Friesian blankets - Schneiders?

[Boomer]

I’m looking for blankets for my friesian cross. Last winter I used Amigo but they’re tight on her shoulders. She has big shoulders and pretty flat withers.

Years and years ago I had a WB with huge shoulders and a sharkfin wither - Schneider’s stayed in place but the waterproofing was nonexistent. Ended up with Rambo Supreme, which I still needed a bib under.

Schneider’s seems to have a lot of adjustability - anyone have better waterproofing luck with them than I did way back when?

I’m also looking at Fryskware - comparable price to Rambo Supreme but in Netherlands so shipping will cost me.

Suggestions welcome!!

[MapleFarm]

I have had good luck with Schneider’s for my FriesianX with a similar build. I would get one with a warranty and return it if you get a dud. There is also the Big Horse Shop in the UK that seems built for big shoulders.

[Boomer]

Thanks! I’ll check out The Big Horse Shop too. My mare is big - 16.3 hands - so there’s a lot to cover, lol

[dmveventer]

@Boomer

Schneider’s seems to have a lot of adjustability - anyone have better waterproofing luck with them than I did way back when?

Nope. I bought one of their sheets last year and the waterproofing didn’t even last a full season. The “adjustability” feature around the shoulders/withers also caused the blanket to gap and let in even more water. There were other things I didn’t like about it but those were the deal breakers, I won’t buy one of their blankets again.

[Boomer]

I wondered if they had improved, bummer it hasn’t. Appreciate the feedback!

[lenapesadie]

My Friesian cross fits best in the Amigo XLs. The extended neck opening and increased shoulder room are perfect for him.

Though my guy has a substantial wither.

Amigo® Bravo 12 XL Turnout (0g Light)

[TWH_Girl]

Schneiders has several blanket lines so I would not lump all of them together. The higher the price, the better the blanket as with most of them.

[MapleFarm]

I would agree with that. For reference with my above comment, I have the draft version and am happy - ArmorFlex Challenger II, so not the cheapest option.

[fanfayre]

I was just pressing reply when I saw lenapesadie beat me to it- the Amigo XL

[Boomer]

Funny you mention the XL.
I tried an Amigo XL and the Rambo Supreme today.
Supreme was tight in shoulders and the XL was pretty roomy!

[dmveventer]

Mine was also the ArmorFlex Challenger II. I know some people have had good experiences with theirs, but even if mine was a dud that speaks to some major quality control issues and I’d rather spend my money on more consistent brands. All of my blankets are Horseware now and I’ve been really happy with how they’ve held up.

[MapleFarm]

FYI I also have the Amigo bravo XL for my draft cross, btw - it is on year 3? Very happy with it too. The biggest issue a Friesian owner may have is if the neck is upright it may rub due to the forward cut.

[lenapesadie]

I have tried a few different oversize cut blankets, but the XL works best for my horse. I hope it works for your horse too!

I do get the neck covers a size smaller than recommended for his blanket size (84). And I’ve found they may need re waterproofing regularly.

[lenapesadie]

I get a smidge of mane rub, but it’s purely cosmetic. My cross isn’t terribly high necked but OP’s horse may have very different conformation

My boy doesn’t appear crazy big (unlike my mom’s full drafts) but regular cut blankets choke him when he’s grazing.

[DiamondJubilee]

A friend of ours who drives a lot of Friesians said the only blankets that fit properly and hold up well are the Rambo Optimo. They find they fit them well in the chest and do not put pressure on their withers.