DefenceX System 200 turnout with detachable neck review

DefenceX System 200 turnout with detachable neck

I was really excited to try the DefenceX System 200g turnout as visually I thought it was really eye-catching and it wasn’t a brand I was familiar with. This 1200D medium turnout rug costs £104.99, and this includes the detachable neck cover.

Compared with other medium turnouts on the market, this rug is in the mid-range price category and with that comes some great features such as the reflective strips, adjustable leg straps, and deep shoulder gusset. Overall the general look of the rug, which is red and navy, is very pleasing. The rug is provides that little bit extra than some of the budget rugs such as the JHL Essential medium turnout, but isn’t as expensive as the Weatherbeeta ComFiTec Plus Dynamic II.

The DefenceX System 200 features my preferred front clip fastenings with two D-ring options to clip onto, but I was really disappointed to find that the actual straps are not adjustable which meant they were quite loose, especially on my mare with the narrower chest. Because of this, I’d be quite worried about them catching on something. When I introduced a round bale ring feeder to my field for a few weeks over winter I felt I couldn’t use this rug with the worry it might catch, which was a real shame. That being the case I would only use it when I’m confident there isn’t anything the straps could catch on.

Otherwise the 6ft3in fit both of my Connemara x Irish Sport Horse mares well, though could have been slightly longer in depth for my 16hh mare (pictured).

One real bonus is the detachable neck cover. As it is removable, this rug great for milder days, and I really like how well the neck cover fits. I often find neck covers, such as the one on the Derby House Evolution Detach A Neck, tend to leave quite a large gap but this Defence X System rug provides great coverage but still plenty of movement for grazing in.

I love rugs that come with reusable bags as I can never have enough storage, but one small negative is the fabric reusable bag has already torn so it would have been nice if this was a bit more sturdy.

Verdict

This rug definitely ticks a lot of boxes in terms of features. After some use there is some slightly fraying on some of the seems but I always expect some wear, particularly with one of my boisterous mares. The rug has remained waterproof and the neck cover really is super on a wintry or wet day and owing to its good fit, it doesn’t let any rain in. I like this rug a lot, but the unadjustable fastenings on the front are a big downside for me.

View now at viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or equus.co.uk

Who tested this rug?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

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