Nylon and polyester are both strong and lightweight due to their polymer-based construction. Nylon however is stronger than polyester and makes it a better fabric to use for horse rugs, as they will last longer because it’s stronger. Nylon is also softer than polyester.
Ballistic Nylon fabrics are made by nylon fibers and just have a classic 2 x 2 basket weave. This 2 x 2 basket weave allows the ballistic nylon fabric to have exceptional tear strength, extreme puncture resistant and to have exceptional abrasion performances. Ballistic Nylon was developed to have a maximum durability and a long-lasting performance. An ideal solution for use in both horse rugs and horse boots.
Solimbra is a fabric, which again Kentucky Horsewear are working with, as it’s made of a polyolefin fiber and is the perfect mix of innovation, performance and ecology. The polyolefin fiber is a 100% hydrophobic fiber, which means it doesn’t absorb any water, dirt or grease. Solimbra is woven in a special weave what makes it extremely strong, durable and waterproof. Moreover, it is 100% UV resistant and recyclable. This makes Solimbra the ideal fabric for horse boots. In fact it is the lightest Polymer if you compare it to PA or PES and is lighter than water!
All the above mentioned fabrics are 100% breathable, when they have not been coated or laminated, however all the fabrics can be coated to make them waterproof and/or breathable, as you can get different kind of coatings. Its also important to know that when a fabric has been coated with a waterproof and breathable coating that when the horse is stood outside in the pouring rain that his ‘waterproof breathable’ horse rug will not be breathable anymore. This
is because the humidity is higher at the outside of the horse rug than at the inside, which makes it impossible to be breathable. This is the same for cross country and dressage boots made of coated ballistic nylon, when the boots are wet outside the boots will never be breathable. Breathable = water vapor permeable, this is possible because water vapor molecules are much smaller than water molecules, so it is perfectly possible to have waterproofness combined with water vapor permeability
WATERPROOF VERSUS WATER-REPELLENT?
Finally, a lot of people don’t know the difference between waterproof and water repellent, but this is a huge difference and very important to know when buying your horse rugs. Water-repellent is a chemical treatment of the fabric with fluorocarbon (Teflon). This will make the fabric water-repellent but not waterproof. A jacket for example, which is only treated with a Teflon finish will be good enough against very light rain but not against heavy rain. The ideal solution for rain protection is for the fabric to be treated with a waterproof breathable coating and Teflon finish.
So next time you are considering buying new boots a new rug for your horse or even a new riding jacket, it’s worth studying the fabric content label a little closer!
For further information on Kentucky Horsewear: www.
kentucky-horseshop.com
To buy on-line:
www.equiport.co.uk
Kentucky Horsewear These NEW technical
Kentucky Horsewear Solimbra D3O Front Racing Boots look set to become a clear winner with UK riders looking for state of art leg protection combined with a super lightweight design.
Originally launched for the racing market, their outstanding shock absorbing qualities and intelligent design has also seen the boot growing in popularity with eventers worldwide including Laura Collett.
The Kentucky Horsewear Solimbra D3O Front Racing Boots contain an exciting high performance material called D3O, which offers outstanding shock absorption and protection on impact – crucial when riding fast on the racetrack and cross- country. D3O is patented technology, which has long been used within protective clothing and footwear, including motorcycling clothing, sportswear and even stunt apparel. Extremely comfortable and offering maximum flexibility, D3O had the ability to lock together on immediate impact to absorb and disperse energy from a strike or blow, then instantly return to its flexible state. D3O has been tested to the highest standards and now this revolutionary material has been included within horse boot design for the very first time.
Anatomically designed and incredibly lightweight, the boots also feature a laminated ‘Solimbra’ outer, which offers breathable, all-weather protection and is stronger than ballistic nylon. The tendon boots feature a reinforced polyethylene guard at the tendon and at the front of the leg, with super strength Velcro straps ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
A soft knit lining, suede binding adds further to the horses’ comfort, helping to eliminate the risk of rubbing. The distinctive Kentucky logo finishes the look and performance of these revolutionary racing boots.
All bets on that these boots are ready and set to become clear winners when it comes to performing under pressure and speed and are ideal for cross –country schooling, hunter trials and eventing!
Sizes: Full Size Only Colours: Brown RRP: £119.00 Stockist enquiry: Equiport 01565 723 525 Buy on-line:
www.equiport.co.uk For your chance to win a pair of Kentucky Horsewear
Solimbra D3O Front Racing Boots send your Name, Address, Telephone number and Email address to: Southern Horse Magazine Kentucky Horsewear competition, Reynolds Folly, 93 Moor End Road, Mellor. SK6 5PT Closing date for entries 21st December 2012
www.southernhorsemagazine.co.uk Tel: 0161 427 5622
WIN
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