This message is from: Lori Albrough <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Robin (and others), how do you accommodate the BIG
shoulders of a
fjord in the typical horse blanket sizing system?
I have heard good things about Rambo, but have never used them.
What I use is the "Hug" blankets. I get them from http://www.blanketnet.com
Hug has a different kind front closure design from traditional blankets.
The front has two flaps which cross over, something like a wrap around
skirt in concept, and the flaps fasten up by the withers with a stretchy
elastic. This elastic allows the front of the blanket to give when the
horse puts his head down to eat and takes up again when he raises his
head. Check out their website for more information on how they work.
You can buy the Hugs in "standard" sizes, but what I have done is made
use of their measuring system on their website at
http://www.blanketnet.com/sizing.html and then have them modify a
standard pattern for my particular Fjordhorse.
For example, for Prisco's blankets, they make their 78" pattern but with
3" off the back and 2" off the drop. This results in a X-Large neck
pattern, the drop of a Large, and the back of a Medium. Fits him great.
Ever since I changed to Hugs I don't have any more shoulder rubs or
wither rubs. The Fjord mane at the withers does get flattened down, but
I see no way around that with any blanket. I am to the point that all my
horses (the ones that are clipped for training, that is) wear Hug
blankets now.
Here is a picture of Prisco wearing his lightweight Hug stable blanket,
http://bluebirdlane.com/prisco-us.jpg
Here are two pictures of Kestrel & Valebu wearing Hug winter blankets.
http://bluebirdlane.com/blanket1.jpg
http://bluebirdlane.com/blanket2.jpg
And here Kestrel models how the front closure works,
http://bluebirdlane.com/blanket3.jpg
Hope this helps.
Lori
--
Lori Albrough
Bluebird Lane Fjords
Moorefield Ontario
519-638-5598
http://www.bluebirdlane.com
Lori's Library of Horse Books
A Collection of Book Reviews on All Things Equine!
http://www.horsebookreviews.com
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