SmartPak Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for Stretchies Shoulder Guard

Stretchies Shoulder Guard

Four-way stretch shoulder guard protects your horse from bothersome and unsightly blanket rubs. Elastic belly band and center yoke prevent shifting. Fully adjustable. Fast and easy on/off.Small (70 - 72), Medium (74-76), Large (78 - 80) and XLarge (82 - 84). Imported.
Average Customer Rating:
3.861 out of 5
3.9
 out of 
5
(43 Reviews) 38
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating breakdown 43 reviews
5 Stars
13
4 Stars
13
3 Stars
15
2 Stars
2
1 Star
0
37 of 43(86%)of customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Review 1 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

April 24, 2013
Byrideahorse
I have used this product for:2-5 years
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:All Around
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Runs large
Have a hard to fit QH appendix which makes blanket and sheet rubs a winter nightmare. This is the only shoulder guard I've found that fits high enough up the neck to guard the "roaming" blankets. Had one for 2 years and it has finally worn out at the withers - it was used daily during fall/winter months so feel like I got my money's worth.
Review 2 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

Does the job

March 11, 2013
BySophiaMaria
fromIL
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Value:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Durability:
3 of 5
3 of 5
The shoulder guard does mostly work to protect the point of the shoulder. It can ride up some and if the horse has a low point of shoulder or gets lower rubs this guard might not fully protect the area. It is easy to put on, although the buckle does not stay adjusted well, it always goes slack.
Review 3 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Does What It's Supposed To Do!

March 8, 2013
ByHorsebabe79
fromSarasota, FL
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
My TB gelding is a 78, and the large fits him well. I could see it fitting a bit tight around the neck for a larger-boned horse, although the neck elastic is both tight yet surprisingly unrestrictive. He doesn't mind wearing it, it fits, and seems to be helping his rubs from getting worse. It's too soon to tell if they will heal and hair will grow back while he is wearing his blanket and this (plus I switched out blankets). I am giving this product the benefit of the doubt since it has been around for a long time and I've always heard success stories with them. The price was definitely reasonable. Thanks SP. =)
Review 4 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

February 26, 2013
ByJR10
fromWoodstock, VA
Expertise:Trainer
Quality:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Value:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Durability:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Watch out for static build up! Also, the adjustment does not do much because it slides back out to its longest adjustment overnight, but this does not seem to affect how it fits or stays on, so I started just leaving it that way. Comes up higher on the neck than I expected, leaving it a bit exposed on a regular neck turn-out. Overall happy with the purchase!
Review 5 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
2 of 5
2 of 5

Worst Fit Ever

February 26, 2013
ByDian
fromWest Linn, OR
I have used this product for:2-5 years
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Other - Western
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
2 of 5
2 of 5
Value:
1 of 5
1 of 5
Durability:
3 of 5
3 of 5
The Stretchies Shoulder Guard I purchased from Smart Pak had the worst fit ever. The fabric was nothing like a Sleasey and gapped in the back part of the shoulder guard. The front was also loose even though I purchased the correct size for my 78 horse. They must run very large. I went back and bought another Sleasey. They are less money than these, fit better, and my horse loves the feel.
 
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Review 6 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

It works

February 23, 2013
ByShagyaDancer
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Value:
1 of 5
1 of 5
Durability:
3 of 5
3 of 5
I got this to keep my grey warmblood from getting blanket nicks. I wasn't too sure about it when I got it, the material is thin and band that goes around his middle is pretty flimsy. But it does work and it doesn't get a lot of wear and tear because it comes off in the morning with his blanket. So. Works fine. It seems like it should cost about 19$ but it was double that!
The L fit my 16.2 big chested gelding.
Review 7 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

Works Fine

January 28, 2013
BySophiaMaria
fromIL
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
The shoulder guard seems to have helped with shoulder rubs and is of reasonable quality. The belly attachment does not maintain its size adjustment well so it does not always stay tight, but it does not displace the shoulder guard as far as I can tell.
Review 8 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

Decent Product

January 28, 2013
Byjlockm
fromWV
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Quality:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Value:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Durability:
1 of 5
1 of 5
I purchased this because my awkwardly sized draft-cross was getting some rubs on his shoulder from his blanket. It fit a bit tight around the neck, but around his elbows it was loose. The strap on the bottom does not stay tight. After about 2 weeks, he's ripped the elastic around the neck hole, but it is still functional. Next time I'll buy a different brand.
Review 9 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

neck opening is small

January 14, 2013
Byskozak
fromGreensburg, PA
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Runs small
Runs large
Runs small
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
After reading the reviews, I bought a large for my 15.3 warmblood. He has a fairly high-set neck, and this guard seems to ride high and tight. I'm afraid to pull it down lower on his neck because I don't want it tighter and rubbing. I had the beginnings of a shoulder rub, and this guard is definitely protecting against that. The elastic belly band does not stay tight. It is always completely loose after 24 hours. I also think that the buckle is fairly clunky, and I hope my horse doesn't lay on it. I would probably try another brand in the future. Not crazy about the fit on my horse.
Review 10 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Nice Shoulder Guard

