Learning about Rambo rugs is like going back to school - or maybe forward to school, since the science of keeping horses warm/dry/fly-free is always advancing. There's a lot more to learn than how to throw the blanket over the horse and buckle up the straps. However, there's a short cut for those who want it. Customer reviews help when you're trying to find the best way to invest your money and get a good return.

If you really do want to put in the time, get ready for a long session. You might want to get a bottle of water and a snack. Start by searching Rambo turnouts and you'll get hundreds of retail sites, so begin with Horseware of Ireland. You can always come back to the retailers when you know what you want.

Product description for just one rug will be something like this: snug fit, superior warmth with less weight, layers of nylon outer, thermobonded fiberfill, and polyester antibacterial and anti-static inner lining, a patented V-front closure, high-cut neck for less wither pressure, tail cord and flap, reflective safety strips, and leg arches as standard features. Not compatible with liner systems.

These are standard features for the Wug and other turnouts. They come in light, medium, and heavy weights. You'll find a complete assortment of blankets, sheets, and coolers for every purpose in the Horseware line, as well as a wide choice of color and size.

For fun, check out the foal blankets that 'grow' with the youngster. Velcro fasteners make getting a perfect fit easy no matter how fast the baby is growing in height and weight. The wide belly flap keeps the baby warm and snug without straps that might tangle delicate legs. If adult horses gain weight, there are chest expansions to allow a little more room.

Tom and Carol McGuiness started Horseware with the Rambo, the very first turnout that was truly waterproof, fit securely without restricting movement of the neck and shoulders, and provided warmth without being too cumbersome for comfort. Their success changed the industry and made keeping horses warm in winter much easier than ever before. This task used to be difficult if not impossible, with the real possibility of rubbed shoulders, sore withers, or horses either too cold or bathed in sweat.

Customers write about Rambos lasting eight years, even with horses that seemed determined to find every projection that could tear or every mudhole that could abrade the outer layer. Fortunately, there are ways to clean and re-waterproof turnouts, repair kits for sewing up tears, replacement hardware, and other aids to keeping a rug year after year.

Your time might be best spent in choosing the right fit, weight, and color for your new rug, whether it's for inside or out. The Rambos are guaranteed for three years, but owners will tell you they last much longer even under heavy use. Horsewear has even figured out a chest extension to help if your horse gains weight and the fit becomes a little snug.