Wintec Saddles - WeatherBeeta Horse Blankets - Troxel Riding Helmets - English Saddles - Western Saddles - Horse Tack View All Articles Shoulder Gussets, What is the Difference?   What’s with the shoulder gussets on horse blankets?? Do I need them?? They are a good idea. Few years ago blankets with shoulder gussets were a lot more expensive. But now it is kind of expected. But what do they do?? Today’s generation of horse blankets are much like the jackets we buy for ourselves. We want light weight, breathable, waterproof, and warm comfortable clothing, without paying too much. After all, we might like to buy more than one. Our horses today are very active. We ride our horses year round. Your horse deserves the same. Shoulder gussets free up the shoulders so your horse can play, roll, run, and generally feel good, without feeling restricted and having the hair rubbed off the horse’s shoulders. But where should they be? WeatherBeeta horse clothing offers you two choices. “Freestyle” or “Original”. But what is right for your horse? It depends on your horse's conformation and your horse’s way of going. If your horse has “beefy” shoulders, such as a QH, draft, draft cross, chunky Arabs, any broad type, the side gusset gives relief where your horse needs it. The “freestyle” is more for the forward, floating trot moving horse. The gussets are more to the front. If your horse reaches out when he moves, like some TBs, Warmbloods, QHs, Arabs, the freestyle is something to consider. The front shoulder gusset works for the more narrow chested horse also. Look at your options; choose well for your horse’s type. Do not go “cheap”. I can as a tack shop buy blankets from India and China for peanuts. Could I stand behind them and tell you that they will “work”? Nope. I will not do that. Nor will any other reputable Tack Store. And I am not talking about the “store fronts” on eBay or online. Just some thoughts… ___   View All Articles   Bottles and Bridles, the owners nor employees can not be held responsible for any misuse or use of these tips. These tips are provided as a service to our customers and have no monetary value. 815 Ballard’s Ridge Rd. Wakefield, NH 03872 info@bottlesandbridles.com toll free- 1 (800) 524-8002 603-522-8002 (f) 603-522-5045 © 2003 Bottles & Bridles. All Rights Reserved.