Fitting your Horse's Blanket

This post is part two of an earlier post talking about how to properly measure for a horse blanket. It was written by Christine Barakat from an old Equus Magazine. I felt that it would help everyone to understand more on how blankets should properly fit.

Blanket Fitting Spot Checks

When your new blanket arrives, it's important to immediately perform some spot-checks to make sure the garment's cut suits your horse's body type. Thereafter, you'll want to repeat these spot check periodically to ensure that changes in your horse's weight and/or fitness have not altered the way his blanket fits.

Even a properly sized blanket can bind or rub a horse, so you'll always want to be alert for bald patches, white hair, sensitivity and other signs of trouble. If you discover a problem, a professional blanket seamstress may be able to make the necessary adjustments to a blanket, or you may need to invest in a new one that is more appropriate for your horse's physique.

1. Run your hand up and over the withers. If the blankets neck hole is the appropriate size and shape, your hand will slide easily through. Also, unless the blanket is designed to leave the wither uncovered, make sure the front edge of the blanket sits well forward of the withers, extending at least three inches over the mane hair.

2. Slide your hand under the blanket at the shoulders. If it fits well, there will be enough space for your hand to slide easily. Very active horses may rub hair off of their shoulders despite a good fit; in those cases, adding a layer of fleece or stretchy horse "undergarments" is a good idea.

3. Next scrutinize the shape of the blanket's neck hole: You'll want the lower edge to rest where the horse's neck merges into his chest. To test this area of fit, use a carrot to encourage your horse to lower his head. A properly fitting blanket will allow him to reach for the carrot without pinching or restraining.

4. Check the fit of the belly straps by sliding your hand between them and the horse. A few inches of clearance will reduce the chances of rubbing, but more than five inches of play in the straps poses the risk of dangerous entanglement. Fortunately, nearly all belly straps are adjustable.

5. Rear leg straps are notorious irritants, particularly after they become soiled with manure. Fit isn't as much an issue here as the way the straps are buckled: To keep them from rubbing the tender skin inside a horse's legs, buckle one as you normally would...

6. ...then loop the other strap through and buckle. This technique keeps the straps clear of the legs.

7. To check the fit over the hips, slide your hand under the blanket over the horse's rump, looking for snug spots.

8. Finally, check the fit of the blanket over the horse's tail. A blanket that is too long can prevent a horse from lifting his tail, leading to a real mess.

Measuring for your Horse's Blanket

This post features an article written by Christine Barakat from an old Equus Magazine. I thought it would be great article to share with you as winter approaches. I'll be be breaking it up into two posts. The first will show you how to measure for a blanket and the second will explain how a blanket should properly fit.

Blanket Fitting

A well-fitted blanket is a welcome comfort to a clipped horse on chilly winter days. But a covering that is too small, too large or otherwise fits poorly can cause painful pressure or rubbing. In extreme cases, a blanket can make a horse lame or permanently damage skin and underlying tissues. All of which means you'll want to shop as carefully for your horse's cold-weather garments as you do for your own winter coat.

First, you'll need to take careful measurements to determine what size he needs.

Measuring

1. With a flexible tailor's tape, measure from the center of the horse's chest...

2. ...along his side in a straight line...

3. ...to the center of the horse's tail. This final measurement corresponds to body length.

These measurements are crucial for us in order to help get you the correct size blanket for your horse.

Happy Thanksgiving & Holiday Hours!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wanted to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you enjoy the time and food with family and friends. Maybe it be a day you can remember all the things that we can and should be thankful for!

Special Holiday Hours

I also wanted to inform you about our Holiday Hours. Starting this Sunday, November 28th until Sunday, December 19th we'll be open from 12:30pm - 5:00pm to help with the Christmas shopping. I look forward to seeing you over the next several weeks and helping you with all your gift needs!

Does China Mean Inferior?

What is your first thought when you see or hear that a product is made in China?

Take a minute and think about it . . . 

Ok, times up. My first guess would be that you thought JUNK (am I right?). 

We've all bought an item that was made in China and in turn seen it fall apart after only a few uses. 

Are Good Products from China Possible?

