Browbands(83)
Girths and Cinches(1,137)
Halters(1,331)
Horse Bits(1,132)
Blanket Sets(43)
Horse Coolers(239)
Horse Fleeces(80)
Horse Sheets(292)
Horse Turnouts(1,415)
Quarter Sheets(153)
Rain Sheets(19)
Stable Blankets(251)
Horse Boots & Wraps(1,825)
Horse Bridles(1,198)
Horse Training(1,009)
Horse Treats & Toys(1,245)
Lead Ropes(303)
Muzzles & Cribbing(215)
Reins(298)
Saddle Pads(1,949)
Saddles(248)
Studs & Plugs(42)
Tack Accessories(159)
Shop Now At SmartPak
Horse Turnouts or
Choose a Category
- Shop Barn and Stable Supplies
- Shop Cotton Leads
- Shop Daily Dewormer
- Shop Dog & Cat Products
- Shop Dog Cardiovascular Support Supplements
- Shop Fleece Jackets
- Shop Fleeces
- Shop Gifts, Books & DVDs
- Shop Halter Accessories
- Shop Horse Health Care Products
- Shop Horse Supplements
- Shop Horse Tack, Supplies and Equipment
- Shop Jackets
- Shop Leather Halters
- Shop Leather Leads
- Shop Long Sleeve Shirts
- Shop Most Wished For
- Shop New Products
- Shop Nylon Halters
- Shop Nylon Leads
- Shop Outerwear Accessories
- Shop Pants
- Shop Personalized Outerwear
- Shop Personalized Shirts
- Shop Rain and Winter Pants
- Shop Rider Apparel & Gear
- Shop Rope Halters
- Shop Sale
- Shop Short Sleeve Shirts
- Shop Soft Shell Jackets
- Shop Sweaters
- Shop Sweatshirts
- Shop Three Season Outerwear
- Shop Trail Riding
- Shop Trail of Painted Ponies
- Shop Vests
- Shop Water-resistant Outerwear
- Shop Waterproof Outerwear
- Shop Western Dee Bits
- Shop Winter Riding Gear
Top-Rated Products
Reviews Home >
Horse Tack, Supplies and Equipment Reviews >
Horse Blankets, Sheets & Coolers Reviews >
Horse Turnouts Reviews
Customer Reviews for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Only Horseware could find a way to add even more innovative design to their Rambo Turnout Blankets!
Average Customer Rating:
(13 Reviews) 13
Rating breakdown 13 reviews
5 Stars
8
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
1
1 Star
1
9 of 13(69%)of customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Review 1 for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Overall Rating:
Couldn't make it work
February 15, 2013
ByKaliah
fromSoutheastern Ohio
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Dressage
Quality:
3
of
5
Value:
2
of
5
Durability:
3
of
5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Share this Review:
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.
Review 2 for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Overall Rating:
Love this turnout!
January 23, 2013
ByJRobb
fromTruckee Calif.
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Durability:
5
of
5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Share this Review:
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.
Review 3 for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Overall Rating:
Fabulous blanket!
January 16, 2013
Byaia1234
fromMassachusetts
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
4
of
5
Durability:
5
of
5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Share this Review:
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.
Review 4 for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Overall Rating:
Horseware Strikes Out
December 24, 2012
ByMyFlyingCloud
fromConnecticut
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Dressage
Quality:
3
of
5
Value:
1
of
5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs very large
Share this Review:
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.
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.
Review 5 for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Overall Rating:
Stop Wondering!
December 16, 2012
ByDentsDeLion
fromOregon
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Durability:
5
of
5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Share this Review:
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.
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.
Review 6 for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Overall Rating:
Worth the Price
November 10, 2012
ByMyEquineObsession
Expertise:Intermediate
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
4
of
5
Durability:
5
of
5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Just right
Share this Review:
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!
Review 7 for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Overall Rating:
Fantastic Blanket
October 25, 2012
ByEventer137
fromOverbrook, KS
I have used this product for:6-12 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Durability:
5
of
5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Share this Review:
My horse is on 24/7 turnout year round, he wore the Rambo Optimo blanket as a sheet, midweight blanket and heavy blanket. He stayed dry and warm. It handled all the jobs and is still in great shape. It didn't leave a single rub on him!! I would HIGHLY recommend this blanket to anyone looking for a durable blanket they can wear everyday without any getting any rubs!