January 11, 2013
ByVang
fromCentral Washington State
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
I've never used a product like this before but I needed it because my horse had a blanket that was rubbing hair off the point of his shoulder. I loved the feel of the material and found it to be very soft & stretchy. I read the previous reviews that said the belly stap sometimes loosens by itself so when I put it on my horse I grabbed a few inches of electrical tape and ran it around the strap to make it a bit more secure to stay in place. I've had no problems with this product & the hair seems to be growing back quickly.
Review 11 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Great Investment!

December 26, 2012
ByHunterJumper30
fromPalm Beach, Florida
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Runs large
Before I purchased this item I was unable to even put a fly sheet on my horse because he would get terrible rubs at the withers. He got one infection that prevented me from riding him for 2 weeks while he healed. If your horse gets rubs on the withers or shoulders, this is a great product. It does run fairly large and the girth takes a bit of adjusting every time to make sure it is correctly tightened. Thank you SmartPak for giving me peace of mind when my horse has his blankets on!
Review 12 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

Too small

November 7, 2012
ByCliffy
Expertise:Expert
Quality:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Value:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Durability:
2 of 5
2 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Runs small
Runs large
Runs small
I was disappointed in the neck opening. I have order other stretchies items and never had a problem however the neck opening (large) was way too small for my 15.2 hand quarter horse.
Review 13 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

Shoulder Guard - Good Product but Runs Small

October 30, 2012
Bypatsquared
fromUnionville, PA
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Leisure/Trail Riding - English
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Runs small
Runs large
Runs small
I love using these for my horse but this one really does run small. Buzz wears a 78 blanket so I thought large would work...but I bought a large and it just doesn't fit right. It's too tight but I paid a pretty penny for it and can't afford a new one. Will know better next time!
 
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Review 14 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Best stretchie ever

March 30, 2012
Bypashmina
fromDenver, CO
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
Love this stretchie for my xl warmblood mare, keeps her from getting ugly blanket rubs and it stays on with belly belt.
Review 15 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
2 of 5
2 of 5

Way too small

March 27, 2012
Bytrewyb
fromWisconsin
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Other - Western
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Value:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Fit
Poor
Excellent
The XL was way too small for my quarter horse. He is 15.2, and wears an 82 blanket, and an XL Schneiders shoulder guard fits fine. The quality seemed to be ok otherwise, I can't say anything about the durability becasue I couldn't get it on him. If you have a smaller horse it looked like it would be fine, but I would order a size up.
Review 16 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

love this

March 14, 2012
Bylamx
fromoregon
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
Perfect solution to preventing blanket rubs. Easy to get on and off and works very well. Liked it so much bought another!
Review 17 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

Solid Value with Caveat

February 24, 2012
ByShanyrae
fromSacramento, CA
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Average
Excellent
I bought this for my Fjord mare as the winter blankets resulted in significant chest rubbing. She was already clipped and with her rugged pasture endeavors, her chest became bare no matter what type of blanket she wore. Within 2 weeks of wearing this guard her hair was returning and the balding areas are no longer irritated. My only complaint is that the plastic clasp is quite large and when tightened, sits directly behind her elbow. The product runs small and I ordered a medium, even though the small is suggested for a 70" blanket size. The product is easy to take on and off, appears comfortable but the surcingle does loosen throughout the day and should be checked at least daily.
Review 18 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Does it's job

February 22, 2012
ByTurbo
fromN.Dighton, Ma
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:All Around
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
Bought this Shoulder Guard to keep blankets from rubbing.....only started using it and hair is already coming back on the point of his should!! Very Happy!!
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User submitted photo
Review 19 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
4 of 5

great product

February 17, 2012
Bymagpjones
fromupton, ma
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:All Around
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Good
Excellent
I really like that this stretchie fits so snug around my QH's shoulders and chest. The loop between his legs keeps the shoulder guard from creeping up under his blanket!
Review 20 for Stretchies Shoulder Guard
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Great Product!

February 15, 2012
ByDragonTat7
fromHedgesville, WV
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Trainer
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
Easy to put on, stays put thanks to the center piece, durable, fits very well, comfortable for my horse, at a reasonable price.
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