Shires Highlander rugs

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Ceriza

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Is the shires Highlander plus rugs more roomier than the original one, ie specifically for weightier horses like traditional cobs etc or is it just a newer rug with updated features? TIA.
 
Ceriza said:
Is the shires Highlander plus rugs more roomier than the original one, ie specifically for weightier horses like traditional cobs etc or is it just a newer rug with updated features? TIA.
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I think the Plus ones have a shoulder gusset and the standard ones don't, so it may come up roomier.
 
I have a highlander plus combo and it’s a bigger fit than an old tempest I once had.
Horse isn’t a chunky cob. I like the fit but would have maybe got another size had I known. Horse is between 6’6 and 6’9 so I’d have been better with 6’6 really
 
Ceriza said:
Is the shires Highlander plus rugs more roomier than the original one, ie specifically for weightier horses like traditional cobs etc or is it just a newer rug with updated features? TIA.
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Aaargh - Shires Highlander plus and original are distinguished by the denier of the outer skin, how ‘waterproofy’ it is.

Pay attention:
Earlier models of Highlander originals had two buckle fittings at the breast, with c.6 holes adjustment each,
Earlier models of Highlander plus had two clips and lengths of strap and buckle, for even more extensive adjustment at the chest.
Earlier Highlander models of both original and plus were cut exactly the same cloth pattern, had the same quantity / shape of material and cut, and both were good for big fronted horses. Highlanders used to have both plenty of depth and breadth at the front, and if that is what you want, better find one of the discontinued, older styles, because:

Current Highlander models, both the current ‘original’ and current ‘plus’ (remember, denier is the distinguishing factor), have far less room or adjustment at the chest.
The actual cut is different, less material and room, but the real nightmare is that both types now only have two trigger clips with two inches maximum of adjustment at the front. There is a bigger tail flap, reflective stripes, contrasting shoulder pleats and other (useless) ‘improvements’, but if you have a big fronted animal and need both room and adjustment, please learn from the bitter experience of others - and forget it.

The Tempest and Typhoon models have always been less roomy than Highlanders; and the Stormcheata has gone the same 2 breast clip way as Highlanders - shame.

The Bridleway rugs are apparently the Shires-made budget range, and Ontario style apparently has similar roominess to the old Highlander - as advised by a retailer only too aware of this issue, but not tried myself ☹️
 
Exasperated said:
There is a bigger tail flap, reflective stripes, contrasting shoulder pleats and other (useless) ‘improvements’,
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Living up north where we have constant wind and rain and have to work with the horses in the dark for months on end I don’t think these are useless improvements. I was actually delighted with these upgrades.
It is a shame they changed the front fastenings though. They fit mine fine still but it’s definitely a neater fit at the front and cant see them fitting horses with big shoulders now.
 
Peglo said:
Living up north where we have constant wind and rain and have to work with the horses in the dark for months on end I don’t think these are useless improvements. I was actually delighted with these upgrades.
It is a shame they changed the front fastenings though. They fit mine fine still but it’s definitely a neater fit at the front and cant see them fitting horses with big shoulders now.
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For a slighter animal, Highlander is still a well made and decent rug, so that’s lucky for you. Slightly unfortunate Shires still market it as suitable for foursquare animals, because it absolutely no longer is.
For any horse with any breadth /substance, the additional fabric would have been better devoted to maintaining room at the chest than becoming filthy round it’s ar*e.
Thoroughly unimpressed!
 
supagran said:
A friend (lives in Scotland) has two Highlander Plus rugs for her Highland ponies - they fit beautifully, and have been a godsend this winter.
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Oh, that’s nice, you must post some photos.
admittedly not so far north, my horses have 27 Highlander rugs - varying weights, classics, combos, originals and plusses - big bodied Section Ds which have found them very useful for many years.
So in quite a good position to directly compare the latest model of Highlander with earlier ones, even got out tape measure to empirically convince myself how differently these now fit, and no, it’s not my imagination, but sadly is also the current experience of plenty other owners with similar shaped beasts.
Buy up any discontinued stock would seem the most sensible, there is still some about.
 
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