Review: Weatherbeeta Blankets

So as you may have noted, I am a big Weatherbeeta fan. I own a range of their rugs now, and feel like I should put some reviews out on the internets for others to find.

For those of you who don't know my horses, I own 1 OTTB and 1 Mostly-TB who miraculously are entirely different body types. Foxie, my OTTB is "Kentucky Built" - broad shoulder who takes a MW tree, long but not particularly high wither, "shapely all the way around. She takes a 78 in 99.9% of blanket brands.

Bailey is more of a "typey" TB despite the 1/4 of her heritage that includes Holsteiners and Hanovarians. She is slim shouldered, with an upright neck connection, no real contour change between her barrel and shoulder, and is slim but deep chested. She is short backed and has relatively high withers. So far, she's about a 75.

I actually own a good part of their line, and we will start with the budget:

The Genero.

I own two Genero 1200D turnout sheets as rain coats for my girls:

The fit is quite nice on Bailey (on the snuggest holes) and I think it will get better as she gains muscle. On Foxie, the neck gapes a bit as it catches on the point of her shoulder and as there is no shoulder gusset, doens't have a flat "seam" against her neck. The material is nice (perhaps not *quite* as nice as the material on the higher end blankets) but is distinctly rip stop. Hardware is basic, and I do miss my Quick Clip fronts, but is sturdy and hasn't shown damage or any signs of rust. Leg straps were fine quality, didn't rub the horses, but did stain (grey in color like the binding). Full nylon lining, regular tail flap, nice drop on both horses. No blanket rubs, even without slinkies. I bought mine on discount for about 65$ but probably would have paid 80$. I do prefer the nylon shoulders / mesh lining, but turnouts like that are quite expensive and harder to find. 

The Original.

Bailey has a WB Original Detatch-A-Neck Medium.

This blanket is a 1200D euro-style blanket with a standard tail flap, nice long drop (a trend in all the Weatherbeetas I own) and the safe detatch-a-neck that I really appreciate. Again, I am missing the quick-clip front but the hardware is all sturdy, the straps are well sewn in, etc. I find the neck cover to be a bit stiff, but I think a washing would soften it up. The 1200D feels like a little "step up" from the Genero 1200D - but both are unblemished. Again, no rubs or shifting, the fit really works for Bailey's shoulders and offers great protection.

April Update: Bailey's pasture mates have put a few small holes and snags in the blanket. However, the hardware is still perfect and the ripstop is doing it's job. This blanket will get washed, repaired and pulled out again next year.

The Freestyle.

Finally, we come to Foxie's clothes - two different models of the Weatherbeeta Freestyle Detatch-A-Neck. These blankets are really the cream of the crop, and they fit Foxie's shoulder like a glove. When they say "cupped shoulder dart" they really mean it, and it's a fantastic bit of design. These blankets are also 1200D, with lovely extra large tail flaps, detatch-a-neck and quick clip fronts. One has the "Comfort Cuff" front and both have the withers pad.

These are even the same colors as Foxie has! Her heavy is probably 4-5 years old at this point, and is just starting to fade a little bit on the outside. Otherwise, both are going strong with only some minor snags after being out with several large turnout groups and worn for a months each year in the cold. We tried Foxie's blanket on as a sizer for Bailey and the shoulder appears to work better for your bigger horses - the slab shoulders fit better in a Euro so far.


Why do I do this? We're currently at a "feels like" of -31, and my horses are not freezing to death. I have never (knock on wood) come to the barn to see a destroyed blanket or a blanket that is soaked through. Weatherbeeta has taken really good care of us and thus, this review.

Stay warm!
Ash, Bays and Fox. 

With Love from Minnesota

Hello Bloglings,

Greetings from Minnesota! As I drove to work this morning my outside temperature indicated it was -4 degrees, and the snow squeaks under my tires - it is COLD!

