I need to purchase a new heavy turnout blanket and have been considering one from Premier Equine. I like some of the features they offer like the high shoulder gusset with elastic and the snug fit neck cover. I have been emailing back and forth with their customer service regarding sizing and they have been very helpful.
My two concerns are the denier choices offered and the sizing.
The blanket I’m replacing is a Big D Devlyn that was 1200D ripstop nylon. One of horses pastured with mine ripped it up last winter. The Premier blanket suggested by customer service is the Buster line that is 840D ballistic nylon. Does anyone have experience with the 840D ballistic nylon? Is it fairly tough? I know that the higher the denier the better but I don’t know if there is a difference between ripstop and ballistic nylon.
Also, can anyone attest to the sizing? Customer service has been upfront that their blankets run large. I have measured using their guidelines and the rep is surprised at what I measured (77-78)… She has requested that I take a photo measuring my horse. He’s a 15.1 QH with big shoulders and a wide ribcage. He typically takes an 80 in most blankets but sometimes can fit into a 78. Their measurement guide based on height would put him in a 72. I’m worried that if I do go with their 76 or 78 that the drop will be too long since they consider that size to be appropriate for 16-17 hh horses.
Can anyone suggest another brand for large shoulders and ribcage if I choose not to go with Premier Equine? I picked up a 81 Rhino at a garage sale and it was very tight. I have used Schneiders v free shoulder relief blankets and I think they are tight on his withers. I bought a Schneiders Nordlund high neck and it works but it’s just OK in fit. Rambo is not in my budget… I have concerns about the cheaper blankets like Tough 1 being waterproof.
The boarding barn I use has a lot of positive things going for it but one big disadvantage is the barn owner does not do a hands on/eyes on each horse every day so I worry about rubs and blankets leaking as I can only get there on weekends.
Thanks for any help you can provide!