Mark Todd Lightweight. Utter crapp.

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Fransurrey

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Not impressed at all and am wondering whether to send it back, even though it's been worn. Henry has worn it a grand total of 2 days. I came to take it off this morning for a ride (and because it's gone mild and stopped raining) and found:

-the velcro which fastens the neck piece underneath the buckles is completely undone. The stitching is all intact - it was obviously stitched so close the edge the velcro has come out of the stitching!

-Near the back corner there is a tear. Now, Henry occasionally rolls, but I think this is quite normal behavour and there isn't excessive dirt on the rug, suggesting he's not been rolling much. He's not a scratcher, either, but there's nothing to scratch on up in that field, anyway!

-The plasticy 'webbing' all over the rug is starting to peel off in a couple of places.

Compared to the Amigo on Chloe, it's a proper fail (she's a Sweet Itch destroyer of herself, nevermind rugs, so it's put up with a LOT of abuse)! I only bought this because the Amigo was out of stock and Horseware Ireland aren't sending more over of that size until 2013.
I expect wear and tear from rugs, but the stitching particularly irks me!! I'll probably end up just stitching it with the sewing machine, but won't be buying MT rugs again!
 
I've found Mark Todds awful. Would never buy one.

Appalling fits, tail flaps far too short, buckles and straps break in days.

I'd send back with the fact that it's not fit for purpose.
 
I know how you feel with this. I got a Mark Todd Stable rug for my old horse and within a couple of nights the moving part of the clip that fastened it at the front had come out. Also had a Mark Todd puffa style jacket and all the stitching came undone in the sleeves. Will never by Mark Todd again.

Even though it's been worn you should have a right to take it back especially over the velcro part - something to do with goods not being fit for purpose.
 
Now, the fit is the one thing I was really happy with! Aside from the neck being stupidly big (their idea of pony must be 16hh, lol!), the rug was comfortable and the tail flap fine - if anything the Amigo flap is too small! GaggghhHH!
 
Fransurrey said:
Now, the fit is the one thing I was really happy with! Aside from the neck being stupidly big (their idea of pony must be 16hh, lol!), the rug was comfortable and the tail flap fine - if anything the Amigo flap is too small! GaggghhHH!
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The actual body fit was good on the pony we looked after with one.
Neck/chest opening was huge, opening practically down to knees so poor pony was hobbled and could've stepped through and tail flap so short it was pointless. Rest of body halfway down her legs too.

Left her unrugged whenever possible as felt that the rug was a worst prospect than shivering. Unfortunately owner wasn't horsey and thought she was wrapped up well... a thought echoed by their instructer :mad:

They had all MTs. The heavyweight seemed okay, but the others appalling and all fairly new, held together with cable ties and balers :/
 
I'm the opposite. I like them, I use the no-fill, no neck lightweight turnouts - and have bought the same ones on several occasions. They fit my horses well and with the exception of Warrior, who is a bit of a rug destroyer anyway, they've all been really good rugs. I think they're great for the price and still will buy them again!

Have just bought one of the new no-fill Amigos (Hero???), as the Mark Todd rugs weren't in stock, and am a bit disappointed by how short the sides are - not as good as the original no fill Amigos IMHO.
 
I've got a MW one that came with my horse. It fits in that it's the right size, but no matter what I do, it *won't* sit straight, so can't be comfy!

T x
 
Fransurrey said:
Not impressed at all and am wondering whether to send it back, even though it's been worn. Henry has worn it a grand total of 2 days. I came to take it off this morning for a ride (and because it's gone mild and stopped raining) and found:

-the velcro which fastens the neck piece underneath the buckles is completely undone. The stitching is all intact - it was obviously stitched so close the edge the velcro has come out of the stitching!

-Near the back corner there is a tear. Now, Henry occasionally rolls, but I think this is quite normal behavour and there isn't excessive dirt on the rug, suggesting he's not been rolling much. He's not a scratcher, either, but there's nothing to scratch on up in that field, anyway!

-The plasticy 'webbing' all over the rug is starting to peel off in a couple of places.

Compared to the Amigo on Chloe, it's a proper fail (she's a Sweet Itch destroyer of herself, nevermind rugs, so it's put up with a LOT of abuse)! I only bought this because the Amigo was out of stock and Horseware Ireland aren't sending more over of that size until 2013.
I expect wear and tear from rugs, but the stitching particularly irks me!! I'll probably end up just stitching it with the sewing machine, but won't be buying MT rugs again!
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The faults you identify are manufacturing faults (maybe apart from the rip) and so yes you should be able to return it as unfit for purpose even tho it has been briefly used. If you just didnt like it or it didnt fit that would be different but this sounds as tho it is faulty/poorly made.

I would return it and Im not a stroppy consumer type person.

You may have to wait for it to be returned by them to manufacturer and examined to confirm its faulty before you get a refund. They may disagree it is faulty, in which case its a tricky one as you could sue them but is it worth it - you might instead get trading standards involved.
 
lachlanandmarcus said:
You may have to wait for it to be returned by them to manufacturer and examined to confirm its faulty before you get a refund. They may disagree it is faulty, in which case its a tricky one as you could sue them but is it worth it - you might instead get trading standards involved.
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This is why I hesitate to send it back. It's still clean, so obvious that it hasn't been abused or worn for a long time (well, I only received it two weeks ago) so am confident they'd find it was faulty manufacture, but the hassle of going through A, then B, then C...that's why I'm thinking of stitching it myself and putting it down to experience. I wonder if those with the older rugs have rugs made elsewhere than some sweatshop overseas?
 
