Thank goodness for chest extenders

[carthorse]

Those of you who say the photos in my diary thread may have noticed Luka has come up very quarters high, and (hopefully!) this means he hasn't finished growing. When I got him I'd hoped Little Un's 6' stable rugs would fit him, he was a 6'3" but most of them were a bit bigger than the turnouts and also if they're a bit short I feel it matters less in a stable. Except someone has turned into a 6'6" and quart into a pint pot sprang to mind! However as a slightly desperate move I bought a chest extender - the shop had two and I bought the one that gave more room - and it now looks like the stable rugs will do this winter . I wouldn't use on an outdoor rug, but for an indoor it should be fine and it removes the temptation to buy rugs that he may or may not grow out of.

 

[chunky monkey]

Ive got one on chunkys rug. His is a 6ft which technically is fine but i felt it was a little tight on his shoulders. I brought a job lot of rugs and bits from someone who lost there horse ages ago, there was one in the collection. Works well on his outdoor rug.
I do have to remember to undo the left hand set of buckles when i unrug him. If i do the right ones the straps end up sliding out through and i have to rethread each time.
I remember getting frustrated by them slipping out when i first put it on, and nearly dispensed with it as too much hassle. Once i worked out undo the left buckles, life became simple.

 

[Trewsers]

I didn’t know such existed. Why aren’t you keen on using on outdoor rugs @carthorse ?

 

[carthorse]

@Trewsers the one I got has a elastic insert too, strong elastic but if he was playing I'd be worried it may give too much and also that his outdoor rugs being heavier would put more strain on it too. And I suspect it would be grab height for the Shetland

 

[MrC]

Never had to use one but they are handy things!!

Farans outgrown everything I’ve got near enough. I’ve had to give away some 6ft3s as they are too narrow round the chest for him

Wonder what Luka will top out at

 

[carthorse]

I'm guessing around 15.1 @MrC , I can't see him making much bigger than that. With the power he generates 15.1 would be plenty, and he gives the impression of being bigger than that already - you should have seen him on tiptoe trying to impress a mare last night . There's a teenager on the yard who'd said countless times about having a go on him, that she rides loads on the yard (true), and isn't bothered by anything but then she saw him trotting up the lane the other day and came over to me later and said she didn't think she could ride him after all because he looks far too strong and quick. She's right, though maybe not for the reasons she thinks - he's not strong (unless you're daft enough to let him take a hold, the one time I did to see what he'd do strong was being polite) but he's got an awful lot of power and activity which he wants to use, and he's very reliant on his rider for direction and confidence at the moment.

The way Faran's growing I'd certainly suggest getting a chest extender until you think he's finished, it could save you a fortune in rugs - or maybe not if he just keeps destroying them! I found the one I've got has taken my 6' Amigos to the equivalent of a 6'6" Weatherbeeta or Derby House, and if he needs bigger than that then I'm going to have to take out gym membership to be able to ride him!!!