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?
