Gear Guide Tried & Tested
Hoods
The hoods we tested are designed to keep your horse clean while stabled. We put them through their paces in real-life situations to help you make an informed decision on the right purchase for you.
Our testers: Our pool of testers are regular competitors, and put these stretchy hoods through their paces over the course of three months. Hoods were applied to freshly-washed horses so they could test their stain-repelling capabilities. Our testers also plaited their horses’ manes underneath the hoods and paid attention to how well they stayed in overnight. They were also washed regularly throughout the test.
The products
RRP
£35
Snuggy Hoods Lycra hood
Made from breathable nylon with an adjustable noseband and chest strap. Also available with a zip.
- Pull on
- Velcro belly strap
We say…
Durable, true to size and didn’t slip. Straps were easy to use and the adjustable noseband was great for pulling it on. Ear covers were a bonus. Kept the coat clean and plaits intact. Dried within an hour.
RRP
£44.95
LeMieux Lycra hood
Made from a four-way stretch fabric and cut to contour around the shoulder.Â
- Zip fastening
- Clip closure belly strap
We say…
Unrestrictive fit with generous eye holes. Well-fitting and non-slip. Straps held up well to frequent use, but slight signs of wear on the noseband. Kept plaits in and proved great for mane training. Fast-drying.
RRP
£34.99
WeatherBeeta stretch hood
Super-stretchy with an elastic noseband. Ideal for use under rugs to prevent rubbing.
- Zip fastening
- Velcro belly strap
We say…
Allowed freedom to move, but thought the eye holes could be bigger. Non-slip with a sturdy zip and strong Velcro, though the tab is slightly flimsy. Washed and dried well.Â
RRP
£37.50
Mark Todd Stretch head and neck cover
Manufactured with a durable, stretchy fabric. Hook and loop fastening provides a secure fit.
- Pull on
- Velcro belly strap
We say…
Good-quality feel with strong Velcro. Slides over the head smoothly and doesn’t rub. Kept plaits secure and coat clean. Looked like new out of the wash and dried quickly.
RRP
£45.99
Shires stretch hood with full face
Multiway stretch nylon fabric with improved shaping on the head, ears and face.
- Zip fastening
- Velcro belly strap
We say…
Good-quality material, and the design made it easy to use. It didn’t move during use, plaits remained intact and the coat free from stains. Looked good as new when washed and dried well.
RRP
£49
Belvoir Rug Company show hood
Made from Italian Lycra with four-way stretch for comfort. It’s UVA protective and breathable.
- Pull on
- Velcro belly strap
We say…
Very smart. The all-round piping kept it in perfect condition. No zip, but the fabric was stretchy enough to pull on easily and it stayed in place. Kept stains off and plaits in. Washed well and dried quickly.
RRP
£26.90
Krämer Stonedeek Sleazy hood
Made from 85% polyester and 15% Lycra. Protects the coat and mane from rubs.
- Zip fastening
- Velcro belly strap
We say…
True to size, non-slip and easy to use. Fits well around the shoulders, kept plaits in and didn’t rub. The fabric has stained in places, though the coat always stayed clean. Washed well and dried quickly.
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