What is a Horse Rain Sheet?
Horse rain sheets are waterproof sheets intended for use in wet conditions. They are typically thinner than blankets and lack filling (insulation). In warm weather, it could be easy for your horse to overheat while wearing a rain sheet. Thus, rain sheets should be breathable. In the rain, these rain sheets keep your horse dry and comfortable.
When to Use an Equine Rain Sheet
If the weather is warm, it is likely unnecessary to use a rain sheet. A horse rain sheet can cause your horse to overheat or sweat unnecessarily, as your horse can control its body temperature regardless of the weather. Rain blankets with denier lining are ideal if your horse needs more warmth.
Are you preparing for a horse exhibition or cleaning your horse? If so, you may wish to consider purchasing a rain sheet. These sheets fit over tack, keeping your horse and equipment clean and dry as you wait for your lesson.
As long as they are dry, most horses are perfectly comfortable in brisk (but above-freezing) conditions. Consider a rain sheet if precipitation, such as rain or snow, could melt on their warm backs, and they cannot avoid becoming wet.
Does the forecast predict cold, wet weather? A rain sheet could be helpful. It can protect your horse from the elements and block the wind. If it is incredibly chilly, you should consider using a blanket.
What to Look for in Rain Sheets for Horses
While considering a horse raincoat, the fit should be a priority. An overly tiny sheet may cause hair loss. Also, your horse could have its leg caught in the blanket or get caught up on anything in its environment if the blanket is too large.
Size
Measure your horse with a gentle measuring tape from the center of the chest to the point of the horse’s rump just before the tail. If your horse falls between the sizes of the available rain sheets, round up to the nearest fitting size.
Fit
The fit of a blanket might vary based on the design of the manufacturer and your horse’s body. Therefore, for guidance, examine size charts, brand-specific suggestions, and customer reviews.
Personal Preference
Rain sheets are available in a range of prices and colors. Choose a sheet of higher quality (and certainly a higher price) if you intend to use it frequently.
Breathability
Despite your best intentions, you can occasionally cause the horses more harm than good. Any additional clothing might cause a horse to overheat and sweat. This is especially harmful in the spring when temperatures might drop suddenly and cause your horse to contract a chill.
Ensuring your horse’s rain sheets are waterproof and breathable will provide weather protection to your horse without adding unnecessary heating.
Coat Length
Depending on your preferences, discipline, and activity, your horse’s coat may be newly cut or woolly and mammoth-like. Protecting your pet from the rain with a thin covering may seem like an excellent idea, but you may be interfering with their natural ability to keep their bodies warm and their skin dry.
Even the lightest rain sheets can weigh down a horse’s coat, interfering with piloerection. This is the natural mechanism by which the equine coat acts as a barrier against the elements to keep the skin warm and dry.
Consider your horse’s coat when selecting a rain sheet to keep them healthy and happy. Clipped horses are unlikely to overheat in a sheet, so a rain sheet is an excellent option if the weather is warm and rainy.
Remember that if you use a rain sheet for the first time, watch for chills or excessive perspiration.
Show Timetable
You hope spring and summer will be full of blue ribbon and medal classes. So you may want to include a rain sheet on your list of essential horse show packing items.
As the weather warms, horse shows are mostly outdoors, exposing you and your horse to the elements while you wait for your turn in the ring. Entering the ring with a drenched horse might impair your prospects with the judges, compromise the safety of your ride, and cause skin irritations and temperature problems for the horse.
Consider having a rain sheet among your show day essentials if you plan to exhibit.
Are Rain Sheets Good for Horses?
Rain sheets can be an effective layer of waterproof protection against rainy and windy conditions for your horse.
Rain sheet horse essentials generally protect horses from bad weather when the shelter is unavailable and temperatures are cool. Horses might get a chill and quiver if drenched in rain or dirt. A breathable horse sheet will keep their body dry in the field while preventing them from overheating or sweating beneath a larger blanket.
