Rugs for BIG fronted girl!!

[Annaandbuglet]

My welsh cob has really filled out since I've had her - so much so last year's rugs are far too tight round the shoulders. I've tried loads of different rugs on her back (Masta/Weatherbeeta/Rambo)- all 6 foot which is the correct length but none of them fit well at all at the front (cheese wire effect!!) I've also tried a Kingshead 6'3" which fitted lovely at the front but it looked like she was wearing a long dress!

I've heard that FAL are good for big chests and have read about the Rambo exeL.....anybody any feedback on these rugs?

Thank you!!!!

[Stella2]

Fal always seem to be built to accomadate broader shoulders, chests and bums! They are also very well made. I pretty much stick with Fal and Bucas these days. Bucas are not quite as roomy in the shoulder, so my mares cooler and light weight turn-out are Bucas, but her heavier rugs (turnout and stable are Fal).

I've also found they come up like new when washed or cleaned and keep the horse dry even in torential rain.

[Annaandbuglet]

Thanks for that Stella - It's been suggested by my tack shop that I buy a size up from normal for a turnout......do you do this with FAL rugs?

[Miss MoneyPenny]

Masta rugs have been brilliant for my girl! Big thumbs up from me!

[Stella2]

Anna, yes I tend to buy a size up (both for my mare who is a heavier build 16.3hh and for my previous horse who was a medium biuld 15.3hh). The recommended sizing based on height seems (in my limited experience) to be based upon lighter build. Since I started buying a size up, I've noticed that the horses have a freer movement and the rugs seem more likely to remain in place in the field and less likely to rip, probably because they are not under as much strain when they roll etc.

So I rountinely buy a size up now!

[Yann]

Same here. I went by the book to start with, measured Rio and bought 6' rugs, which all ended up too tight round her equally big shoulders. She's now in 6'3" Mastas which seem to fit her fine. A little extra at the back end won't go amiss when there's a gale blowing:)

[G.Gracious]

I have a 5 year old heavyweight Cob, last year (when she was 4) she hadn't filled out yet and fitted into her rugs fine. This year it's a different story!! I tried one of last years rugs on her and i couldn't strap up the front, i couldn't believe how much she'd filled out!! I got a chest expansion thing from www.equestrianclearance.co.uk and it's worked wonders :) I'd recommend them to anyone who has a rug which is a bit tight on their horse.

[virtuallyhorses]

Yep , the chest\rug expander thingy is a real winner! Because if you size up then it often still doesn't fit properly and you get rubs in other places or it slips etc .

[Old but trying!]

Our slightly chunky chappie has Mark Todd rugs and they both accommodate his chest and give a little extra width overall (nothing worse then those winter winds blowing around your nether regions is there!). I have found them warm and hard wearing.

[entreat]

Can I ask if you are measuring her, or just using the height chart at the store?

[tasha]

Rio in a 6ft3?? That's the size Kal wears, and she's long backed!! Wow!

[Big Ears]

I have a big fronted cob pair and they are in Masta but 6'6" which is bigger than they would measure, but the kick pleat masta rug with neck seems to fit them pretty well, as it is generous in the front.

I found that Horseware come up too neat on them, as do Olympian. Tredstep were good but they don't make them any more.

You may find it they are big fronted some of the higher neck ones work quite well - I tried fal on them and they didn't fit at all.

[No_Angel]

Shires rugs are good. I had a 6'3 typhoon turnout on my mare and it is now on my cob- the velcro even does up at the front!

[amandal]

My girl's big chested too, she should fit a 6ft rug apparently, but I tried one and it was a no go. i've bought 6ft 3 FAL and BUCAS rugs, BUCAS lw turnout and stable and FAL mw turnout and stable and they fit well.

[Annaandbuglet]

Thank you all for your replies....I have taken the step of ordering a 6'3" FAL "Slumberdown" - it's £65 from TDS Saddlers on line and they've said any probs I can send it back.....fingers crossed!! Will let you know.....

[anneindor]

I have had the exact same problem of trying to find a rug that fits my 15.1 heavyweight cob, i do find Masta are good.
failing that, if you really dont want to go buying expensive rugs there are chest expanders now avaliable from Robinsons country leisure, could just buy one and interchange it with your other rugs!
if you need a link to the site then i would be pleased to post one

[G.Gracious]

I got a new rug a few weeks ago for Grace (posted about her above, 15.1hh heavyweight Cob), it's a Masta Turnoutmasta and it fits her great. From what people have said on this thread, Mastas seem to be a good choice.

[trieste]

Just bought a Fal for my heavyweight cob - decided to go for a Fal from a previous thread titled 'Rugs for chunky boys' . I bought mine online from www.longmelfordsaddlery who were very helpful and actually measured the neck size of several rugs - the Fal was largest and although the front is not adjustable it fits a treat and does not pull on her neck when she is grazing. She measured 6ft 4 I got her a 6ft 6. Hope this helps.

[eventerbabe]

I have a chunky cob and the only rugs that fit him well are FAL rugs. they may be a bit more expensive but are far superior in quality and last exceptionally well. Rambo's are a waste of time with cobs. weatherbeaters are ok but i find i have to replace mine nearly every year! I've recently bought a slumberdown rug, but its not as roomy as a proper FAL rug :)

[anneindor]

Originally posted by eventerbabe
I have a chunky cob and the only rugs that fit him well are FAL rugs. they may be a bit more expensive but are far superior in quality and last exceptionally well. Rambo's are a waste of time with cobs. weatherbeaters are ok but i find i have to replace mine nearly every year! I've recently bought a slumberdown rug, but its not as roomy as a proper FAL rug :)

I fully agree with Rambo Rugs being expensive but i personally found them to fit my heavy weight cob exteremly well, Equines come in all different shapes and sizes like humans, what may fit one cob extremely well, may not fit another. Also my horse has had her Masta rug for 3 years!!!

[eventerbabe]

Mastas are great rugs, our section D loves her heavyweight masta and its worn very well, i wasn't critisising masta rugs!!! as you say, horses come in all shapes and sizes and one type of rug that fits one may not fit another. just in my experience rambo's have been a waste of money.

[anneindor]

maybe we should start to make outsized rugs? seems like a pretty good market to go into! after all, not all horses and ponies are standard sized afterall lol

[eventerbabe]

there used to be a company that sold the lining, buckles and outer materials so you could make your own rugs to suit your own horse, can't remember their name!! mum had a catalogue of theirs a few years ago. :D

[anneindor]

yeah would need an industrial sewing machine though..........hmmmm i'll get back to you when i have thought about this further

[Annaandbuglet]

Since my last reply, I have to say that the Fal Slumberdown in time ended up rubbing too much for my liking - it was great width ways but a 6'3" was just too long.....so.....after a few phone calls and some fun with a measuring tape I bit the bullet and bought a Rambo Xl which I've had now for about 6 weeks and I have to say it is fantastic. Fits like a glove, very light and dries out after heavy rain very quickly - It is designed for the larger build in mind and have to say it has been worth the investment to us!! I also managed to find a stable rug that fitted in the end. A Worldbeater "Comfi fit" that kind of fastens like a bib at the front. No restricting buckles like a traditional one. Thanks again for your replies everyone - very interesting.