Review 8 for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Overall Rating:
Rambo Optimo
October 17, 2011
ByEventer137
fromOverbrook, KS
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Durability:
5
of
5
Fit
Excellent
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Love this blanket.. NO RUBS at all. It tucks up nicely underneath his belly and provides a lot of wind protection! The sizes do run big, my horse where's a 72" and I think he could've fit great into a 70"
Review 9 for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Overall Rating:
very good blanket
February 2, 2011
Bytoy4sam2000
fromGettysburg, pa
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Trail Riding
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
4
of
5
Durability:
5
of
5
Fit
Excellent
Share this Review:
I really think this is horsewares best blanket yet. Fits my horse very well- that is once you get the correct size. I suggest size smaller than your horse usually wears. My horse is so much more comfortable in this blanket. His shoulders have so much more room. Love the liners. Saves from having multible weight blankets. Some have expressed dislike for changing liner, but I feel they are a breeze to change out. Very user friendly. I would recommend this blanket to everyone. One downfall is price, but I feel it is worth the price to have one good blanket than multiple ok blankets.
Review 10 for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Overall Rating:
Adding to my Previous Review...
January 1, 2011
ByThreeRedheads
fromMaryland
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Durability:
5
of
5
Fit
Excellent
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
I've now used my Optimos regularly for about three months, including with the liners. I'm still really happy with them.
*
I agree with other posters that fit is in issue, but not quite to the same extent. Two of my horses are wearing the same size Optimo as their other Rambos; only one had to go down. Admittedly, one of those in the same size is swimming a little, but the next size down, though it looked like it fit better when he stood still, pulled hard on his withers when he put his head all the way down to graze, so I stayed with the larger size. It does look like there's a lot of extra room in it on him, but he's shown no sign of discomfort and has stayed completely dry except some dampness in the shoulder area. My biggest horse seems to comfortably wear an 81 in an Optimo and his other Rambos.
*
My recommendation is: don't just buy a size, either your regular Rambo or a size down, and assume it's going to fit; personally I'd start with your regular size unless you have a very slight horse on which your regular size is already roomy, but realize you might have to do a little testing and possibly exchanging before you end up with the right size. And make sure not to just look at how the blanket looks with the horse standing in the aisle, but also how he looks grazing, walking, etc., because the one that looks less attractive from a fit perspective - i.e., too big - might actually be the one that fits the best.
*
This is not an easy blanket to fit, and that is really a bit of a pain. Perhaps it's supposed to fit more loosely? I don't know if this is all a consequence of the different shape and the incredible freedom in the shoulder area; if that's the case, to me that tradeoff is worth it.
*
For my cold-blooded horse, I've now used the blanket with the liner and been very happy; the horse seemed comfortable (definitely warm) and his freedom of movement was amazing, more than I've ever seen in a blanket. If I intended to do lots of switching of liners, I might find this system a big pain. Rambo has actually made it quite easy to attach the liner, but it's still a lot of fiddling. But I'm using it as a sheet OR heavy; I don't have different liners, and I don't find this all that difficult. With the liner the Optimo is very heavy (in weight, I mean), but again, I noticed no discomfort in thie horse.
*
Overall: I'm still very happy with these, and as after seeing my three guys wearing theirs, others at my barn have decided to purchase them (after trying mine on to gauge sizing and see how nicely the horse can move in them! Though unfortunately some are going elsewhere than smartpak, because they want the other color; this one is indeed quite ugly...). And fwiw my horse massage person was very impressed with how well Horseware took into account horse anatomy in designing these - placement of the articulated dart, etc.
*
So I still recommend the Optimo, with appropriate caveats.
*
I agree with other posters that fit is in issue, but not quite to the same extent. Two of my horses are wearing the same size Optimo as their other Rambos; only one had to go down. Admittedly, one of those in the same size is swimming a little, but the next size down, though it looked like it fit better when he stood still, pulled hard on his withers when he put his head all the way down to graze, so I stayed with the larger size. It does look like there's a lot of extra room in it on him, but he's shown no sign of discomfort and has stayed completely dry except some dampness in the shoulder area. My biggest horse seems to comfortably wear an 81 in an Optimo and his other Rambos.
*
My recommendation is: don't just buy a size, either your regular Rambo or a size down, and assume it's going to fit; personally I'd start with your regular size unless you have a very slight horse on which your regular size is already roomy, but realize you might have to do a little testing and possibly exchanging before you end up with the right size. And make sure not to just look at how the blanket looks with the horse standing in the aisle, but also how he looks grazing, walking, etc., because the one that looks less attractive from a fit perspective - i.e., too big - might actually be the one that fits the best.