Horses with natural hair growth can puff up their coat and trap a layer of air close to the body to insulate them against the cold. When there is wind, though, it might be difficult to maintain this warm layer of air; thus, this natural warming strategy is less effective. On windy, chilly days, a turnout sheet can assist in keeping the horse warm by deflecting the wind.
Even on a day with a bright sky and no wind, body-trimmed horses may require assistance remaining warm in the chilly temps of early autumn. A lightweight horse sheet is ideal for protecting such horses.
Elderly horses or those with particular health issues may have difficulty maintaining their body temperature harder than their younger, healthier stablemates. Similarly, with body-trimmed horses, these elderly equines can wear a lightweight turnout blanket.
A Quick Look at Our Preferred Picks
| Product Name | Best for Case | Features |
| Mio Turnout Sheet | Best overall | -The sheet is waterproof -Has front closures -Lightweight |
| Shires Tempest Original Lite | Best for outside the ring | -Lightweight -Breathable -Waterproof |
| HORZE Avalanche 1200D Ripstop High Neck Lightweight Waterproof Horse Turnout Rain Sheet (No Fill) - Dress | Best for comfort | -Lightweight -Waterproof -It has a high neck |
| Weatherbeeta Rain Sheet | Best adjustable closure | -Has a tail cord -Adjustable belly closure -Waterproof |
| Horseware of Ireland Horseware Amigo Bravo 12 Wug Turnout Sheet | Best for winter | -High neck design -Tail flap -Has a V-front closure |
| Basics by Tough1 1200D Poly Turnout Sheet | Best for sudden rain showers | -Waterproof -Adjustable straps -It has shoulder gussets |
| Gatsby Premium 1200D WP Turnout Sheet | Best for maximum coverage | -Quick clip chest straps -Adjustable leg straps -Waterproof |
| Showman 600 Denier Ripstop Nylon Turnout Waterproof Horse Sheet | Best breathable | -Waterproof and breathable -Shoulder gussets -Adjustable surcingles and straps |
| TrustBreech 1200 Denier Waterproof and Breathable Turnout Horse Sheet（no Filling） | Best durable | -Crossed surcingles -Double buckle front closure -Shoulder gussets |
| Tech Equestrian 1200 Denier Horse RAIN Sheet (Waterproof/Breathable & Windproof Turnout Sheet) Horse Breathable RAINSHEET | Best for all seasons | -Waterproof -Removable elastic leg straps -Shoulder gusset |
| Tough 1 600 Denier Waterproof Horse Sheet | Best money for value horse rain sheet | -Double buckle front strap -Adjustable elastic leg strap -Waterproof |
| 1200Denier Waterproof and Breathable Horse Sheet TGW RIDING Horse Blanket Standard Neck Turnout Sheet | Best for tough winter climate | -Waterproof -Tail flap -Shoulder gussets |
The Best Equine Rain Sheets Unpacked
Mio Turnout Sheet: Best Overall
Brand: AMIGO
Material/s: 600D polyester
Color/s: Black, turquoise/black, dark blue, dark blue/red
Breed recommendation: All breed sizes
About This Item
This 600D polyester blanket’s outer layer is waterproof and breathable, keeping your horse comfortable and dry. In addition, a shine-enhancing lining will aid in polishing your horse’s coat. The two front surcingle closures, cross-belly surcingles, and a tail cord give a secure fit, and a tail flap provides wind and rain protection.
Shires Tempest Original Lite: Best for Outside the Ring
Brand: Shires
Material/s: ShireTex 600D ripstop
Color/s: Cobalt, yellow
Breed recommendation: All breed sizes
About This Item
With 0G polyfill, this rain sheet is the ideal layer to keep your horse dry and comfortable on spring and summer rainy days.
This horse sheet is breathable. It effectively manages airflow to provide your horse with optimal comfort.
