I’m the first to admit that I have never been a fan of synthetic rugs for simple reason that they are synthetic. However, I have also learnt recently that there are several advantages to Synthetics that Canvas has yet to master.
One: they can provide far better warmth and this is particularly useful for thin-skinned horses; old or sick horses; or horses that it is necessary to keep clipped during the winter months.
Two: they are lighter weight and don’t seem to drag against vulnerable points of the horse such as hips, shoulders or neck, and they don’t seem to cause those horrible devoid-of-hair rub marks
Three: when wet they dry out a lot quicker.
Four: they seem to fit better.
For our test drive we received one of Drover’s new 1200DN Turnout Rugs and a 1200DN Turnout Rain Sheet.
I actually tried the 1200DN Turnout Rugs on two of my horses because I was interested to see how adjustable the rug was. My gelding, a big, chunky, 16.2hh Clydie X was the first to get the make-over treatment and the rug was a good fit with plenty of coverage down his sides with room to move and, though there was no cross-over at the front, the two front halves met nicely. Next, I tried it on my 15.1hh thoroughbred mare and, again, it proved to be a great fit.
The reason for this, I believe, is the double straps at the front of the rug which also feature a quick-unclip system that can clipped to three different D rings approx 7cm apart each. This gives you far greater adjustability than an ordinary fixed buckle and strap system. You will see in the picture of the buckles that I have adjusted the straps and clips to the middle D ring for the mare. On my gelding the clips do up on the first D ring. Velcro on the inside of the flaps secure the front in place.
When you ordinarily feed out and unrug at 5.30am (ie. in pitch darkness) these quick unclips are a godsend! No more fiddling with buckles and straps you can’t even see. I would almost go as far as to say they are my favourite development ever in regards to rugs!
The next thing I really, really like about the Drover Rugs (both models) is the fact that they have a reflector strip on each side, near the back end of the horse. Just for safety, or even trying to find your horse in the paddock on a dark and stormy night, these reflectors are a very bright idea.
Both rugs feature 1200DN Ripstop Oxford; Sweat Absorbing Lining; Low Bias Cross Surcingle; Easy Snap Adjustable Double Front; Shoulder Gussets; Tent Tail Flap with Gusset; Reflector Strips; fleece whither protector; 3 D rings on the neck for Neck Rug attachment; all fittings have additional bar tacked stitching for extra strength
The Turnout rug has the added bonus of a double sweat absorbing lining and 300 GSM Polyfill.
Like its warm winter woollies cousin the Turnout Rain Sheet has a lot about it to like. I wanted something light for my Cob colt – he’s woolly enough to survive quite handily without a full winter rug but some added protection for those really awful cold and wet winter nights is definitely in order. Particularly as it seems likely we will get some rain this year.
This was Jango’s first ever time wearing a rug and I was very impressed by his calmness over having this bright, flappy, slippery thing with buckles and straps placed on him. He’s not yet been started.
Again, I reiterate that I love the quick snaps at the front. This time for a very different reason. Jango, bless him, is a colt and this usually means that everything goes in the mouth for a taste test – this includes, the feed bucket, visitors, the rake, the broom, brushes, the rug, small children, the dog and his handler. When you have a colt you want to get things done quickly and safely! Quick unclips make this possible.
The Drover range features great quality budget rugs and the two I have talked about are not the only ones in their range. Visit their website and you will find a whole collection of rugs – and other goodies including quarter sheets, saddles and accessories, bridles, halters, leads, float and work boots and other stuff besides.
And to top it all off Drover provide exceptional service. There nothing worse than trying to get help finding the right rug and either being treated like an idiot or ignored – and let’s face it, we’ve all had that happen. Suzanne at Drover will go out of her way to help out and values good communication and customer service above all else.
1200DN Turnout Rugs retail for $95 (matching neck rug $30) and a 1200DN Turnout Rain Sheet is $75. Other styles include 600DN (on sale for $55 ea); Combos; 250gm fill, 300gm fill (our model); super doona warmth 400gm fill. And that is just the winter range!
Visit Drover Horse Wear to find a rug that suits your horse, you and your hip pocket.