Product Review: Horseware Rhino Wug Medium Turnout Blanket

The Horseware Rhino Wug features their patented front leg arches to allow for freedom of movement. Photo by Kate Samuels.

The Horseware Rhino Wug features their patented front leg arches to allow for freedom of movement. Photo by Kate Samuels.

When you think of Horseware, you automatically think of high quality blankets, but did you know they also offer many extremely affordable options within their line of products? With Rambo, Rhino and Amigo, you can truly have your pick of price range and fit for each individual horse in your barn. I’ve been a fan of the Rhino Wug for a long time, for many different reasons, and I was excited to delve further into the design and function of this blanket.

I got to try out the Rhino Wug Medium Turnout, which comes in a checkered chocolate and cream color in all three varying layers, so your horse can be extremely matched in his or her wardrobe. A really great aspect of a brown turnout is that it doesn’t look so bad when your horse inevitably rolls in the mud! It’s a stylish color combination that flatters most shades of horses, and doesn’t show off mud stains too badly.

This turnout is waterproof on the outside and the inside, which offers your horse extra protection from the elements. I have to say that Horseware blankets also seem to stay waterproof long beyond their competitors, which is a huge benefit for longevity. A turnout that gets soggy in the rain or snow is no good to anybody, and a complete waste of money.

The outer shell of the Rhino Wug Turnout is made of 1000 denier polypropylene and the inside is a silky smooth nylon lining that is pleasant against your horse’s skin. It also has the benefit of thermobonded fiber fill, which means that it stays lofted and puffy, in turn keeping your horse warmer for longer with the layers of fill. The inner layer is anti-static and anti-bacterial, so it is good for your horse’s skin and you won’t shock the living hell out of them when you pull it off to ride.

The multi-barrier system of the Horseware blankets makes sure that your horse stays dry and warm, even in the worst weather. Photo by Kate Samuels.

The multi-barrier system of the Horseware blankets makes sure that your horse stays dry and warm, even in the worst weather. Photo by Kate Samuels.

I’ve been in love with the cut and style of the Rhino Wug line from Horseware for a long time, and for several reasons. I find that it is an excellent style for horses with really big shoulders, as it allows freedom of movement through there and has never given any of my horses rubs. Shoulder rubs are a huge pet peeve of mine, and I will judge you if I see one, as it means you have either the wrong style or the wrong size for your horse. We think hard about the style and cut and size of our jeans, and we should put the same thought into the blankets for our horses!

I really enjoy the half neck cut on the Rhino Wug as well, and it serves three purposes. First, it’s a great fit for horses with shorter necks (ahem, Nyls) who look ridiculous in a regular neck piece. Second, when they put their heads down to graze, it offers some protection from precipitation, as there is a little ledge that keeps the rain from going down into the blanket and against their skin. And finally, it really does well with horses that have extremely high withers, because it doesn’t put any pressure on that area, which also preserves your horse’s mane. Nobody likes a bald spot where the blanket rests.

The Rhino Wug Turnouts have a double velcro chest latch underneath two sturdy snaps. Smiling horse not included. Photo by Kate Samuels.

The Rhino Wug Turnouts have a double velcro chest latch underneath two sturdy snaps. Smiling horse not included. Photo by Kate Samuels.

The Rhino Wug Turnout has reflective strips along the front of the chest, which come in handy when you’re trying to locate your horse in the field in the dark. This is a feature that I won’t underestimate again. It also has two very durable straps across the belly, and a double velcro chest latch combined with two snaps. This blanket also has a small loop under the tail hood (for lack of a better term) which you can tuck your horse’s tail through. This seems unnecessary, but it plays a big part in keeping the blanket secure as your horse aggressively rolls in the dirt. Through use of the tail loop, your blanket doesn’t slip off to one side at all.

Overall, this is a really well designed and well executed blanket, and the best part is that it’s extremely affordable. Coming in at only $209, there isn’t much you can argue with right there. I have had a lightweight version of this blanket for five years, and it’s still going just as strong as the day I got it, so that’s some real value for you there. The Rhino Wug Turnouts stay waterproof for years to come, are durable on the outside and soft on the inside, and come with the stamp of approval you can trust from Horseware.