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[RC] Statement Apology - Ridecamp Guest

Please Reply to: Candy Kahn candy@xxxxxxxxxxxx or ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
==========================================

Happy New Year Everyone,
    I recently made an incorrect statement and since this was brought to my 
attention I have done some research and would like to share it with you.  I 
would also like to apologize if I confused anyone with what I said.  So here is 
the research.

BIO THANE
    I called Bioplastics in Cleveland, Ohio and spoke with a member of the 
Equine Sales Team. (Note:  Bioplastics is the "exclusive inventor, 
manufacturer, and owner of all Biothane® brands and products" 
[www.bioplastics.us/faqs.html].)  Although much of the literature and 
advertisements state that biothane is a nylon coated material, this is 
incorrect.  Approximately 10 years ago Bioplastics switched to a polyester 
based material.  The polyester is coated with a glossy polyurethane coating.  
Bioplastics is also the manufacturer of Beta.  Beta is the same polyester 
webbing with a vinyl coating that is softer and looks and feels more like 
leather.  There are different classes of coatings which relate to the hardness 
of the finish.

Biothane Coatings:

    1.  Gold 100 and Gold 300 - The ?classic? BioThane coating is a glossy 
polyurethane in opaque & translucent colors. [Also seen in products called 
glitter, glow and reflective belt.]
    2.  Diamond 400 [a.k.a polyhard] - Extra hard, glossy polyurethane product 
that shares all the visible characteristics of the gold class. However, 
compared to gold class, it has a tougher coating that is more resistant to 
abrasions, scuffing and hole elongation. Diamond products are available in any 
of the gold opaque or translucent colors.

Beta Coatings:
    1.  Beta 520 - Matte pvc with the look and soft, plush feel of leather. 
Leather embossed.
    2.  Beta 550 (a.k.a. pal lether) - Matte pvc product that shares all the 
visible characteristics of the beta 520 class. However, compared to beta 520?s, 
it has a tougher coating that is more resistant to abrasions, scuffing and hole 
elongation.

    Biothane and Beta belting materials are also made in different thicknesses 
which relates to break strength and flexibility - the thinner lightweight 
polyester at .018" being more flexible with a break strength of 600 lbs vs the 
thicker original polyester at .045 with a break strength of 1000 lbs.

So when purchasing equine products made with biothane belting it is advisable 
to look at the manufacturer to see how they make the product, the quality of 
their fittings (d rings, buckles, etc), and which belting material is offered.

Zilco

     Zilco is not a material but a brand name for products made with a 
combination of black elastomeric polymers which look quite similar to leather. 
But unlike leather, this material allows the products to be totally washable 
and low-maintenance.  The products have a flat, matte finish look [which makes 
the products look very much like leather.] It is not BioThane® belting. These 
hi-tech materials are laminated around nylon, so you get the sturdiness of 
nylon without its abrasive quality. All Zilco products are made with quality 
solid brass snaps, conway buckles, d rings, etc   (nickel/stainless also 
available).

?THE ZILCO STORY?

Zilco has been run by the Strachan family since 1963 when the idea of offering 
a maintenance free alternative to leather was developed. The initial synthetic 
material developed by ZILCO was PVC coated webbing but over the years a number 
of other synthetic materials have been added, the most important being 
polyurethane sheeting and plastic injection mouldings of various types. All of 
the products are technologically advanced, lightweight materials, which are 
totally compatible on the horse and almost indistinguishable in appearance from 
leather. They are extremely strong and products will change your life forever 
by giving you more time and enjoyment and less work in your demanding 
equestrian routine.

- In 1984 a joint venture between Zilco and Trist and Small, saw the 
manufacture of all the synthetic saddlery moved to New Zealand and the 
formation of Zilco New Zealand Ltd.

-  In North America Zilco Harness is distributed through Advanced Equine and a 
series of dealers throughout United States.

Everything you ever needed or wanted to know about Biothane, Beta and Zilco.

Again my apology for my mistake.

With Warm Regards,
Candy
www.boaboots.com

Naturally Bare Hoof Care
Easyboot Epics available January 2005
authorized dealer of Zilco Endurance Tack, Boa Hoof Boots, Barefoot Treeless 
Saddles, Equipedic Saddle Pads, Best Friends Grazing Muzzle
Painted Sky Ranch
PO Box 639
Jacksonville, OR 97530
1-877-865-2467


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