This winter, with Foxie seeming like she isn't running quite as warm as she used too, and the skinny 4-year old not growing in the coat I was expecting, I have been blanketing off of the horse.com guide:

50-60 degrees - sheet
40-50 degrees - Light blanket
30-40 degrees - Light/Medium blanket
20-30 degrees - Medium/Heavy blanket
Below 20 - Heavy blanket

Bailey has a fresh modified Irish clip as of a few days ago, and Foxie is being left in her full hairy glory, as she really doesn't work hard enough to warrant a clip. I am growing quite fond of my new Schneider's blanket liners, which I loved the idea of and have found that they proved themselves thus far 110%. As I've probably said several times on this blog, I HATE fleece as a blanket liner. It gets static-y and I have found that most of the liners I've seen tend to slip, rub or stretch, making them an investment that doesn't last long. The Schneider's blanket liners are ultra light weight and offer a nice slick nylon outside that doesn't rub the coat or cause static thus far. The liners stay in place with the leg straps of the outside blanket and actually STAY in place, which is amazing. They are 150g of warmth and so far have been used under rain sheets for chilly days and Bailey is wearing one under her Medium blanket from Schneider's to push it up to a heavy for this freezing weather.

Speaking of Bailey's medium...

You can find the review below this post right here on this blog!

Right now, Bailey has the following blankets:

Weatherbeeta Genero 1200D T/O Sheet
Weatherbeeta 1200D Original Detatch-A-Neck Medium
Schneiders 1680D Attached Neck Arctic Combo (Medium)
Schneiders Blanket Liner (180 grams)

Right now she's wearing the liner and the Arctic Combo, for a total of 400 grams, the warmest option she can be wearing. So far, I'm quite pleased with the current lineup -a less heavy neck for days above 20 or so, a heavier one for the really cold days and the option of a regular, neck-less medium should I want it. I feel that the Arctic Combo, with it's lined neck, is much warmer than the standard medium and functions as a heavier-than-medium blanket that can be used before we get to the blanket + liner stage. Perhaps I'm a madwoman. Perhaps I should just buy a blanket in the proper weight. But I'm pretty darn satisfied with this selection, which is all that matters.

I also am pleased to have two "extras" for just in case type days - a rain sheet and a medium, and part time, the infamous 80 gram enigma blanket. I really like the idea of the 80 gram but haven't quite found a replacement that I'm truly happy with (it's been with Foxie almost as long as I've owned her and is really sun faded / not very waterproof, also the fate of the medium mentioned above) so it will stay around as an under blanket or no-rain blanket until I find something that works.

In an attempt to reel you readers in, how do you blanket? What weights of blanket do you keep "on tap" for your corner of the world?

Kicking On,

Ashley, Foxie and Bailey

Review: Schneiders 1680D Arctic Combo

I have been pretty invested in watching this purchase like a hawk, as my first Schneider's blanket. It was bought because I was tight for cash, needed a blanket and couldn't afford a Weatherbeeta at the time, and is turning out to be quite a good deal for my needs. If you're looking for a blanket, here are my thoughts:

Fit:
Overall, I'm quite pleased. I am spoiled by the Weatherbeeta blankets, and thus find this blanket to be a bit shorter in the drop than I'd like and lacks the overly large tail flap on the freestyle blankets. The blanket does fit Bailey's deep chest well enough and the tail flap is larger than many blankets. I find the front to be a bit short in front of the chest, but the neck does extend down nicely. The neck itself seems to stay up nicely and I really like the way it overlaps substantially to really keep the neck warm.

Hardware:
Neck has velcro attachments that are surprisingly nicer to use than I was expecting, and are staying quite clean. The front has trigger clips with buckle adjusts, and velcro to keep it closed. The blanket seems to be quite adjustable, and the velcro comes covered with a square of jersey to keep it from harming the blanket. Leg straps and belly staps seem to have good hardware and are quite sturdy. Belly t-locks have the rubber blanket rings for a tight fit.

Materials, Waterproofing, etc:
The material is 1680D and doesn't appear to have any pulls or snags after several weeks on the horse. Everything is nicely bound and the material seems to be of good quality. The waterproofing in general seems to be quite good; I was a bit disappointed that I felt moisture inside at the shoulder gussets (there is quite a bit of stitching there, so not unexpected) and on the bottom of the neck piece after a day out in rain that was slowly becoming snow. The blanket was wet but on the whole was dry underneath and dried externally well enough that the only moisture left on day 2 (with some of the rain continuing in to the next morning) was at the bottom of the hood, where it shouldn't do much harm.

