Saving long manes... cut back rugs?

[SadKen]

I'm looking for a rug for my traddy mare. She has a lovely mane, I want to save it but she will need to be clipped (likely a blanket clip) and will therefore need a rug.

I've previously tried hoods, sprays, and satin protectors but they all rubbed mane away so don't want to bother with them again.

I've seen the US Schneider's cut back rugs which are supposed to sit at the base of the mane but I can't find a UK supplier. Has anyone used a cutback rug? Any recommendations?

 

[twiggy2]

I have seen people try to do that and just end up with pressure sore, open wounds or horses being unhappy working due to sire areas over the winter amd under the saddle

 

[WelshD]

I have some of the Schneiders rugs and they are really excellent and worth their weight in gold, mine were imported though.

I think you can get some rugs that are slightly raised either side of the wither though - maybe those would be easier to source?

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I cannot recommend the cut back rugs due to the aforementioned issue of ending up with a pressure sore.

My PRE had a long and thick mane last winter and wore Rambo and Amigo rugs. He wore their normal cut, high-neck Wug, a neck rug, and an all-in-one. He experienced no rubbing and he has a thicker cresty-ish neck due to his breeding. However, I always kept his mane braided, except for a few "breaks" here and there. Or I just braided the lower half when he wore the Wug. Everything rubs this horse, fly masks, saddle pads, boots, halters, etc. His mane was just fine. I think the braiding really was key.

 

[SadKen]

Thanks folks. I might try importing a Schneiders since there is a bit of time. Also will look into Rambo and amigo. I can braid too, the seam has previously rubbed my old horse's mane regardless of braiding but this is a different horse and different rug!

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

I use a mane guard from bossy bibs washed regularly it helps.

no rugs for me is out as they damage mane rolling and rubbing on trees