If your high-withered horse’s blanket pulls across the shoulders, rubs the mane, or pinches at the withers, you are not alone. Horses with high or prominent withers often struggle to find blankets that fit comfortably. A poor fit can cause rubbing, soreness, and restricted movement, making your horse uncomfortable every time they move.
That is exactly why Schneiders designed the VTEK® Wither Relief Fit… a solution built to relieve pressure, prevent rubbing, and ensure total comfort for horses with moderate to high withers.
In this guide, we will explain what makes the VTEK® fit so special, why it is ideal for horses with upright shoulders, and which Schneiders blankets offer this one-of-a-kind design.
Why High-Withered Horses Need a Special Blanket Fit
Horses with high withers, such as Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, and many performance horses, have a topline shape that rises sharply from the shoulder. While this gives them an elegant, athletic build, it also makes blanket fitting a challenge.
Standard blankets tend to sit too low on the shoulder or pull tight across the withers, which can lead to:
- Mane rubbing and hair loss
- Pressure sores or soreness at the withers
- Limited shoulder freedom and movement
- Shifting or sliding blankets that do not stay in place
A blanket that does not fit right can quickly go from protective to problematic. That is why Schneiders engineered the VTEK® Wither Relief Fit to give horses the space, contour, and freedom they need.
What Makes Schneiders VTEK® Wither Relief Fit Unique
The VTEK® Wither Relief Fit was created to eliminate wither pressure and provide an anatomically correct fit for horses with moderate to high withers or upright shoulders.
Key Design Features:
- Upright Shoulder Design: Tailored for breeds with similar conformation to Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, and Appendix horses.
- Contoured Shape Over the Withers: Follows your horse’s natural topline to prevent pulling or rubbing.
- Mane-Friendly Construction: The blanket extends 6–8 inches onto the mane, with soft fleece placed where the mane meets the sheet to prevent rubbing.
Every detail of the VTEK® design focuses on comfort, coverage, and longevity so your horse stays protected and happy in every season.
Best Schneiders Blankets for High-Withered Horses
Finding the right blanket for a horse with high withers means balancing comfort, coverage, and durability. Schneiders offers several turnout and stable options designed to relieve pressure, prevent rubbing, and provide freedom of movement for upright-shouldered and high-withered horses.
ArmorFlex® Pro Turnout Blankets
The ArmorFlex® Pro offers superior protection, anatomical shaping, and all-season comfort. Its contoured VTEK® Wither Relief Fit prevents rubbing and pressure points, while the durable outer shell withstands even the roughest turnout play.
Why It Works:
- VTEK® Wither Relief Fit contours over moderate to high withers
- 1680D ballistic nylon for maximum toughness
- Waterproof, breathable protection in any weather
- Available in light, medium, and heavy weights
ArmorFlex® Challenger II Turnout Blankets
The ArmorFlex® Challenger II delivers a perfect balance of durability and comfort. Designed for turnout, its Adjusta-Fit® system and VTEK® Wither Relief Fit make it ideal for horses with upright shoulders or defined withers.
Why It Works:
- VTEK® Wither Relief Fit provides clearance and pressure relief
- Adjusta-Fit® neckline customizes fit for different shoulder angles
- 1200D ripstop polyester material for extreme durability
- Waterproof and breathable for all-season use
StormShield® Contour Collar Turnout Blankets
The StormShield® Contour Collar is designed to hug the horse’s neckline and provide comfort through every movement. The extended collar design gives additional weather protection while still relieving pressure at the withers.
Why It Works:
- Fleece located at withers for extra soft protection
- Collar that fits more snugly around the neck to provide greater protection
- Waterproof and breathable for year-round turnout
- Excellent choice for moderate to high-withered horses
Adjusta-Fit® Dura-Nylon VTEK® Stable Blanket
The Adjusta-Fit® Dura-Nylon Stable Blanket combines the comfort of the VTEK® Wither Relief Fit with the versatility of the Adjusta-Fit® system. It is a staple for stabled horses or for layering beneath turnout blankets during cold weather.
Why It Works:
- VTEK® Wither Relief Fit for high-withered horses
- Adjusta-Fit® neckline customizes the shoulder and neck fit
- Durable Dura-Nylon® outer layer for long-lasting wear
- Smooth nylon lining polishes the coat and prevents rubs
Tips for Proper Fit and Care
To keep your horse’s blanket working its best:
- Measure from the center of the chest to the tail before ordering.
- Check for proper clearance over the withers once fastened.
- Look for soft contact, not pressure, where the mane meets the blanket.
- Clean blankets regularly to maintain waterproofing and flexibility.
- Always store them dry and loosely folded to preserve shape.
Related reads:
Horses with high withers deserve blankets that actually fit. The Schneiders VTEK® Wither Relief Fit eliminates rubbing, relieves pressure, and keeps your horse comfortable from withers to tail.
Whether your horse is a hard-to-fit Thoroughbred, a powerful Warmblood, or simply has a more upright shoulder, Schneiders’ VTEK® blankets provide the ideal combination of comfort, coverage, and durability.
Shop now and discover the difference the right fit makes.
