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Print this PageHorseware Ireland’s Latest Innovation, The Rambo Optimo….On Test!
Terry Wogan once ran a gag that revolved around gussets. His keen interest in this particular area of ladies’ undergarments was in sharp contrast to that of his Irish compatriots Horseware, renowned the world over their design of gusset free horse rugs.
At this point it seems appropriate to explain that in equestrian terms a gusset refers to a pleat in a horse rug – around the shoulder area – and not a component part of ladies knickers! Horseware’s rugs have always sported a patented feature known as ‘leg arches’ allowing the horse to move and eliminating the need for gussets.
Incidentally gusseted rugs are my pet hate, the fit is sloppy around the animal’s shoulders and as a result the rugs always slip back and rub tightening around the horse’s chest and making grazing uncomfortable.
Imagine my surprise when the ‘pre production’ test rug finally arrived; in my usual impatient fashion I unpacked the box before watching the DVD only to find a rug with what appeared to be a gusset the size of the Grand Canyon positioned much further back on the rug than you would normally see. On closer inspection I realised this was no gusset at all. The rug was in fact two rugs ingeniously and securely joined. This clever and innovative feature is called the Rambo Split. The Optimo was supplied with a 400gm liner which attaches cleverly to the inside of the outer rug.
Then I looked at the size – 6’0. OH DEAR! The only horse on the yard that would fit was Jaffa. She is not your ideal candidate to test product. Not only incredibly thin skinned she’s also very energetic and this combination had proved a real challenge all winter. Despite my best efforts with lycra bibs and shoulder protectors 10 weeks before her first county show the points of her shoulders were badly rubbed. Add to that the fact she bleaches if exposed to the sun and the performance of the rug becomes even more important. Was this rug good enough to put on my precious show filly?
So I watched the DVD, it was illuminating and you could not argue with Horseware’s logic as to why they had this Split, known as an ‘articulated pivotal dart’! It performed in a totally different way to anything I have ever seen–the freedom of movement demonstrated on the DVD was impressive but I still had my reservations – the horse in the DVD was in fact plastic… I knew Jaffa would give a true test of ‘rug rage’!
Jaffa has tested the rug for 10 weeks – she has given it her worst with galloping, rolling and rodeo antics. Was it any wonder her shoulders rubbed in a previous rug! It is not always just the horse wearing the rug that provides the test – her partners in crime Noodle and Jacko tried their best to remove it with their teeth. Fortunately the 1000 denier ballistic nylon outer was tough enough to withstand the worst antics of two naughty yearling boys trying desperately to test how tear-proof the outer was!
I have a natural aversion to fads, fashion and gimmicks….some would say I am a cynic and I was ready to dispute the Horseware claim that the front articulates around the point of the dart allowing the back section to stay bang in place. Well, I can tell you that is exactly what happens. I have never seen a horse less restricted by a rug, her freedom of movement was exceptional whilst wearing it. The front moved with her whilst the back remained secure. Better still not a mark on her coat or rubbed hair anywhere.
Suffice to say the rug was so good that her coat was like a piece of glass; she went to her show and came home Champion. Thank you Horseware!
What I liked;
1. The articulated, pivotal dart. This clever concept really works.
2. The 1000 denier outer. After my trial the outside of rug is still in perfect condition – if a bit muddy.
3. The liner system – allowing for great flexibility and eliminating the need for another turnout rug
4. V front closure
5. Patented leg arches
6. The Surefit neck design and the removable neck
7. The liner system – it comes with a 400g Optimo Liner as standard. With additional 100/200 & 300gm liners available to purchase – this system is incredibly versatile.
(100g liner is supplied FOC when purchasing from Mole Valley Farmers)
Dislikes;
1. Sorry – why is it two tone? It would have looked much better in a solid colour
2. The price – but this rug is worth every penny of it’s £299 RRP* and comes with a 400g liner as standard
*This rug can be purchased from Mole Valley Farmers at a special promotional price and comes with a FREE additional 100gm liner!
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