Rambo® Optimo Turnout
4.1
5
13
13
Couldn't make it work
I tried to make this blanket work, but ultimately did not end up purchasing it. For the price, it had to be darn near perfect, and it wasn't. I liked the idea of the pivot point that lets the front half move separately from the back, thus alleviating shoulder pressure. But I couldn't get the darn thing to fit even after two tries. I will admit, though, that my horse is hard to fit (Friesian, Saddlebred cross). If you are going to try it, do order down at least one size. Although, then the liner may not fit right. Also, I wished that the blanket included a 200 gram fill liner instead of the 400. I had to purchase a separate liner in addition because it doesn't get that cold around here to warrant a 400 fill but for a few days out of the year. Perhaps Rambo will tweak this model a little based on feedback and it will be awesome in the future.
February 15, 2013
Love this turnout!
I love the way this blanket fits. I have a fairly stocky warmblood with high withers. This is my second duo. I had the old style first and it was a bit tight over the withers. I bought the same size in the optimo hoping it would give him extra room. He has been wearing it about a month now 24/7 and no more twitching when i touch his withers. I have both 200 and 400 liners and the fits is perfect. I don't think changing liners is that big of a deal and i don't think i would have spent the money on this blanket if i didn't plan on using a liner most of the time. Paying the price for this blanket is a bitter pill but considering the last one i bought has lasted 6 yrs i think it's a good investment, i still use it as a spare. If you have a hard to fit horse with high withers i highly recommend this blanket.
January 23, 2013
Fabulous blanket!
This is my first Rambo purchase and I am so pleased with it. My horse is very hard on his blankets and this one is standing up to him quite well. The gusset system allows him tremendous freedom of movement and the 3 straps and leg arches help the blanket stay right in place even when he rolls - which is frequently. I initially ordered a smaller size than he normally wears but there is alot of room in these blankets and I had to exchange it for an even smaller size. Smartpak had the return handled and the new blanket to me in days (right before Christmas even - I was impressed!). The liners are easy enough to change out and we are using a 200g and a 400g (occassionally both for really cold nights) under the 0g shell depending on the weather. They occassionally slip a little to the side but have not rubbed him at all. This was a big investment but for the quality, his comfort, warmth and safety and 3 seasons of use, I think this blanket is worth the money.
January 16, 2013
Horseware Strikes Out
I have been an avid fan of Horseware turnouts and blankets so this one has left me stumped.
I would not be surprised if they had a new manufacturer or pattern cutter since this is not anywhere near what I have come to expect as Rambo standards.
I purchased two for my horses that are usually a size 81 in this brand. I returned them for 78's which are still too large but in odd ways.
There seems to be so much excess fabric that it is like a tent or a tablecloth. The neck area gapes no matter how the closures are done up.
And if it is not gaping it is riding back.
Only one of the horses I purchased it for can still use it, but only after it has been pinned and creatively rigged. This is seriously inefficent especially for expensive sheets/blanketing.
I am trying it on my retired horse even though it needs to be pinned and rigged for him as well.
Even with the liners the total fit is absurd.
I wish I could return them but the horses were turned out in them before realizing they would never settle into fitting which sometimes happens with sheets that seem too boxey at first.
My groom made the decision to try them figuring that Rambo would stay true to its past performance and the weather necessitated sheeting. I think the call was right but this sheet is all wrong and is an anomaly in the Rambo line - at least I hope so.
After all this trouble, I still need sheets for my horses - after spending $800. for sheets that make my horses look ridiculous. I would never take them out in public in these sheets.
December 24, 2012
Stop Wondering!
This blanket is absolutely the best blanket I've owned. Changing the liner is easier than switching to a different weight blanket for me. Initially I was put-off by reviews about it being difficult, but I find it beyond easy to change.
The liners are super light-weight, easy to wash, (even at home in nice machines,) breathable and they polish the coat. They also fold and fit nicely in the Stall Front Blanket Bag, so it's easy and tidy. My stall is the only one without extra blankets hanging over the bar at night dangling wayward surcingles; the linings collecting dust and moisture- all the weights I've needed are accommodated in this blanket.
When I put my hand under the blanket and "loft" it, I can feel nice warm pockets of dry air. His coat is dry, and skin warm.
I wasn't wild about the color choices initially. But after dealing with a muddy winter and surely a muddy spring, the brown is absolutely perfect.
December 16, 2012
Worth the Price
My last Rambo blanket lasted over 10 years so I wasn't really put off by the price. I am very pleased with this particular design(Optimo). It really does stay in place well on my active warmbloods and I think the liners are a great idea and much easier to wash. I was surprised that the liners were so light weight but still so warm and changing the liner is so easy. I just wish it came in better colors or fun patterns!
November 10, 2012