The Verdict:
8/10 - lots of nice perks with this blanket and VERY affordable at 114$ for a medium. I plan to buy another for Foxie, as I really like the fully lined, overlapping neck over the "detatch-a-neck" on her Weatherbeetas, that can get blown up and don't offer as much insulation. This blanket is one I would suggest for a generally dry climate, or as a blanket for deep winter - it is very snug, but I will be using my Weatherbeeta blankets for the wet days like we've had as of late. I am quite pleased with this purchase all in all.

April Follow Up:

I'm less than thrilled and would downgrade my review to about a 5/10. Beyond the disappointing lack of waterproofing (therefore any sight of moisture in the forecast meant changing out blankets...) the blanket developed a small hole and a number of snags a few weeks after my initial review. From there, more teeth marks appeared as abrasions on the top of the fabric, and in the past few months, areas that look snagged. The poly really didn't hold up, despite the 1680 denier. The final straw was Bailey growing over the winter - she hasn't increased in size but has bulked up and grown an inch upwards. This blanket barely covered her belly and was approaching mini skirt status on both belly and rump. Bailey's other blanket, a 75" Weatherbeeta Original, still fits like it has all year. Puzzling. But definitely something to take into consideration either way. 

Horse Care: Why I Care

Due to some recent personal and equine journeys I have been dwelling a lot on horse care and horse ownership. Horses are intensely gracious creatures, and I feel that I run into more ignorance than I do knowledge.

My knowledge was gained at the hands of my trainer, a woman who, in her youth, rode with Olympic hopefuls and served as a working student to top trainers. Like her, so many years before, I absorbed my knowledge by working at her elbow, asking "why" when I was asked to do something, and most of all, being surrounded by people who taught me how to care for horses. I try to share my knowledge in the same way - offering up bits and tidbits. It's hard, because I am not Mary - I don't command respect or look like I know a hoof pick from a bale of hay.

I think of my horses like children. They have their needs, just like children. These things come automatically to me, but apparently not so much to others around me.

Horses need, first and foremost, attention. If you own horses, you need to be committed to being with them and making use of them. While I get frustrated with people who come each day and beautify their horse and never ride, I still applaud them for being a good horse parent.
While ideally, boarding stables would inspect each horse for injury or anything unusual each day, many don't. Call me suspicious, but I don't count on anyone to watch over my horse. I count on my barn to provide her food, and turn her out and bring her in, keep her stall clean, fill her water buckets - basic care. I don't expect them to notice she's lame, or not feeling herself, or has lost a shoe.

I have expectations of myself - I notice these things. I worm her regularly and manage her needs for grain and hay amounts with a critical eye. She gets regular foot trims, and is checked over each time I arrive at the barn. Her blankets and fly gear are kept (relatively) clean and in rotation so she isn't standing outside wet, or unable to see from a dirty fly mask. She gets regular vet care, where they check her teeth and do a fecal count to advise me on better worming programs. She gets all the vaccinations she needs, and when I can't handle an injury or don't know what to do, I call my vet out.

I guess you could call me an empowered horse owner. I'm independent of a trainer, knowledgeable barn manager or other leading person because I have gained knowledge and, for the most part, chronicle it here to share with others. I try to keep my mouth shut around others, but sometimes I can't resist. I want to help! And I don't want you to hurt your horse.

You're saying "So, Miss-Know-It-All... What are you saying, here?!"

I'm saying you need to learn. Every day.

