Turnout rugs with shoulder darts -Yes or No?

Persephone

Well-Known Member
Joined
4 August 2007
Messages
19,992
Location
Down South
Visit site
Do youthink shoulder darts make much difference to the comfort/freedom of the horse?

I always buy with, but am just pondering the actual difference they do or don't make.
 
mine somehow rips them anyway! Although I think this is mainly because he is only young and so the rugs do not really fit around his front end properly so the darts arent completely in the right place. I do tend to go for ones with darts though.
 
Having recently bought 2 rugs, both Weatherbeetas and one with darts, one without, I wouldnt say I have noticed much difference atall. Just for info purposes the Genero is a decent budget rug but does come up shorter than the other WB I bought. However it is value for money when your not expecting to have to buy any rugs!
 
I always seem to find that the dart isn't really in the right place. I've had weatherbeetas in the past and they didn't seem and better than non darted rugs. None of my current rugs have darts now and don't think my mare suffers ;)

If I had a windfall I think I'd buy a Rambo optimo though, that kind of dart looks worth trying! :D
 
Having recently bought 2 rugs, both Weatherbeetas and one with darts, one without, I wouldnt say I have noticed much difference atall. Just for info purposes the Genero is a decent budget rug but does come up shorter than the other WB I bought. However it is value for money when your not expecting to have to buy any rugs!

Good to knowabout theGenero, my filly is built like a tank, she has a big chest, so probably better to give that one a miss.

I'm finding unknown/cheapy brands won't get round her and are not deep enough (don't like to see her tummy below the sides!)

Masta, that I have never had fit any of my horses is actually a good fit funnily enough and v. cheap!
 
Good to knowabout theGenero, my filly is built like a tank, she has a big chest, so probably better to give that one a miss.

I'm finding unknown/cheapy brands won't get round her and are not deep enough (don't like to see her tummy below the sides!)

Masta, that I have never had fit any of my horses is actually a good fit funnily enough and v. cheap!

Someone on my yard has the Masta Avante and it is a nice rug. Only thing I dont like is that it fastens on the chest with the same clips used on the surcingles. Can be a bit fiddly and could get caught up on such as a haynet if tied up. Are good value for money though.
 
Someone on my yard has the Masta Avante and it is a nice rug. Only thing I dont like is that it fastens on the chest with the same clips used on the surcingles. Can be a bit fiddly and could get caught up on such as a haynet if tied up. Are good value for money though.

That's the one I kind of had my eye on, but there are no shoulder darts ;)
 
I haven't really noticed a difference. My 2 x Fal's and 2 x Amigo's haven't got darts but my other Mark Todd rugs have.
 
I just bought an Axiom rug off ebay (heavyweight) I have a section D built like a tank & it fits him lovely, he has huge shoulders too. Have a look!
 
I only buy WB for my welsh D as they seem to fit him very well. I don't know if the darts really make a difference but I do notice the freestyle rugs with darts on the front fit him best :) They're the perfect shape on him.
 
Well most rugs seem to have darts but IMO they always seem to rub at the top where the excess material ends. Have got a Rhino with no darts and despite it being worn 24/7 for days on end, not a rub in sight. It is a great fit too and doesn't restrict movement so not quite sure what the benefit of having darts is - just more difficult/expensive to manufacture. Would definitely prefer to buy rugs without but fairly limited choice.
 
Top