I'm a huge fan of Horseware Rambo blankets, despite their hefty price tag. In my experience, they fit well, don't rub or shift, and last FOREVER (Cash's Rambo is 16 years old). So, my first choice for Paddy was a Rambo Optimo, because of the shoulder gussets and the option to change out liners.
The problem? It was waaaay too long.
That down-to-your-knees look is just not classy. Or particularly safe.
Paddy made do for a while with Cash's old blankets and Taran's heavyweight, but eventually I decided to try again. This time it was SmartPak's stock horse cut turnout rug. It was supposed to have extra room in the shoulders for those big-chested types, and one of the reviewers said it fit her Haflinger perfectly.
Apparently, my Haflinger isn't actually as big-chested as I thought. Oops.
So gappy, so back to SmartPak it went.
Paddy also tried on Cash's new Wug, but the X closure in the front pulled a bit oddly and seemed like it would rub his shoulders, so that was out. Being the horrible horse-mom that I am, and with the relatively warmish weather we've had, I wasn't feeling super pressed to get Paddy a new blanket. But then Cash's antique Rambo Original (which Paddy had been wearing, although it rubs his shoulders a bit) got munched on by Brego, and we had colder weather forecasted. Plus SmartPak had a sale, so I ordered him the SmartPak Ultimate Turnout Blanket and neck cover, since he's clipped.
One well-wrapped Haffie, complete with gift tags!
It fits better than any of the other options, and I think the shoulder gusset will keep him free from rubs. I don't love the front snap closures, and the leg straps are annoying to have to do up (Rambos don't use them so I'm spoiled). But it fits OK and he seems happy with it - plus it doesn't have any giant Brego-sized rips in it, so that's good, right?
Just in time too - we're forecast to get even more freezing temps this week. Where is spring, y'all?
Warm and Snuggly pony! ;-) You can always remove the leg straps. I have on both my blankets.
ReplyDeleteYeah, some blankets don't stay put as well w/out the leg straps, but we'll see how that one does!
DeleteHorseware do Xtra Wide rugs for draft/vanner types, methinks they should come in cob sizes too.
ReplyDeleteI too hate the x-close front on the new Rambos as they rub Nancy's wider shoulders - they are fine for Kika. But I still prefer the old school fasteners.
I'm going to Equitana Germany at the end of this month and am hoping to hit up the Horseware booth for some Nancy-sized rugs and ask as many questions as i can. I'll find out what sizes they do the XW options with Paddy in mind ☺
Aoife, I agree, the Rambo Original closures seem to work better on the broad-shouldered guys. I did like the Optimo but it was just too long for Mr. Shorty-pants.
DeleteYes, do share about what new products Horseware has! I really love their stuff...
Thanks for writing this - I was just thinking about blankets the other day and trying to decide what would fit my horse. There's such a variety in sizes and styles! Paddy looks very cute in his new blanket, and I hope Brego doesn't munch on it! :-D
ReplyDeleteIt does seem like the best way to find a blanket is just to try a few. Rambo is still my fav, for many reasons - all our other guys have them and they fit great and last forever. Paddy just had to be the special SmartPak one!
DeleteI do think the regular SmartPak blankets are cut well for rectangular horses. Sadly, that means they don't work for super upright and square Pig. Been drooling over those Opitmo's though. Like everything else about it? I'm kind of worried Pig would take advantage of that gusset... and eat it.
ReplyDeleteaww boo that you're getting more cold weather!! it's suddenly gotten very nice and spring-like here (if you can ignore all the white stuff on the ground) and i've convinced myself that we're finished with the cold... hopefully i wont be proved wrong!
ReplyDeleteBut isn't that what you already had and sold me?
ReplyDeleteDouble-check the inside of the shoulder gussets and make sure that the "tab" where they meet at the top is sewn down. Mine wasn't and caused HORRIBLE shoulder rubs on Miles last year.
ReplyDelete