Owning a horse means:

-Regular vet visits, teeth floating when needed and fecal exams. My vet rates body scores at this time as well, and I am PROUD to say my mare is a perfect 5 three years running. My vet comes 2-3 times a year to do vaccinations and usually does a separate visit to sedate my horse and float her teeth.
- Regular farrier visits for barefoot trims or shoes, depending on your horse's needs. These visits generally happen every 6-8 weeks.
- Regular de-worming on a rotational plan that treats all types of parasites. See my other blog posts about worming to get a sample schedule.
- Sand clear treatments when your horse's needs or environment indicates. Sandy paddock with hay fed on the ground? Treat monthly or bi-monthly. Sand levels a low concern? Perhaps do a sand test every few months and do a yearly preventative dose.
- Understanding a horse's feed needs. Every horse needs a diet that meets his mineral and nutrient needs - and no, a cattle mineral block does not meet those needs. Consult a vet or your local feed specialist (with a grain of sand when they recommend pet products) or ask me! Fat horses have nutritional needs just like average or skinny horses do, and often obesity can indicate that your horse needs different management to improve their health.
- Caring for your horse. Boarding makes life easy- someone else cares for your horse, but you should have your hands on your horse at least once a week. Horses, like dogs, need regular exercise and stimulation. I'm guessing everyone can think of a horse they have met who is "bored" - these horses harass you as you go to get your horse, develop bad habits and tend to be the first horse on the scene should anything remotely interesting happen. They often learn to intimidate humans and can be total menaces. Working your horse's brain and body keeps them happy and healthy (and does a lot to do the same for you!).

Care also includes grooming - removing dirt and checking for injuries, picking feet and removing debris/rocks from the feet and general handling can tell you a lot about your horse. Horses also need properly fitting tack, blankets if they get cold or have trouble maintaining weight in winter (I think every horse should have at least a sheet) and have their needs met. They deserve your love and attention - if they don't you should reconsider owning horses!

This list looks pretty exhausting (and doesn't include riding...) but many of these things come hand in hand with "Care" and will eventually come naturally to all of you new horse owners. The benefits list is even longer, I promise. 

Ash & Fox

Summer Safety

Greetings bloglings!

As tis the season, I figured a quick post was in order on the subject of trail or road riding. I love trails and roads not only for conditioning my eventing horses but also as a fun way to relax and enjoy owning horses. Trails especially can take you far from home, so here are some tips!

1. Check your tack! Getting out on the trail with a sliding saddle pad is not only annoying and possibly dangerous or hurtful to your horse, it is also a dangerous liability for you! Make sure everything is set and ready so you don't have to test your own ability to climb back into the tack. Also be aware of things that may be fine for training but won't function well in a trail situation- bits with loose side connections can rub lips and saddles can slide too far back. Boots and especially polo wraps are not very trail friendly- if you do boot (polos just get wet, heavy, muddy and full of plant matter) make sure you apply correctly and tight enough to ensure no slipping when wet and that grit won't get in to cause sores. 

2. Take a friend! While some horses go out alone just fine, and you will often find me doing trot sets along gravel roads alone, the key is to ride smart. Going a long ways from home, alone and with no friends can leave you stranded without help or walking a long way home not knowing where your horse ended up. If you do go out alone, take a cell phone (and keep it on your person, not in a saddle bag) and try to let someone know where you are headed and how long you should be. Always wear a helmet and if you're riding roads or on risky surfaces make sure your horse is properly outfitted - and consider a body armor vest (or blaze orange in fall!) to further ensure your safety. 

3. Do good training. Grammar aside, don't let your horse get away with behaviors you don't allow in the riding ring. Foxie serves many as a mental and emotional rock in new situations, as she wades right into water and crosses obstacles with ease. When you come to water, do all you can to ensure a safe crossing and go slowly. Save the galloping for nicely footed XC water obstacles! 

4. Know your aids. On the trail you can run into about anything- from animals to people who don't like or don't understand horses. Be courteous and ride single file on roads or trails and always be aware. Serve as a gold ambassador to your sport! Always ensure you are in control and keeping the environment around you as safe as possible. Know how to one rein stop, emergency dismount and react when you  meet anything from a barking dog to a hostile ATV driver. Always stay calm- your horse can feel your nerves! 

5. Use the right trails. This last rule is all about respect: riding is a sport of generally small populations and we need to endorse, use and create positive experiences when ever we can. Don't ride on trails not allocated to horses and be respectful of those around you. 

Have a great summer on the trails!

Ashley & Foxie