First, there is a lot of junk that comes from China! I will definitely say that. But just because there is a lot of junk doesn't mean there isn't anything good. 

A few companies that are well known within our store have products made in China. Ariat, Justin, and Tony Lama are just a few. 

Yes, Ariat boots are made in China. Yet many know that Ariat boots are good quality boots that offer comfort and protection. Hundreds of professional horseman athletes trust Ariat boots to their feet everyday. Each Ariat boot has a cushion insole, and with each cushion insole there is one of three foot bed support systems (4LR, ATS, or Cobalt Quantum) built into the boot. Each foot bed support system is designed to ad more comfort and quality to each boot. You'll also find the upper is all leather, while many other companies use man made materials for their uppers.  

The reason that their boots, even though they are made in China, have a good quality to them is because Ariat's sets a standard for all of their boots. They know how their boots should feel, they know what their boots should look like, and they know what quality their boots should be. If a boot isn't of that quality they will not produce it. 

If you don't believe me try a pair on and see for yourself. I'm pretty sure that if no one ever told you Ariat boots were made in China you'd be none the wiser if you just tried them on. Stop by next time your in our part of town and try a pair on. They may not change your mind about the issues that come with sending jobs over seas but you may find that at least something good can come out of China.

Last but not least Ariat wasn't the first to send their manufacturing overseas nor will they be the last. Some other companies that are following suit and manufacturing select styles of quality boots overseas are:

• Justin with their Stampede Collection 
• Tony Lama with thier 3R Series. 

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below, and don't worry I'll get back to you on your thoughts.

Tony Lama Celebrates 100 Years of Boot Making

“One hundred years of business is a tremendous milestone, and we’re grateful for those who have supported the brand over the years,” said Randy Watson, president and CEO, Justin Brands, Inc. “We have some fun items in store, and we’re looking forward to the upcoming celebration with our valued retailers, consumers and affiliates.”

2011 will mark 100 years of boot making for Tony Lama, the world's most recognized boot brand since 1911. To honor this event Tony Lama will be launching a Centennial Boot Collection in January of 2011. We've got a sneak peak at some of these boots for both men and women. Most of these boots should start at $250.

Men's Tony Lama Centennial Collection

Women's Tony Lama Centennial Collection

Fall Sale - September 24, 25, & 26

During our Fall Sale you'll find everything in the store at least 15% Off. Saddles are excluded from the 15% discount but will be specially marked for the sale. Other items besides saddles that will be marked down are boots, hats, men's and women's clothing, and all show clothing!

We may not always have everything in-stock and we apologize when that happens but don't worry. You can even get 15% off on those specialty items that we need to order for you.

Don't miss your opportunity to get everything you need as this sale happens only twice a year!


Where & When


Al-Bar Ranch
55345 Fir Rd
Mishawaka, IN 46545
1-866-522-1188
www.al-bar.com

September 24, 25, & 26
Friday
10:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday
10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday
10:00am - 5:00pm

Product Review: Retro Jean 77MWZRW

Each month we'll try and review at least one product in the store. This month our focus is on the new Retro Jean from Wrangler the 77MWZRW. It just came in last week and is a new color in Wrangler's #77 and Retro line.

Review:

This jean from Wrangler has quickly become one of our top selling jean styles for men and is personally one of my favorites. I've had the earlier versions of this jean in the Blue Frost and Worn In and liked them both. 

The color of the River Wash is slightly darker than the Worn In, which is more a true blue, allowing it to match with almost any color shirt available.  Bright and light colors tend to pop while darker colors are complimented.  The River Wash almost has a "dirty" look to it with the worn look around the back pockets and thighs. 

The denim itself is slightly heavier than either the Blue Frost or Worn In styles that came before. Although this may seem like a con, it actually feels much more natural and wears better because of it. The original #77 jeans in the retro line were much thinner and I felt could wear out too fast. This jean feels like it will last much longer and hold up to more abuse than its predecessors. 

As for the fit, this jean has a natural feel to it. It has a slight low rise to it, with a boot cut feel. It's slimmer through the legs and slightly flares at the bottom to be wide enough to fit over and give a nice look with a pair of boots.

I personally would highly recommend this jean as it is extremely comfortable and has an overall great fit.