TACK & GEAR
Beat the chill
“I want a ride that’s comfy and fast. And you just can’t beat the gas mileage or upholstery of a horse.”― Jarod Kintz, Seriously Delirious, But Not at All Serious
The medium/heavyweight Tough 1 Waterproof Poly Turnout Blanket with Snuggit Neck (suggested retail, $167.88), from JT International, features adjustable straps at the neckline for a customizable fit. The blanket is made with a 1,200-denier, waterproof ripstop outer shell with a 210 denier lining and 250 grams of polyfill. Other features include crossed surcingles with elastic ends, adjustable leg straps, a tail flap and fleece to protect the withers. Available in sizes 69 to 84, in three-inch increments, in a paisley shimmer print. Visit www.tough-1.com.
The Platinum Collection 1,680D 300g Heavy Weight Turnout Blanket (suggested retail, $309.99), from Kensington Protective Products, has 300 grams of fiberfill insulation in a 1,680-denier, ballistic nylon outer shell that is Teflon-coated for 100 percent protection against wind and rain. For comfort, the blanket also features a CoolPlus lining system to draw body heat and wick moisture away from the skin. Other features include a detachable belly band, detachable crisscross belly straps and leg straps, and an adjustable front closure with snaps. Available in teal, raspberry, blue violet or onyx, in sizes 69 to 87 in three-inch increments. Call 909-469-1240 or visit www.kensingtonproducts.com.
For moderate weather, the Original 1,200D Standard Neck Medium-Lite (suggested retail, $134.99), from Weatherbeeta, has a 1,200-denier waterproof, breathable ripstop outer shell with 100 grams of polyfill insulation and a 210-denier polyester lining to keep your horse’s coat smooth and shiny. The blanket also features twin chest buckles, low crossed surcingles and elastic leg straps, and an extra-long tail flap. Available in sizes 66 to 87 in three-inch increments, in hunter/navy. Visit www.weatherbeeta.com.
Ready for cold or moderate weather, the Limited Edition 30th Year Rambo Duo (suggested retail, $449), from Horseware Ireland, features a removable 300-gram antistatic, antibacterial liner, so the 100gram, 1,000-denier ballistic nylon shell can be worn separately. The blanket also comes with a detachable 150-gram neck as well as three secure-cross surcingles, reflective safety strips and a tail cover. Available in sizes 66 to 87 in three-inch increments, in green with red trim. Visit www.horseware.com.
Contoured for a good fit that minimizes rubbing, the Frost Fighter Stable Blanket (suggested retail, $139.99), from Classic Equine, is made with a breathable, weatherresistant durable nylon outer shell, with a nylon lining and 300 grams of fiberfill insulation. Other features include replaceable nylon leg straps and an elastic front closure. Available in sizes S (74 to 76) to XL (83 to 85), in black or burgundy. Visit www.classicequine.com.
For extra protection from the elements, the Ultimate High Neck Turnout Blanket (suggested retail, $209.95), from SmartPak Equine, features a high neck design that also reduces pressure on the withers. The medium-weight blanket has 220 grams of insulation with a 1,000-denier waterproof and breathable nylon outer shell, two low-cross surcingles, clip front closures, nylon/elastic leg straps and a tail flap. Available in sizes 69 to 87 in three-inch increments, in black with gray trim and royal piping. Light and heavy weights are also available. Call 800-4618898 or visit www.smartpak.com.
For all-season versatility, the Bucas Select Turnout with 150g Stay-Dry Quilted Liner Rug (suggested retail, $347.95), from Toklat Originals, Inc., couples a 1,200-denier outer shell, which can also be worn as a rain sheet, with a 150-gram insulated quilted liner that can also serve as a stable blanket. Each layer includes shoulder darts for comfort, with a set of hidden surcingles to allow both pieces to lie smoothly when worn together. A matching, detachable neck cover is available for both layers. Available in ruby or navy, each with gray trim and a navy liner, in sizes 69 to 84 in three-inch increments. Call 888-486-5528 or visit www.toklat.com.