I bought a JHL fleece which is the bargain side of Mark Todd and made by the same company. It ripped after a day.
I think these rugs used to be good but after speaking to the shop I bought my fleece from the rugs are now manufactured in China or Taiwan or somewhere like that and they are a pile of cr@p.
After the JHL experience I wouldn't touch MT rugs with a barge pole, especially not at the price they are. I'd rather buy a horseware rug any day.
 
lachlanandmarcus said:
The faults you identify are manufacturing faults (maybe apart from the rip) and so yes you should be able to return it as unfit for purpose even tho it has been briefly used. If you just didnt like it or it didnt fit that would be different but this sounds as tho it is faulty/poorly made.

I would return it and Im not a stroppy consumer type person.

You may have to wait for it to be returned by them to manufacturer and examined to confirm its faulty before you get a refund. They may disagree it is faulty, in which case its a tricky one as you could sue them but is it worth it - you might instead get trading standards involved.
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I agree, send it back. The stitching/ velco etc is not your fault, and makes the rug "not fit for purpose" which is what they should sell it as being.

The only MT i've ever had was a foal rug which I was very pleased with, but I'm sure manufacturers etc change over time, so def return it.
 
I've bought two MT LWs in the last 12 months and they're both great quality and have stood up well to wear and tear.

Admittedly one did end up with a rip in it but itchy horse vs hawthorn bush is hardly a fair test :)
 
Mark Todd and Amigo have always been made in China. A lot of the Rhinos have also been made there for the last 5 years, and I suspect many Rambo are too now.
I have had several MT and JHL rugs, light and medium, and they have all been good. Very unimpressed by my amigo mio, which is useless, but liked the old amigo's which are prob now the hero.
TBH I would be amazed if any lightweight stood up to yesterdays weather, but the other issues you mention are def manufacturing problems, and it should be returned.
 
I had exactly the same problem with a MT lightweight hood on a turnout rug. The velcro was not stitched on properly. I returned it to Equestrian Clearance where I had bought it from and they sent me a new one which seems to be alright.

I have also got a MT middle weight night rug with hood and that seems to be fine has done 3 seasons so far and is standing up well. It has also been washed and comes up like new.
 
Mine all have the heavyweight turnouts with blue check, they are AMAZING and I'd now never use anything else.

However I had a lightweight and that was rubbish, fell to pieces.

Wonder if they are made at the same place?
 
I have 3 MT turnouts and love them all. Other rugs come up like a mini skirt on him but these fit well. Deep enough, long tail flap and nothing has even ripped or torn.
 
Really? That's rubbish Id definitely be getting in touch with the retailer.
Personally I love my Mark Todd's and have a few. Id rather buy a second hand MT than a cheaper new rug.
I do think that on occasion probably as with all things a dodgy batch can slip though quality control?
I have a few Rambo protector fly rugs- the most recent I bought brand new and it fell to bits. As you describe the stitching still intact just too close to the edge. I was really annoyed! Rambo refused to do anything about it and I had no response from the online retailer either, Hope you have better luck because they are not cheap and its not on.
 
I love Mark Todd rugs, I have a L/W and a H/W that must be over 10 years old and they still come back from cleaning and rereproofing, just like new. Also have one of the fleeces which is ancient but because of the fit, its an old favourite.

Bought one of their M/W turnouts a couple of winters ago for a horse that lived out 24/7. It was impressive, it never slipped, pulled on her shoulders, rubbed her mane or leaked. Couldn't have asked more from a rug.

OP, if the stitching is faulty, send it back.
 
PandorasJar said:
Those who love them, are they older rugs? Perhaps they've recently changed manufacturer/design? As the pony ones can't have been much over a year old.
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Yes, they are old, apart from the M/W which I like better than the older ones as it seems a better fabric. Its done 2 winters so hope it lasts as long as the others.
 
I would think the majority of rugs are made in India/China these days.

I only buy cheap second hand ones anyway if I can help it, and have never had a problem with any rug I have bought.
 
I also have the heavy weight blue checked one. Best rug I have ever owned by a long shot. Much better than Amigos although possibly not as good as a Rambo rug (I can't justify £300 on something that is going to get trashed)
 
I have a couple and find they are great.I would contact the place where you brought it from as it does not sound right that it has gone so quickly. If the company are not aware then they will not be able to help. Had a problem with Rambo once same sort of thing I let them know the problem and they replaced the item, its worth a try.
 
Have an old MT turnout rug and stable rug for my stallion, good quality, wears them every winter.
Got another horse and bought her the same stable rug and the quality is no where near as good!
 
Have a LW that is a couple of years old and love it, brought another this year and was REALLY disappointed and will not be buying again. The big tail flaps are gone (replace with a small inadequate one), they aren't as deep in cut and the quality isn't there any more.:mad:
 
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