Our horses and ponies come in a huge array of shapes and sizes, so their rugs must do too. An iconic name within the equestrian industry, Horseware Rugs heads up five brands with rugs to suit every horse’s needs.
With such a wide variety of Horseware rugs available, it can be hard to know where to begin, so we’ve covered everything you need to know about Horseware’s rug ranges and their features, so you can be confident in your choice.
Rambo® Rugs
Founded in 1985 by Tom and Carol Macguinness, Horseware revolutionised the design, fit and quality of horse rugs with their now famous Rambo® rugs. With their premium materials, thoughtful features and exceptional durability, Rambo® rugs are recognised by equestrians worldwide.
Plus, all Rambo Turnout Rugs come with an unbeatable 10-year warranty on waterproofness, breathability, and hardware!
Rambo® Optimo
The unique Rambo® Optimo rugs feature Horseware’s innovative Split Technology to allow your horse total freedom of movement. This design features a carefully placed gusset that allows the rug to pivot at the shoulder in all directions, to prevent uncomfortable shifting and minimise restrictions. A bib-style adjustable front closure prevents rubbing on the underside of the neck and chest while keeping the rug secure and in place.
This design is available across all rug types, including stable rugs, turnouts, stable sheets, and more! Teamed with a Rambo® Optimo liner, this range of rugs is also extremely versatile as they can be easily adapted as the weather changes.
Rambo® Supreme
Crafted from a sturdy 1680D Ballistic Nylon waterproof and breathable outer, which is 120% stronger than Horseware’s standard 1000D Ballistic Nylon, this Rambo rug sets is a high quality, long-lasting choice. Comfort is paramount with a Surefit Neck Design with a V-Front Closure system and leg arches to allow unrestricted freedom of movement to roam and graze.
Rambo® also offer a premium range of stable rugs, fly rugs and other equestrian accessories. Built to perform, and built to last, a Rambo® rug is the ultimate option for your horse.
Rhino® Rugs
Horseware’s Rhino® rugs deliver ‘superior and innovative horse protection in harsh weather conditions.’ Rhino® rugs (excluding Rhino® Wugs) are compatible with Horseware’s liner collection to give you flexibility throughout changeable weather. Plus, Horseware guarantees that their Rhino® turnout rugs will remain waterproof and breathable for a minimum of 3 years.
The turnout rugs in the Rhino® range are engineered with Barrier Layer Technology, which consists of a 1000D polypropylene outer with an Aquatrans coating. Polypropylene is a more robust alternative to the widely used polyester turnout material, while the Aquatrans Technology protects the waterproof and breathable barrier layer underneath. This means your rug will give protection from the elements, even if the outer becomes damaged.
Rhino® Hexstop
Horseware also produces the Rhino® Hexstop turnout rugs, which feature an innovative 1000D Hexagon Ripstop weave. This material is composed of Ripstop yarns in a unique hexagonal shape, with an additional protective waterproof and breathable barrier layer underneath. 30% stronger than standard polypropylene rug material and 20% lighter in weight, these turnout rugs have the ultimate strength properties, perfect for horses who have a tendency to really put their rugs to the test!
Amigo® Rugs
A high-functioning and extremely popular choice from Horseware®. Amigo® rugs, with their 2-year global manufacturer’s warranty, are known for their reliable styles and trending colours and the range includes stable rugs, turnouts, coolers, fly rugs, and more. Within the Amigo® brand there are several collections to allow you to find the rug that’s exactly right for your horse.
Amigo® AmECO
Part of Horseware’s Eco collection, AmECO rugs are manufactured using lower-impact materials and innovative processes, making them a better choice for the planet. Offering a choice of turnout and fly rugs and equipped with all the features you know and love from Amigo®, an AmECO rug is a must-have for equestrians looking to reduce their carbon hoof prints.
Amigo® Bravo 12
A classic design crafted from a strong 1200D Polyester material which is 42% stronger than standard 600D outer. The wide variety of front closures, weights and neck options in the Amigo® Bravo 12 range gives you the flexibility to pick exactly what you need. Because these rugs are fully compatible with the Horseware® Liner System, they provide you with even greater flexibility in your rugging choices, making these a truly versatile choice.
Amigo® Ripstop 900D
Offering dependable protection and superior comfort, the Ripstop 900D is a range of Amigo® turnout rugs made with a 900D Ripstop Polyester outer. This material is strong, durable, and provides excellent breathability. For added versatility, these turnout rugs include liner loops compatible with the Horseware® Liner system, making them adaptable to different weather scenarios.
Rug Features
Across the Horseware range, there is a selection of carefully curated features that many of Horseware’s rugs are equipped with. These have all been developed with your horse as a priority, to ensure maximum comfort, protection and functionality. Some features are more suited to some horses than others, so we have highlighted some options below to help you find exactly the right rug for your horse.
Horseware Rugs Liner System
Be ready for the weather with the Horseware Liner System; an easy way to transform the weight of your rug when your horse needs it. Many Horseware rugs are equipped with cleverly placed loops on the inside of the neck and at the back end of the rug so it can be combined with a liner.
Available in a range of thicknesses, Horseware liners fit easily into a domestic washing machine, so the Horseware Liner System allows you to keep your horse’s rug clean with ease. Find out more about this great system here.
Horseware Rugs Vari-Layer Technology
This option gives your horse warmth where they need it the most. Across the back of the rug the thermobonded fiberfill is the thickest, while the sides of the rug have slightly less fill. This unique approach gives maximum heat retention without the heaviness of a standard fill rug. For example, a medium weight Vari-Layer rug will have 250g fill across the back, with 100g on the sides. This also allows the rug to sit closer to the horse’s body, trapping the warm air and allowing greater belly coverage underneath.
Horseware Rugs Front Closures & Neck Options
Different brands and styles of horse rugs within the Horseware collection feature different front fastenings, which all boast different benefits.
Horseware’s unique Disc Front Closure has an ergonomic shape to allow your horse to graze comfortably, and the design reduces the risk of it becoming caught. V-Front Closures are often paired with a Surefit Neck Design on selected Horseware rugs; combined these features eliminate pressure on the shoulder and allow the rug to sit well in front of the withers. Horseware also equip some of their rugs with Straight Front Closures. These are a pair of surcingle-type fastenings that provide a secure fit across the chest.
Depending on how covered your horse needs to be, Horseware offers three main hood options. Firstly, many of Horseware’s rugs are available in standard neck (original) designs, which do not include a neck cover. Then there is Horseware’s Plus option; these rugs come with a detachable neck cover to give you the flexibility to change the rugs coverage depending on the weather. Finally, Horseware also offer their exclusive Wug design. This incorporates a high-cut neck for a snug fit which also eliminates wither pressure, and is often popular for narrower-built or high withered horses.
A well-fitting, high-performing rug goes a long way to making a cold day comfortable for your horse or from keeping your horse being bothered by bugs during the summer.
Ultimately, which Horseware rug you choose will be determined by which brand and style fit your horse the best and when they will be wearing it. You can be confident whichever Amigo®, Rambo® or Rhino® rug you pick will keep your horse comfortable and protected from the elements.
Looking for the best rug for your horse? Discover our huge range of horse rugs on our website and app, or visit our tack shop based in Totnes, Devon where our friendly team can provide further guidance on horse rugs and accessories.
