Buyer on a Budget

Owner: Staci Huffman, Rathdrum, Idaho.

Blanket needs: A cost-efficient, waterproof blanket. “My horses live outside a majority of the time,” Staci says. “And the snow adds weight, so I need a blanket that won’t be heavy to wear when it’s snowing out.” Another important part when she’s blanket shopping: Finding a blanket that’s in her budget, yet durable. “I have a large family and multiple horses; a good value is an important part of purchasing a winter blanket,” Staci explains.

Blanket problems: Blankets that pull on horse’s shoulders, and front-snap closures that break. “When a horse rubs on the front of his blanket, the snaps tend to break easily,” she shares. “I still like having a front closure, because I don’t want to pull the blankets over my horses’ heads, but I look for a glove-friendly closure that won’t break.” She also mentions the importance of comfort over the neck and shoulders. “In the past, blankets have caused some of my horse’s mane to fall out from the rubbing, and they’ve also rubbed hair off in the withers and shoulder areas,” Staci explains.

Blanket recommendation: The Weather-Beeta ComFiTec Essential Standard Neck Blanket. This medium-weight blanket comes in a fun new penguin print at an affordable price. It’s designed with a 1,200-denier ripstop outer shell and repel-shell coating that’s waterproof and breathable. It has 210-denier Oxford polyester lining, and traditional side gussets that allows your horse to move freely. It offers boa fleece at the withers area to eliminate any rubbing, and adjustable buckle-front closures make it easy to put your blanket on your horse. The standard tail flap provides extra protection and warmth when it is windy or snowing.

More info: $114.99; weatherbeeta.com. 