Bucas Smartex Rain

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magic14

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Afternoon :)

I was just wondering what people's views of this rug were? And also if I'm actually going to need it!

I have owned my horse for just a month (part loaned since November) and my plan is to let him go "au naturale" He's always been clipped before and heavily rugged and he always felt soooo warm!

Anyway, he's since been out the last month with just his rain sheet or naked and has always seemed warm enough, though we've not had much rain so not sure what he'd be like when it was chucking it down.
At the moment he's stabled overnight and just has a lightweight stable rug or his rain sheet kept on.

My plan was to get the Bucas for use when it's chucking it down and cold in the winter/so called Spring.
All other times I plan for him to be naked.

So Bucas Smartex Rain owners - are they any good? And would they suit my plan or be too warm with that fleecey lining?
Your opinions please :D
 
I like Bucas rugs, I own a variety!!!
The downsides to the ones with the fleexe lining is that it does pick up hair and can make them a little itchy.
For that reason I only use TO rugs (Bucas or Horsewear) with a nylon or similar lining, for my celtic stable rugs I keep a cotton sheet or my back on track rug next to their skin.

In your case, I would reccommend not getting the fleece lined one!
 
Thanks for the advice :-)
I just wasn't sure as didn't want a total no fill as I'd read they aren't as waterproof and can make them feel chillier when there's persistant/torrential rain.
Hmm, back to the drawing board! :o
 
magic14 said:
Thanks for the advice :-)
I just wasn't sure as didn't want a total no fill as I'd read they aren't as waterproof and can make them feel chillier when there's persistant/torrential rain.
Hmm, back to the drawing board! :o
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I've got the lightweight Bucas Irish Turnout, think it has 50-100g of fill.
I also have the 200g rambo original.

Both are good rugs
 
I have three Smartex rains and really rate them. The new one has nylon lined shoulders, but the older two are used with a Bossy's bib underneath. I have one that I bought circa 2006 and apart from one minor repair this year (had to sew a strap back on but no rips to the rug at all) and a few chestnut hairs stuck to the fleece lining, it looks pretty new and is still waterproof. :)
 
Thanks I've just checked the Irish out, that would've been perfect but aren't they velcro attachments at the front? Not that there's anything wrong with that except I think they would bug the hell out of me :-(
I think I'm just too fussy...
 
Faracat said:
I have three Smartex rains and really rate them. The new one has nylon lined shoulders, but the older two are used with a Bossy's bib underneath. I have one that I bought circa 2006 and apart from one minor repair this year (had to sew a strap back on but no rips to the rug at all) and a few chestnut hairs stuck to the fleece lining, it looks pretty new and is still waterproof. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks Faracat, I did wonder if you'd be along to post as I've seen many of your helpful replies on the subject of Bucas rugs :D
 
magic14 said:
Thanks I've just checked the Irish out, that would've been perfect but aren't they velcro attachments at the front? Not that there's anything wrong with that except I think they would bug the hell out of me :-(
I think I'm just too fussy...
Click to expand...

The front on the irish is different to the smartex front (and I do prefer the smartex design in that way).

The Irish isn't 'just' velcro if that is what you mean - there are 2 metal front fastenings then a velcro strip that goes over the top. Pretty similar to many other rugs on the market. The smartex/celtic design is more unique in that aspect though.
 
Photo of the oldest one when it was about two years old - it still looks the same.
SSCN3503.jpg


I would suggest that you think about getting the big necked version if you decide to buy one. It might be worth talking to Tosca rugs or Bucas themselves to get measurements of the standard neck and big neck. The mare above takes 6ft3 in horseware rugs but the bucas is 6ft and fits really well.
 
I have an Irish Extra combo too (horse on the left with the big blaze).
SSCN4169.jpg


I don't use it much as it's a full neck and they rub her mane out. However I'm thinking about removing the neck as it's a really nice rug. The outer layer is much thinner than the Smartex but it's always been waterproof.
 
Ihatework - thanks for that, I did think it was just velcro. Problem is velcro makes me cringe a bit, a bit like nails down a chalk board :eek: I'm odd I know!

Faracat, thanks for all the pics :D
He's a 5.9" in rugs usually but I will speak to someone to get measurements if I ever make a decision! :o

Between this and a which comfort bridle to choose my mind is shot to pieces! God help me when the saddle fitter comes on Friday with a choice of saddles! :eek:
 
I know what you mean, I was overwhelmed by the choice of breastplates available the other day. I last bought one when I was 14 (a leather hunting one in full size) that's still going strong, but even with extra holes punched it's too big for my grey. I'm now waiting for a cob sized 5-point to come. :D
 
I can only see me getting worse as time goes on and more horsey products become available! :o
My other option was a Premier Equine 40g Turnout but then I've seen a fair few leaky threads, though mainly relating to the 70g.
 
Yes, I had a leaky PE lightweight. I have been tempted to try again, but they are very deep rugs and I have to shorten the surcingles on normal depth rugs as it is.
 
I think I just need to win the lottery and then I can buy all the rugs and see which is best, or just pay someone to make me my perfect rug!
 
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