Bow Horse blankets?

[fivestrideline]

How have the Bow Horse blankets held up, those of you who have them? They were brought up several times in past blanket threads but I’m wondering about longevity and fit.

I’m about to replace one horse’s entire wardrobe, and Forrest has likely bulked out of his “whoops I bought a 4YO in December” cheapies. The guy who needs a new set fits perfectly in Rhinos, especially the Wug cut. Forrest, OTOH, has some withers and most high neck cuts just yank down on him.

I’m waffling between trying the Bow Horse or sticking with Rhino - though I’ve been told the SP Ultimates might work for Forrest ($$$$). Ideas and input?

[GraceLikeRain]

No insight on Bow but I’ve been so disappointed in the SP ultimates. I’ve had them for three horses and in all three I’ve done multiple replacements for waterproofing, liner tears, and broken straps on horses that are not hard on blankets. Most recently, I’ve gone through 3 SP ultimate sheets in 18 months for failed waterproofing. YMMV

[Knubbsy]

My Ultimate’s waterproofing has held up but the back trim did not hold up to blanket tag. I will say, I like having the Ultimate Trifecta system which uses liners instead of multiple sheets. My mare is a princess and being able to keep stacking on liners has been really nice (we’ve gone up to 500g in Maryland). She used to have a Wug but I switched to the Trifecta for the warranty (I also have a SP Ultimate fly sheet that’s held up well). We’re on winter 3 now but last year doesn’t really count since she spent most of it on stall rest so the blanket didn’t get much abuse.

[luvmyhackney]

I invested fully in Bow Horse last year. So far zero issues but my horse in them is extremely easy on blankets and top of the herd. No waterproof issues but it’s only been one season. He’s got withers and a high set neck.

I will say unless your horse has substantial neck length, the neck piece might be too long. The neck piece is longer than my Smartpak and Weatherbeeta blankets by a good 4”-5”.

I love them and they are so easy to layer/ dry out quickly/ substantial hardware.

[fivestrideline]

@luvmyhackney

I invested fully in Bow Horse last year. So far zero issues but my horse in them is extremely easy on blankets and top of the herd. No waterproof issues but it’s only been one season. He’s got withers and a high set neck.

Hmmm. Forrest has a dip in front of the withers (we gotta work on that ) and his neck isn’t particularly high set. Good to know about the cover length, sounds like Bow Horse may not work for him. Quality wise I like the look of them, but he is not gifted in the neck department (clearly ). My biggest issue has been the front of his blankets - getting wither relief while not choking him when grazing seems to be… difficult.

Actually the Bow Horse might work perfectly for someone else in the barn

[luvmyhackney]

@fivestrideline

My biggest issue has been the front of his blankets - getting wither relief while not choking him when grazing seems to be… difficult.

That was the issue Bow Horse blankets solved for me. My guy has big ole shoulders and neck. Everything pulled back and made his shoulders sore.

[fivestrideline]

Hmmmm. Maybe we ditch the neck cover if necessary. They’re economical enough…

Thanks for the info!

[lenapesadie]

@fivestrideline

My biggest issue has been the front of his blankets - getting wither relief while not choking him when grazing seems to be… difficult.

This is my biggest issue with blankets for my Friesian QH cross. He has a lot of real estate between his chest and his withers. My guy is a chunk and the Amigo XL line fits him best. No choking plus the neck pieces are sold separately so I can size down. The SmartPak Oversize line is also excellent for these fit issues. Though both may be too big in some places for a horse that isn’t thick like a draft or cross of such.

I’ve not tried Bow blankets. They look nice though!

Have you tried Premier Equine blankets? I really like them and they are relatively roomy.

What size blankets do your guys wear? If they do 84” I have a literal hoard of rejects from my chunk that would likely fit a slightly less broad horse perfectly.

[fivestrideline]

I keep staring at the Premier Equine. They look nice!

Unfortunately mine are much smaller (75" and 78-80" for these guys). And only the 75" would be considered “chunky” . Thank you though!

[greenviewfarms_md]

I got my first BowHorse blanket last season for my big guy with a high wither/upright neck. The 100g weight is really handy. The blanket fit well and made it through the season with no issues, hardware and fabric are nice and sturdy.
Added bonus is that the horseware liners I already have are compatible so no need to buy additional/different liners.
It was washed at the end of the season and put in storage though I know I’ll be pulling it out soon, I’m curious to see how the water proofing holds up.

[luvmyhackney]

Wanted to report back that my Bow Horse blanket is still waterproof, so far so good into it’s second season.