Rambo vs Amigo Horse Blankets: Is Rambo Worth the Step Up?

Rambo vs Amigo blanket lines side by side

Rambo is worth the step up when your horse needs a 1000D to 1680D ballistic nylon outer and a cut for high withers or big shoulders; Amigo is the better fit when a 1200D polyester or 900D ripstop outer from the same maker covers your weather. Both are Horseware lines, so the two share leg arches and Horseware's surcingle systems. Rambo's top-of-the-line 1680D Turnout is cut from 1680D ballistic nylon, and the Optimo adds an articulated dart above the shoulder. Amigo's Bravo 12 Plus includes a detachable hood and a disc front closure, and the 1200D Turnout keeps the same V-front closure and leg arches as Rambo.

Amigo wins when you want a hood included or a lower tier; Rambo wins on outer toughness and shoulder room. Look elsewhere than Rambo if you want a hood in the box: the Amigo Bravo 12 Plus includes a detachable one. Look elsewhere than Amigo if you want ballistic nylon: the Rambo Original, Optimo and 1680D are cut from it.

Rambo turnouts run from the 1000D ballistic nylon Original and Optimo to the 1680D ballistic nylon 1680D Turnout and 1680D Wug Turnout, and each fixes a different fit or fabric need. The Original keeps the classic cut with double front closures, and Horseware guarantees its waterproofing and breathability for three years. The Optimo is designed for bigger-built horses, with an articulated pivotal dart above the shoulder and a Sure-Fit neck. The 1680D adds a V-neck closure and a slick surface that Horseware says guards against biting and tearing, and the Wug's high neck reduces wither pressure. The Duo Turnout arrives with a 300g liner and a neck cover.

Riders tell us Rambo's neck and shoulder cut does not rub high withers and big chests. Look elsewhere if you want liner attachments on a Rambo Original, which has none; the Optimo, 1680D and Duo take liners.

Amigo turnouts give you Horseware fit and liner loops on a 1200D polyester outer in the Bravo 12 Plus, 1200D Turnout and 1200D FieldSafe Plus, or on a 900D ripstop outer in the Ripstop 900 Original. The Bravo 12 Plus pairs a Surefit neck and disc closure with a detachable hood. The Bravo 12 Wug has a high-cut neck for narrow horses with high withers, and the 1200D XL is proportioned for large-bodied horses regardless of height. Amigo also lists pony, petite and foal turnouts, so smaller horses have their own lines.

Riders tell us the Amigo neck and chest cut sits comfortably on horses that rubbed in other blankets. Look elsewhere if you want ballistic nylon: the Ripstop 900 Original is a 900D ripstop polyester with a straight front closure.

Rambo and Amigo both cover barn nights, and each pairs its stable blankets with liners and coolers. The Rambo Stable Blanket 200g has a microfiber lining, 200g of thermobonded fill and liner loops, and the Rambo Optimo Liner 100g attaches by Velcro loops to Optimo rugs and washes in a domestic machine. Amigo's Diamond Insulator 200g is a diamond-weave stable blanket with 200g of fill and cross belly straps, and the Amigo Fleece Cooler is a 360gsm moisture-wicking anti-pill fleece. For lunging and hand walking, the Ripstop 900D Walker Rug 100g has a cutaway design that frees the shoulder.

Look elsewhere if you need a stable blanket that can go outside: the Amigo Diamond Insulator is designed for barn use and is not waterproof.

1. Measure your horse from the center of his chest to his tail, then match that number to the size chart on the line you pick. Horseware sizes differ between lines, so check the chart on each product page.
2. Pick the line for his build: Rambo Wug or Optimo for high withers or a bigger frame, the Amigo 1200D XL for a large-bodied horse, and Amigo Bravo 12 Wug for a narrow horse with high withers.
3. Pick the weight for your winter: a 0g outer works in the wet chill of a mild winter, 100g to 250g suits colder stretches, and a liner such as the Optimo Liner or the 300g liner in the Duo lets you adjust through the season.

What riders say about Rambo and Amigo blankets

Riders compare how each line fits, holds up in the weather and stays put.