Clothes Horse

Tequila is back home for a couple months of "rest and relaxation". Mark must have packed her suitcase quickly, because she arrived with only a halter, and 2 very thin sheets! She doesn't get very warm and fuzzy in the cold weather, so being the "good mother" that I am, I just HAD to buy her a new winter blanket. My blanket buying process is as follows: First, measure horse for size. She is a size 74. Then, decide how much money I want to spend which is usually not enough! Next, choose a color. Finally, add the few extra things I prefer in a blanket. I happen to like the clasp-type chest buckles and a european-style neck. The brands I like are Weatherbeeta, Tuff Rider, and McAlister. The first place I always check-out is eBay. Our farm "colors" are green and brown, I want to spent no more than $60 (that has to include shipping), and the blanket has to be waterproof, and warm. I type all these criteria into the computer, and, surprize, surprize, come up with nothing. I then make the 1/2hour trip to the closest tack shop. There I confirm my previous finding that I will need to get a 3rd job to buy one there! I always hope they'll have a "Super Discount Sale". Next, I check Craigs List, and then I'm back on the computer. Typing in my criteria, and several variations, the search result finally come up with SmartPak Equine. Now I hate to sound silly, but I refuse to buy anything from them, no matter what the price. They have the AQHA as one of their promoters, and the AQHA is the largest financial and political backer of horse slaughter. Just a plug, but last year, over 130,000 american horses were shipped to Mexico and Canada. The #1 breed is the QH.
Well, back to my story. Several hours later over the course of a couple of days, I end up buying Tequila's blanket at StateLine Tack. Its size 75, has a regular neckline, chest buckles, and the color is Hollyberry. At least it's warm--300 grams of filling, a WeatherBeeta, waterproof, fits her very well, and, including shipping, was $59.99! Its matches her chesnut color very well--so well, I think I'll buy new blankets for everyone!!