*
This is not an easy blanket to fit, and that is really a bit of a pain. Perhaps it's supposed to fit more loosely? I don't know if this is all a consequence of the different shape and the incredible freedom in the shoulder area; if that's the case, to me that tradeoff is worth it.
*
For my cold-blooded horse, I've now used the blanket with the liner and been very happy; the horse seemed comfortable (definitely warm) and his freedom of movement was amazing, more than I've ever seen in a blanket. If I intended to do lots of switching of liners, I might find this system a big pain. Rambo has actually made it quite easy to attach the liner, but it's still a lot of fiddling. But I'm using it as a sheet OR heavy; I don't have different liners, and I don't find this all that difficult. With the liner the Optimo is very heavy (in weight, I mean), but again, I noticed no discomfort in thie horse.
*
Overall: I'm still very happy with these, and as after seeing my three guys wearing theirs, others at my barn have decided to purchase them (after trying mine on to gauge sizing and see how nicely the horse can move in them! Though unfortunately some are going elsewhere than smartpak, because they want the other color; this one is indeed quite ugly...). And fwiw my horse massage person was very impressed with how well Horseware took into account horse anatomy in designing these - placement of the articulated dart, etc.
*
So I still recommend the Optimo, with appropriate caveats.
Review 11 for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Overall Rating:
Huge and complicated
November 29, 2010
ByCloverpatch
fromCentral Texas
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
2
of
5
Durability:
4
of
5
Fit
Excellent
Share this Review:
I'm a big fan of Rambo turnouts, but this one was an expensive disappointment.
My chunky, size 75 girl is swimming in her size 75 turnout. Like others have said, it looks like it fits when you initially try it on, but when a) you switch it to a lighter liner and b) the horse starts moving around, it slides way back and is uncomfortable. I would have returned mine but unfortunately I left the blanket with the grooms after trying it on my horse only briefly, and didn't discover the sizing issues until too late.
In theory it sounds good: a single blanket with interchangeable liners of assorted weights. However, all this fussing with the various detachable liners is something of a time-consuming and cumbersome chore compared to just throwing on the right temperature-appropriate blanket when needed.
A slightly less important point: the blanket is kind of ugly compared to other Rambo turnouts.
In summary: this is a well-made product, but order a size down, and if you live in an inconsistent climate, be prepared to take your turnout apart and put it back together again several times a week. However, the plastic sleeve over the butt-strap is awesome!
Review 12 for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Overall Rating:
TOO BIG
November 21, 2010
Byannieb2
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
3
of
5
Durability:
5
of
5
Fit
Excellent
Share this Review:
The fit on this sheet is really, really big. It looks like it fits, but when the horse moves around a little, it slips way back. Maybe the fit would be better with the heavy liner, but I just won't use that much. It's a very well-made sheet, but it was a waste of money for me because I didn't realize that it was WAY too big until it was too late. I ordered a 75, which is the size that has always worked in Rambo turnouts. It fits the size 83 horse in the stall next to mine.
Review 13 for Rambo® Optimo Turnout
Overall Rating:
My favorite sheet - but not perfect
November 8, 2010
ByThreeRedheads
fromMaryland
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
4
of
5
Durability:
5
of
5
Fit
Excellent
Share this Review:
I am using the Optimo on three different horses, each a different size, but all of which are warmbloods with fairly large, deep shoulders that are often constrained by their sheets. I've had them a few weeks and used them so far as sheets, without the liners; this is why I bought them - I don't expect or intend to use the liners much.
*
What I love about the Optimo: the amount of room and freedom it gives to the shoulder, and the way it really does allow the shoulder and front end to move freely without pulling or shifting the back end of the sheet; movement of the front part of the sheet is free and unrestricted and doesn't displace the back part. It's unique in this regard and far better in the room and freedom it gives the shoulder to move than any other sheet/blanket I've ever used. I've seen my horses roll in it, gallop in it, graze in it, everything, and it doesn't ever seem to pull or get displaced or restrict them.
*
The quality appears to be excellent, though I haven't used them long enough to be able to vouch for their durability. They're made of that great Rambo fabric that seems to resist horse teeth exceptionally well! So far they've kept my guys quite dry (except in the shoulder area, see below) in an all-day steady pouring rain. And one great thing - Horseware has improved their surcingles; they're much easier to hook than on my other Rambos.
*
What I don't like: The sizing. A drawback of this "liner" system seems to be that if the unit fits well with a thick liner in it, the sheet on its own is likely to be a bit too loose. It's like a human coat - if it fits well with a heavy sweater under it, it's going to be a little loose with just a t-shirt under it.
