The core of Aloga Equestrian is creating blankets that are easy to use and perform for your horses every day. One of the ways we ensure consistency across our range is through our product testing methodology. Every blanket and accessory is tested at both Aloga Stables Ireland in Co. Wexford and Aloga Stables Hunxe in Germany.
April Allen oversees all product testing in Ireland, reviewing performance daily across the horses in her care. Every 12 weeks we hold a wider team day where we join April on site in Wexford to review testing, discuss new product development and plan further trials ahead of seasonal changes. This week we held our spring session and here’s how it went.
NPD
Reviewing new products is one of the most exciting parts of the Aloga Equestrian process. When concepts move from design and development to the first test samples ready for use, it brings a real sense of progress and anticipation for what is possible.
The day began with reviewing new samples and deciding on the most appropriate testing approach. For example do they require 24/7 outdoor field testing, or should they initially be used indoors? What level of monitoring will be required? Which horses are best suited for the trial such as clipped versus unclipped, broodmares versus competition horses?
Where appropriate we also use the Equimetrics Monitor to track skin temperature and vital signs as part of the testing process, helping us better understand how each blanket performs in real conditions.
REVIEW OF CURRENT SAMPLES
Next we moved on to reviewing all styles currently on test. This included several indoor blankets where we assessed weight and fill performance before heading out to where April’s broodmare band have been testing turnout products and new fabric blankets.
These mares live out 24/7 during the winter months which gives us an excellent opportunity to assess the function of our turnout products across a wide variety of weather conditions. The farm sits on the Wexford coast framed by the Irish Sea where wind and rain are defining features of the winter climate.
During these checks blankets are assessed for waterproof performance, fabric strength, fit and freedom of movement. Just as importantly the mares’ coats are examined for any signs of irritation or rubbing, ensuring comfort as well as durability.
FEEDBACK FROM THE WHOLE TEAM
Aloga Stables is supported by a wide team of riders and grooms who are essential to the day to day running of each yard and the management of the horses. On these visits it is important that we take time to speak directly with the stables team to hear their comments, feedback and suggestions based on first hand use of the products.
This daily experience has helped shape the development of every Aloga Equestrian blanket. One theme that came through strongly again during this week’s visit was that ease of use and reliable functionality matter most to the team. Their feedback allows us to assess every element of our blanket designs and continue refining both new products and those within our core range.
Days like this are a reminder that great products are built through collaboration, real world testing and continuous refinement. By combining feedback from the stables team with structured testing across different environments we are able to keep improving the performance, comfort and practicality of every Aloga Equestrian blanket. As we move into the next season the insights from this spring session will guide the next stage of development and help ensure that each product we release is ready to perform reliably for horses and riders every day.