Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping, especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope you have fun reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences helps you on your own quest for new gear. Go Shopping.
One of the features that first drew my attention to the 3/4 Neck Winter Blanket was hands down the higher cut of the neckline. Which I personally like, because it gives a little extra coverage and protection from the elements. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.
As the temperatures continue to drop, my mind tends to be filled with many thoughts of outerwear. For me, that means coats and vests in various weights. And styles. And colors. So that I can pick and choose outerwear pieces that are appropriate for various activities — because I want to be able to stay warm and look great whether I’m mucking it up in the barn or heading out to a holiday party.
It should come as no surprise then for me to tell you that I expect my outerwear collection to be warm, functional and stylish. While those are the standards that I keep for my own outerwear, I also like to keep similar standards for my horse’s outerwear as well. OK … so blankets don’t really have to be stylish, but awesome colors or patterns are certainly a plus!
I have no problem admitting that I’m a bit of a “blanket freak”. So much so that I could probably clothe a small army of horses. Do I wish that I was kidding right now … yes. But I’m not. That’s life, and I suppose that there are worse things in the world than having a slight blanket obsession.
Even with his bodied up and “chunky” shape, the 3/4 Neck Blanket fits Roo in his normal size 84 very well. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.
Living in Pennsylvania is quite lovely, though it definitely brings some cold temperatures during the winter months. Not nearly as cold as some parts of the country, but cold nonetheless. I make sure to have turnouts in multiple weights for each of my horses so that when I keep tabs on the temperatures, I can switch blankets to ensure that I can outfit them all in a weight that is proper for the weather that each day brings.
When the weather dips down into the 20s and 30s, I prefer to just leave heavyweight rugs on my boys. A well-fitting, heavy turnout blanket really does the trick on days that are chilly. Or windy. Or just plain snowy. Especially when the blanket’s outer shell also has a denier rating that is tough enough to stand up to the hijinks and playful antics of silly young horses.
This season, my young gelding Rufus has been weathering the cold temperatures wearing the 1200D 3/4 Neck Winter Blanket from Professional’s Choice. One of the features that first drew my attention to the 3/4 Neck Winter Blanket was hands down the higher cut of the neckline. Which I personally like, because it gives a little extra coverage and protection from the elements.
I’ve watched Rufus play in the snow. He runs. Drops it like it’s hot. And rolls around a bit … Photo by Lorraine Peachey.
The 3/4 Neck Blanket features a 1200 denier rip stop outer shell to tough out playful (and sometimes naughty) horse antics. The interior of the blanket contains a smooth-feeling nylon lining. And, it also features reinforced tapered seams, along with 300 grams of Holofil insulation to ensure warmth for your horse.
The front of the blanket has a traditional, adjustable double buckle closure, along with Velcro to keep the front blanket flaps in place. I also really like that the two adjustable belly straps of the blanket are able to be fastened on either side of your horse’s belly, which makes them quite convenient to use. The two elastic hind leg straps are also adjustable, and the blanket also features a protective tail flap as well.
From the first time that I outfitted Roo in the 3/4 Neck Blanket, I was pleased with the fit. I found that fitting and adjusting the blanket was simple. Roo’s normal size 84 fit his compact and “slightly chunky” body shape really nicely. While Roo is Dutch/Thoroughbred, his body type certain trended towards the warmblood side of his family tree. That being said, even with his bodied up and “chunky” shape, the 3/4 Neck Blanket fits him very well.
Roo hops up from a roll and flails. And then runs some more. The best part? Through all of those crazy antics, I’m happy to report that the blanket stays right in place! Photo by Lorraine Peachey.
I like the way that the blanket does contour to Roo’s back, and the Gambler pattern of the blanket also looks extremely snazzy on my boy. The black and red colored hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds that are part of the styling look just terrific. They are lots of fun, and I feel like they give off a “tough guy” impression that is just perfect for Roo’s personality.
The buckles and straps of the 3/4 Neck blanket have also been very easy for me to adjust. Once adjusted and fastened, they hold the blanket in place nicely. So nicely, in fact, that I’ve watched Rufus play in the snow. He runs. Drops it like it’s hot. Rolls around. Hops up and flails. And then runs some more. The best part? Through all of those crazy antics, I’m happy to report that the blanket stays right in place!
And Roo’s playful personality also goes a bit further still. As in, he is totally one of those horses that likes to grab on — and pull on — his own blanket. Yeah. I still haven’t figured that one out yet. But even through the grabbing and yanking, Roo’s 3/4 Neck Blanket still looks great, and it hasn’t shown any sign of wear yet.
I also really like that the two adjustable belly straps of the blanket are able to be fastened on either side of your horse’s belly, which makes them quite convenient to use. And the blanket also features a protective tail flap as well. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.
The 1200D 3/4 Neck Blanket from Professional’s Choice is available in three color patterns — solid Black, Pebbles and Gambler (the pattern worn by Roo) — and is available in sizes ranging from 68-84″. Which is great, because I’m happy that it is available in a size that is large enough for my slighty chunky Roo.
And, as with many Professional’s Choice products, the 3/4 Neck Blanket comes with a 30-day Money Back Guarantee! Click here to buy.
Go Warm, Toasty & Stylish Blankets (that stay in place!). Go Professional’s Choice. Go Eventing.