*
So the sizing has been very frustrating. One of my horses had to go down from a 75 (his normal Rambo size) to a 72 in the Optimo - this is a 16 hand Hanoverian, not a pony by any means! Another who normally wears a 75 as well I kept in the 75 (he's stockier and needs the depth around his barrel); however, the sheet is too long and gaps at his shoulder, so his shoulder area gets wet in heavy rain (actually, all three got a bit wet in the shoulder in the heavy rain, but not worryingly so - I figure this is the cost of that much shoulder freedom). I gave only 4 stars for fit for this reason (the excellent shoulder fit is reflected in the 5 stars overall).
*
Another issue: the "articulation" creates a break in the spine of the sheet that seems to cause the entire weight of the front of the sheet (which is relatively heavy; it's a separate unit from the back) to put pressure on the withers in a way that I'm not thrilled with. Though I don't like this, however, it doesn't seem to be causing any problems, as my horses don't seem unhappy and I've seen no rubs, pressure points, or evidence of soreness or discomfort. So maybe it's only a problem in my own mind.
*
Finally, though this is the least of my concerns, the sheet isn't all that attractive. The colors aren't at all as they appear in the picture - the front ("tobacco") is really much more green than tan, and a pretty ugly green; the back is a muddy brown. I also wish Smartpak offered the other color option (pewter/black) as well as this one, so I'd have some hope of being able to distinguish among my three identical sheets!
*
Overall: this is an outrageously expensive blanket, and it's not perfect, but considering how much my horses wear sheets, the freedom of movement and lack of restriction it permits them, combined with my experience with Rambo quality, make it, to my mind, a worthwhile purchase.
*
What I love about the Optimo: the amount of room and freedom it gives to the shoulder, and the way it really does allow the shoulder and front end to move freely without pulling or shifting the back end of the sheet; movement of the front part of the sheet is free and unrestricted and doesn't displace the back part. It's unique in this regard and far better in the room and freedom it gives the shoulder to move than any other sheet/blanket I've ever used. I've seen my horses roll in it, gallop in it, graze in it, everything, and it doesn't ever seem to pull or get displaced or restrict them.
*
The quality appears to be excellent, though I haven't used them long enough to be able to vouch for their durability. They're made of that great Rambo fabric that seems to resist horse teeth exceptionally well! So far they've kept my guys quite dry (except in the shoulder area, see below) in an all-day steady pouring rain. And one great thing - Horseware has improved their surcingles; they're much easier to hook than on my other Rambos.
*
What I don't like: The sizing. A drawback of this "liner" system seems to be that if the unit fits well with a thick liner in it, the sheet on its own is likely to be a bit too loose. It's like a human coat - if it fits well with a heavy sweater under it, it's going to be a little loose with just a t-shirt under it.
*
So the sizing has been very frustrating. One of my horses had to go down from a 75 (his normal Rambo size) to a 72 in the Optimo - this is a 16 hand Hanoverian, not a pony by any means! Another who normally wears a 75 as well I kept in the 75 (he's stockier and needs the depth around his barrel); however, the sheet is too long and gaps at his shoulder, so his shoulder area gets wet in heavy rain (actually, all three got a bit wet in the shoulder in the heavy rain, but not worryingly so - I figure this is the cost of that much shoulder freedom). I gave only 4 stars for fit for this reason (the excellent shoulder fit is reflected in the 5 stars overall).
*
Another issue: the "articulation" creates a break in the spine of the sheet that seems to cause the entire weight of the front of the sheet (which is relatively heavy; it's a separate unit from the back) to put pressure on the withers in a way that I'm not thrilled with. Though I don't like this, however, it doesn't seem to be causing any problems, as my horses don't seem unhappy and I've seen no rubs, pressure points, or evidence of soreness or discomfort. So maybe it's only a problem in my own mind.
*
Finally, though this is the least of my concerns, the sheet isn't all that attractive. The colors aren't at all as they appear in the picture - the front ("tobacco") is really much more green than tan, and a pretty ugly green; the back is a muddy brown. I also wish Smartpak offered the other color option (pewter/black) as well as this one, so I'd have some hope of being able to distinguish among my three identical sheets!
*
Overall: this is an outrageously expensive blanket, and it's not perfect, but considering how much my horses wear sheets, the freedom of movement and lack of restriction it permits them, combined with my experience with Rambo quality, make it, to my mind, a worthwhile purchase.