LeMieux Stretch Hood Horse Head & Shoulder Cover

LeMieux Stretch Hood - Four-Way Stretch Show Hood for Horses

The LeMieux Stretch Hood is a close-fitting, four-way stretch head and shoulder cover that acts as a dirt barrier over a newly groomed, bathed or plaited horse. It is best for competition riders and showing producers who need plaits, a clean coat and a tidy neck to survive the journey from stable to ring.

Because the fabric stretches in all four directions, the hood follows the horse's movement rather than restricting it, while the minimal but sturdy fixings keep bulk to a minimum under a rug. Exact fit is important with this style of hood, both to limit movement on the horse and to eliminate rubbing.

Key Features

• Four-way stretch fabric for the closest possible fit with free movement
• Covered YKK zip securing the neck from chest to chin
• Anti-lint hook and loop tape tab finishing the zip so fluff is not transferred to a clean coat
• Adjustable chest fit loops on the panel between the front legs
• Adjustable belly strap with a durable clip closure for different chest depths
• Generously cut eye holes that will not rise when the horse eats at low level
• Fully elasticated nose with LeMieux logo to the front for a neat fit on the face
• Protects plaits, grooming and shoulders before showing, dressage and county classes

Specifications

How to Use

1. Groom, bath or plait your horse and allow the coat to dry before fitting the hood.
2. Open the covered YKK zip fully and gather the hood, easing it over the nose and ears.
3. Position the eye holes centrally over the eyes and settle the elasticated nose so it sits flat.
4. Close the zip from chest to chin and secure the anti-lint hook and loop tab over the zip end.
5. Fasten the belly strap and adjust the clip, then use the chest fit loops to suit your horse's chest depth.
6. Check for even tension around the eyes, ears and shoulders, and re-check the fit after the first hour of wear.

Browse the full range of LeMieux equestrian equipment to coordinate your hood with the rest of your show day kit.

FAQ

What size stretch hood should I buy?
Choose the size that matches your horse's usual rug and headcollar sizing, such as pony, cob, full or extra full. Measure from poll to withers and check chest depth first. A hood that is too large will slip and rub, while one that is too small will pull at the generously cut eye holes.

Can my horse eat while wearing the hood?
Yes. The eye holes are generously cut so they will not rise up when the horse is eating at low level, and the four-way stretch fabric allows free movement of the head and neck.

Will the hood rub my horse's mane or plaits?
The hood is designed as a close-fitting dirt barrier that keeps plaits tidy and the coat clean. Correct sizing is the key factor, as a loose hood moves against the coat, so use the belly strap and chest loops to fine-tune the fit.

How does the hood fasten?
A covered YKK zip runs from chest to chin and is finished with an anti-lint hook and loop tape tab. An adjustable belly strap with a durable clip closure and loops on the panel between the front legs complete the fit.

Can the hood be worn under a rug?
The fixings are minimal and sturdy, so the hood sits close to the body with little bulk at the shoulders. Always check that the hood and rug are not pulling against each other before leaving the horse unattended.

How do I wash the stretch hood?
Close the zip and secure the hook and loop tab before washing to protect the fabric, follow the care label, and dry naturally away from direct heat.

About LeMieux

LeMieux is a British equestrian brand producing coordinated competition and yard equipment. The range is known for technical fabrics, carefully considered fit and hard-wearing fixings designed for daily use at home, at the yard and at shows.