Choosing the right rug for your horse can be tricky. My new horse, a thoroughbred mare named Annie, arrived without any rugs. As I don’t yet know how well she will cope with the winter weather, it was vital to me to build a versatile rug wardrobe. I want to ensure Annie’s comfort and protection through the seasons while also choosing rugs that will last for years to come.

In my research to find the right rugs for Annie, I came across the Rambo Duo Force 2.0 Turnout Rug. This rug comes packed with features so let me walk you through all the technical details and why it’s become a vital part of Annie’s wardrobe.

Durable Protection

One of the standout features of the Rambo Duo Force 2.0 is the 1000D Ripstop Ballistic Nylon outer. This fabric is not just waterproof and breathable; it also boasts a reinforcing weave layer that makes it 60% stronger!

Ballistic Nylon is Horseware’s strongest fabric and is used in the Rambo range for maximum strength with minimum weight. It means every time I turn Annie out in the field, she can be a horse without me worrying the rug will be ripped or damaged.

Despite how strong and durable the fabric is, the rug is still lightweight to take on and off. Annie is protected from the elements without the rug weighing her down.

Versatility in Changing Conditions

The Rambo Duo Force 2.0 is like having four rugs in one. The rug alone is 100g but it also comes with Horseware Eco Liners in 100g and 300g. With a detachable hood too, it’s really easy to adapt to changing weather conditions.

In the milder autumn weather, I have used the rug on its own. On cooler or particularly wet days, the hood can be added for extra protection – particularly useful for when you don’t want to spend ages brushing mud off your horse’s neck or out of their mane!

When the temperatures drop or your horse has been clipped, it’s really simple to upgrade the warmth by adding a liner. The Horseware Eco Liners are less bulky than layering two normal rugs and I was surprised by how lightweight they feel.

The other benefit of using a liner, instead of two rugs, is that it is designed to fit under the turnout rug and is secured to it to prevent slipping. The front leg arches match the arches on the outer rug for freedom of movement. The liner attaches to the turnout rug via a Velcro Loop System on either side of the neck and clips at the back of the rug. The liners stay in place without moving, unlike when layering something like a fleece rug under a turnout which can sometimes pull back and become tight on the shoulders. The liners are also slightly shorter than a standard rug so there is no exposed fabric to get wet or muddy.

Layering offers better insulation than a single rug by trapping warm air while ensuring maximum breathability. I also like that the liners fit into my washing machine at home. Keeping the liner clean helps to support healthy skin and it’s nice to be able to freshen the rug up without waiting until the end of the season to professionally wash it.

Investing in a liner system means you’re prepared for whatever the weather. Instead of having multiple rugs of different weights taking up lots of space, the liners pack down really small and can simply be added as required. The liners are also compatible with my Amigo Insulator Stable Rug so offer versatile rugging options for the field and stable.

Ultimate Comfort

When your horse is wearing a turnout rug every day throughout the autumn and winter it’s vital for it to be comfortable. The Rambo Duo Force 2.0 goes above and beyond to protect your horse from the elements. Most turnout rugs have a gap between the hood and front of the rug. Instead, this rug has an elongated hood which provides extended neck and chest coverage to prevent wind or water getting in. The added bonus is that it also protects the front closures.

The large tail flap provides more coverage and also has a strap to prevent it blowing up in particularly windy weather. It also features a wipe-clean tail cord.

To keep your horse cosy, the 100g Thermobonded fiberfill provides lasting heat protection. The silky-fill lining is not just about comfort; it's anti-bacterial and anti-static too, ensuring a healthy skin environment for a shiny coat. The liners also have a shine-enhancing lining so you can have the same benefits whether using the outer rug alone or with a liner.

Annie is a chestnut thoroughbred so has quite sensitive skin and can be prone to rubs. I haven’t noticed any rubs since using the Rambo Duo Force 2.0. She wears a 6’3” and I found the rug to be true to size. With how well the rug fits her, I am confident that she will stay comfy all winter long.

Safety and Peace of Mind

The Rambo Duo Force 2.0 doesn't just provide comfort and protection, it also takes safety seriously. The V-Front Closure ensures the rug stays secure and the clips are angled so that they are always correctly fastened facing inwards. Combined with the Surefit Neck Design and dual leg arches, this eliminates pressure around the shoulders. I really like how this design allows Annie to graze and move without restrictions.

One of the key safety features is the inclusion of the Rambo® Safety Surcingle System. This innovative system can withstand up to 100kg of pressure but it's designed to release in case of emergency. I haven’t seen this feature on a rug before and the system is created by attaching the surcingle to the rug using Velcro and a plastic loop. The loop releases if the horses becomes dangerously caught up. Spare plastic loops are also supplied with the rug.

These safety features not only provide extra protection for your horse but peace of mind as a horse owner.

Sustainability and Guarantee

I’m conscious of reducing mine and Annie’s carbon hoofprint so I was impressed by Horseware’s commitment to sustainability. An average of 45 plastic bottles are recycled with each Eco Liner!

The Rambo Duo Force 2.0 also comes in a sustainable ‘Bag For Life’. This bag is ideal for storing the liners that are not in use, for off season rug storage, or even for your own gear as it has adjustable shoulder straps.

Thanks to the liner system, I have also been able to reduce the number of rugs I need. All of Horseware’s turnout rugs with Aquatrans technology, including the Rambo Duo Force 2.0, are backed by a three-year guarantee on waterproofness and breathability. The durability of the rug means it will last for many seasons to come.

The Ultimate Allrounder

This rug really is the ultimate allrounder. The design puts the horse’s comfort and safety at the forefront while also providing a versatile rugging solution for owners. I hadn’t used a liner system before but I am a convert now as it makes it easy to adapt to changing weather conditions.

If you're looking for the ultimate turnout rug that offers unbeatable protection, versatility, and peace of mind, the Rambo Duo Force 2.0 should be top of your list.

Unmatched Protection and Versatility: The Rambo Duo Force 2.0 Turnout Rug Review

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