What’s your preference, and why?
Surcingles. All the belly bands I’ve seen go over the outside of the blanket which would allow rain, snow, etc. to go down inside the belly band. It also means I can’t get it snug enough against the horse’s belly. And generally the adjustment method is slides on nylon straps which tend to work looser.
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All of the turnout blankets I’ve had have surcingles - for decades, different horses and different turnout /stalling situations in very different states (climates). My current horse is out in his own parture with run-in shed 24/7. These blankets have worked well enough that I never felt the need to try belly bands.
Surcingles.
My horses roll in their blankets, in mud, & a bellyband would get filthy, wet & muddy.
Meaning the entire blanket would need to be changed for a clean one.
Surcingles get dirty, but dried mud can be brushed off. Same for the back of a blanket.
Because of the curve of their backs, blanket doesn’t get as much contact with muck as belly.
Caveat: I’ve never used a belly band, just my observation & experience with surcingles.
If you’re searching for a blanket with a belly band it seriously limits your selection. I have had both, but I’ve only ever purchased a belly band blanket when it is a blanket I wanted that just happened to have it. I never had a problem with a belly band getting particularly dirty or allowing water in (and boy do we know water around here!), but I’ve also never noticed a horse seeming to care either way…or in other words, I don’t think the belly bands do much for warmth. But with that being said, we know water around here, but not cold as it never gets terribly cold.
Shorter answer to the question - I prefer surcingles.
Had bad luck with belly bands on turnouts. Initially wasn’t sure they couldn’t get a foot caught up in them. Shouldn’t have worried, They can get a foot in there but the band comes loose right way and they rip it stepping on it, Lost a few that way, never got another. Others may have had a different experience.
Did still use them a few times on stalled horses with no issues but don’t think there was any benefit over a blanket with surcingles. I hated the closed front ones, still rubbed some horses and were a bit difficult, and heavy, for a short person to get on and off.
I hate belly bands - they get caked in manure and mud, and can end up holding moisture against the body. Unless you have an especially wussy horse with a full body clip, stick with surcingles.
Surcingles it is! Thanks for all the advice. Now I’m hoping to take advantage of one of the Black Friday sales…
