Can you steer me to the most durable turnout blankets? Mine seem to get wrecked within a year…
I think Rambo takes that #1 spot. Others disagree :lol:
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I have rambo’s but have no idea how they will hold up first winter using them. Had schneiders storm shields but the water proofing didn’t hold up after a few uses. I still have the storm shields and will use them to layer if needed this winter. There in good shape no rips or anything just not waterproof any longer.
Rambo only for my blanket destroyer.
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My Weatherbeeta is going on its 3rd winter. Of course, I sprayed it with riplast for the pasture mates that like to undress him and play tag. Rambos are too long for my pony. Goes down past his knees.
Luvmhackney, what is riplast?
Rambo. Do not put them in the dryer. Wash in cold water with a mild human shampoo like baby shampoo with no conditioner. Use a front load washer with no ringer.
If you want to keep other horses from ripping any blanket off of your horse, spray the outside of the blanket with the stinky original skin so soft before each turnout. This also works on your horse to keep other horses from chewing on his skin too. It also keeps ticks and ants and flies off. You can buy skinsosoft, the original stinky perfume formula, cheaper on eBay than from Avon.
Sounds like you need to get the Smartpak blanket with the 10 year indestructible guarantee. They will REPLACE your blanket anytime and as many times as necessary during the 10 years. I am on my 3rd year and my blankets still look brand new too!
Durable can mean a lot of different things. My gelding is boarded out 24/7 and waterproofing is the least durable aspect of his blankets. I think being out all the time in the sun, rain, snow, etc. weathers it and I haven’t seen a good way to restore it. If rips and whatnot are a problem be sure you are buying something with at least a 1200d thread count. Too many people buy 600d blankets for horses turned out with buddies, and they won’t last. Although my guy is the alpha he still gets a few little holes here and there, but fortunately no rips. I’ll keep using a blanket where the waterproofing is breaking down as long as the lining stays dry. That is when I retire them.
I would’ve said Rambo, but my gelding just got a new fall turnout 5 days ago and the front is shredded already. He is relentless in the field, so I doubt any brand will survive his shenanigans…
I absolutely love my Horseware Ireland blankets. I have two that are still in great shape after surviving the winter with my energetic, playful OTTB who lives in pasture with other horses.
I only buy Rambo. Some I have are 15-16 yrs. old and still in great shape.
Rambos are great…as long as you don’t expect the waterproofing to last (5 of mine have soaked completely through…all within the first couple of years). The ballistic nylon is what makes them very durable. The higher the denier the better but manufacturers use different material (ballistic nylon, polyester, polypropylene, etc.).
I have numerous Weatherbeetas that have lasted more than a decade and are still going strong. Those are by far my favorites.
if you have a blanket destroyer you could look into putting a Kensington fly sheet on top (the ones made of the heavy material that is nearly indestructible).
https://www.kensingtonproducts.com/product/signature-collection-platinum-protective-sheet/
I buy blankets that are made from the 1680 denier nylon. The Dover Northwind blankets have held up incredibly well to my gelding in group turnout. Most blankets made out of that very high denier will last, so long as they fit well.
I find this baffling–haven’t had this issue at all! My Rambos from different eras are all still water proof. Wonder if you got a bad batch?
Nope - all five were bought from different places in different years and are different styles (original with leg arches or wugs). All properly washed in the spring…with Rambo Wash! Total waste of money and I’ll never buy another Rambo :no:. Thankfully none were full-price (bought as close-out colors or something minor changed). Maybe because all are t/o sheets and none are insulated. And they get HEAVY when wet. Guess I’ll never understand what the appeal is for a Rambo!
I bought a Rambo Wug in 2000, and it is still going strong. It has a few patches, a new surcingle, and has some holes in the liner, but it is still waterproof and has been ABUSED by pastured horses. I have 6 other Rambos, at least 5+ yrs old, all waterproof and trustworthy in 12-hr downpours. The tail flaps get ripped off, and I occasionally have to replace a surcingle buckle. But knowing your horse is warm and dry out in the field, no matter the weather, is a comforting feeling.
I have had hit-and-miss luck with Weatherbeeta. I like their detachable neck blankets, 1200+ denier, but I’ve had one of them shredded at the shoulder gusset. It’s been stitched and still useable, but it also has multiple tears in the lining. The elastic at belly straps was a nice idea, but it is a weak point that rips easily. Also, the snaps on the leg straps either freeze up (won’t unsnap) or break completely. If I can get the blanket cheap enough ($150 or less for detach-a-neck freestyle) it’s worth it… but if you’re going to spend big money, go with Rambo.
Unless you have dainty mares who don’t dream of wrecking their clothes, don’t waste your time or $$ on anything less than 1000 denier. The Amigos, lower-priced WBs and cheaper Dover brands are tempting…but they will become shredded playtoys to a group of rowdy geldings. Gently-worn Amigos do stay waterproof, but don’t expect them to withstand abuse.
I take all my turnouts to be professionally cleaned (and repaired) each spring. They always come back waterproof. I always wince at the bill, but spending $20/yr per blanket is a lot cheaper than losing the waterproofing and turning a $300 Rambo into a stable blanket.
Raplast. It’s nasty nasty almost like pepper spray so be careful when you spray to cover your mouth and don’t get it ANYWHERE near your eyes. It works though.
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Don’t forget Amigo has a Hero (600D) and a Bravo (1200D) line. My Hero sheets have lasted a few years now, and only one is having some issues now with waterproofing. My Bravo blankets are my go-to, and hold up extremely well. I haven’t killed one yet and I’ve used them for about 6-7 years.
