From: mdresser@pbs.org (Melanie Dresser)
Newsgroups: rec.equestrian
Subject: Re: More Blanket Advice WANTED
Date: 4 Nov 92 15:17:20 EST
Organization: PBS:Public Broadcasting Service, Alexandria, VA

In article <1cpi24INNamp@morrow.stanford.edu>, GC.GGG@forsythe.stanford.edu (Gwyn Gordon) writes:
> WANTED: INFO ON LIGHTWEIGHT WATERPROOF TURNOUT RUGS
> 
> Here's the scenario....
> 
> A friend of mine has an older mare who has lived her entire life
> outdoors, and has never had a blanket but has always had shelter.
> Now the horse is living in a pasture without shelter, but is in a
> milder climate. BUT she's just getting over a bout of neglect-
> induced malnutrition and worms (caused by the people my friend
> trusted to take care of her, it's a long story).
> 
> SO --
> 
> My friend thinks that since the mare is getting older and is just
> making a turnaround for the better, perhaps she should have a
> turnout blanket for the blustery northern California winter. The
> trouble is that the weather is capricious: sunny, then cloudy, then
> rainy, then sunny, then windy, maybe all in one day. My friend is a
> student who can't necessarily be there at every moment to put on or
> take off a rug the instant the weather changes. So she's thinking
> she'd like to get a medium-weight blanket that is waterproof, and
> that won't be too hot if it gets warm.
> 
> Does anyone know of such a blanket? It sounds like maybe these
> Weather-beeta blankets come in many weights...do they make a
> medium-weight breathable one? Any advice would be welcome. I'm
> thinking a New Zealand rug (of all the permutations described on the
> net) would be too much. But then just a rain sheet would probably be
> too little, and most sheets and blankets aren't waterproof. HELP!
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
> =gwyn
> 
> ps: either post to net or e-mail to me and I'll tell her your
> comments. Thanks again!

Tho I tend to think if they are out all the time, they probably don't 
need and are better off without a blanket, and just plain good nutrition 
may be all that's necessary, here is some info on some blankets:

Big-D makes a canvas turnout that is supposed to be waterproof--I've 
ordered one and will find out soon.  It doesn't seem to be as heavy
weight as the New Zealand rugs I've seen.  They make it in different 
weights and with either a wool or nylon lining.  BMB also makes
a canvas turnout you can get either lined (wool) or unlined.  
The fit is good with both of these blankets--Big-D is especially
good in fit, and stays put even when they roll.
Prices are pretty good
	Big-D turnout with wool lining 62.50
	BMB Tan Duck lined w/leg straps 52.45
	    Tan Duck unlined 36.25 (not sure if this price is with
				    or without leg straps, but make 
				    sure you get them)
You can order Big-D blankets thru Pards 1-800-334-5726
You can order BMB thru Valley Vet Supply 1-800-468-0059

Melanie
   and Quest
-- 
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          Melanie L. Dresser	  mdresser@pbs.org    
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"In this world, you must be oh so smart, or oh so pleasant.
Well, for years I was smart; I recommend pleasant.  You may
quote me."  Elwood P. Dowd
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