankets is low. A lot of them have 2 year warranties on them, mostly the 1600- 1800 denier. Look for the V-free ones they have an adjustable strap near the neck.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have other fit issues besides what shows in the photo, but in order to possibly save this blanket as a spare, how about stitching a big 2" x 5" strip of velcro under the straps to hold the front closed and take some pressure off the straps? I've been trying to retro-fit all my blankets w/ velcro as they get cleaned because my horse gets gappage, which irks me.
ReplyDeleteH-m-m-m...thinking. You know they make elastic panels for sewing maternity clothes. Maybe you could get one and put it in in place of the straps. Sew the front of the blanket closed with the maternity panel there. Give Harvey some freedom and elasticity? Just a thought for a determined home sewer.
ReplyDeleteTucker and I have similar problems. The ones that fit him best are the Weatherbeeta Landa blankets with the medium-high neck. The neck style avoids contact with his high wither and it has a broad and very expandable chest. You may already know about those though. He also has a hug-style stable blanket that I like, although by the end of the winter the snap where it attaches at his shoulder gives him a small rub.
ReplyDeleteMy jumper mare had an accident as a 3 year old, where she tore a 4 inch by 4 inch triangle off her chest. Actually, it was a flap, just hanging there. No blankets would work for her, because it would bother her scar. We went with the hug. I am getting one for my Tb mare, because she gets awful blaket rubs on her shoulders and chest (darn thin-skinned Tbs). Out here, in the land of constant rain and wind (think Forks, WA), our horses need a waterproof sheet all year round. My only gripe is that the HUG blankets are 600d. Weatherbeeta (or whomever owns wb now) needs to get on the ball. My dirt devil will rip through 600d! :(
ReplyDeleteWhat blanket did you get Harv?
I'm posting it in tonight's blog, it's an Ovation blanket
ReplyDeletehttp://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=ER90266
Harv likes it, hope it lasts....