Mares and fillet straps on rugs

katherine1975

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I have an Amigo rug for my mare and when she wees the fillet strap at the back makes her wee go all over her tail and back legs. I have some weatherbeeta rugs with cross over straps which are much better. Is there anything I can do as her Amigo rugs fit her well and don't have the option of cross over leg straps.
 
I never use leg straps as I have broodmares but I do have some Amigo rugs and I agree with you that the fillet straps they give you with them are rubbish. They're too thick so get covered in poop and wee. I always take them off and replace with a bought fillet strap.
 
if this is an amigo turnout you could put a very thin fillet string on instead of the thick one which comes with the rug. if it is a stable rug why not take off the fillet strap completely and see how you get on. i always take fillet strings off for my mare in the stable and her rugs stay on ok.....hope this helps...
 
Have you thought about asking a rug repairer to add the fixings for cross over straps? I don't like fillet strings either and I added fixings that I'd taken off an old rug.

Spring Feather we had broodmares here all last winter, their rugs had leg straps, and they were all fine. I'm curious to know why you don't like them. Sorry to take the post on a tangent!
 
I would take it off and use a narrower one. As for cross over leg straps I would never use them at work. I've had a show pony freak out when turned out in a rug with these on and rug through 4 electric fences and two post and rails, despite being lunged in the rug prior to turnout. They are not great if badly fitted, IMO more dangerous than a badly fitted fillet string plus if you horses are young TB's then I'd rather not get my head kicked in while attaching them to a skittish filly!
 
I have seen a post somewhere where a lady had used bailer band and tubing so it was wipe clean. I think she used hosepipe but you can get thinner tubing from diy or aquatics shops. HTH :)

Just realised it was her tail and legs getting dirty not the strap :o
A thinner strap should help though.
 
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