It is a solid, durable rug that protects your horse in and out of the ring. It features double hook-and-eye chest closures, D-rings for leg straps, adjustable cross surcingles, a tail flap, and a tail strap.
HORZE Avalanche 1200D Ripstop High Neck Lightweight Waterproof Horse Turnout Rain Sheet (No Fill) - Dress: Best for Comfort
Brand: HORZE
Material/s: 1200D polyester
Color/s: Blue, bronze
Breed recommendation: Large breeds
About This Item
This high-neck horse rain sheet provides your horse with the utmost comfort. It removes all strain from the withers and evenly distributes the weight of the blanket across the horse’s back. A gusset through the high collar provides additional comfort and minimizes chafing.
This sheet features a double T-buckle closure on the front, elastic cross surcingles, elastic leg straps, and a long tail flap. It is good for comfort in damp weather.
Weatherbeeta Rain Sheet: Best Adjustable Closure Horse Rain Sheet
Brand: Weatherbeeta
Material/s: 420D polyester, nylon
Color/s: Navy, gray, white
Breed recommendation: Cob, pony
About This Item
The Weatherbeeta Rain Sheet can shield your horse and tack from wet conditions. It has a waterproof, 420D twill exterior with stirrup slots. Thus, you don’t have to decide between riding and keeping your saddle dry. In addition, it features a quick and easy front closing mechanism, a belly surcingle, a tail cord, and a bridle loop to secure the top of the horse’s neck.
This rain cover is a perfect addition for rainy show days when you don’t want damp weather to get in the way.
Horseware of Ireland Horseware Amigo Bravo 12 Wug Turnout Sheet: Best for Winter
Brand: Horseware of Ireland
Material/s: 1200D polyester
Color/s: Navy, plum
Breed recommendation: Large breeds
About This Item
Try Horseware of Ireland Horseware Amigo Bravo 12 Wug Turnout Sheet if you’re uncertain what your horse should wear this winter. It has a high neck design that protects your horse from wind, rain, and cold and is an excellent fit for horses with high withers.
The V-front closure, which decreases pressure across the shoulders and is good for minimizing rubs, contributes to the superb fit. This horse rain sheet is waterproof and breathable to keep your horse warm, dry, and comfortable. In addition, the shine-enhancing lining helps keep your horse’s coat in excellent condition.
Moreover, it incorporates reflective stripes for increased visibility in low light. Furthermore, front and back leg arches provide increased mobility. A tail flap gives additional weather protection, while three cross-belly surcingles and a tail cord keep this blanket in place.
Basics by Tough1 1200D Poly Turnout Sheet: Best for Sudden Rain Showers
Brand: Tough-1
Material/s: 1200D polyester nylon
Color/s: Purple
Breed recommendation: Large breeds
About This Item
This sheet comprises 1200D waterproof polyester nylon with a 210D inner, making it ideal for sudden rain showers at a horse show, camping, trail riding, or in the pasture.
Its shoulder gussets, adjustable and interchangeable leg straps, a double buckle front clasp, and crisscross belly surcingles all contribute to a secure fit. A tail flap provides additional protection for the rump and helps prevent tail breaking.
Gatsby Premium 1200D WP Turnout Sheet: Best for Maximum Coverage
Brand: Gatsby
Material/s: 1200D Polyester, nylon, ripstop
Color/s: Black
Breed recommendation: Large breeds
League: NBA
About This Item
Warm and dry your horse with this waterproof and breathable turnout sheet. It comprises 1200D ripstop polyester designed for maximum coverage and years of use in adverse weather. It has quick-clip chest straps with crisscross nylon surcingles, polyester coat-polishing lining, a tail flap, and adjustable nylon leg straps.
Showman 600 Denier Ripstop Nylon Turnout Waterproof Horse Sheet: Best Breathable
Brand: Showman
Material/s: 600D ripstop nylon, fleece
Color/s: Blue, pink, purple, red, teal
Breed recommendation: All breed sizes
About This Item
The outer layer of the Showman 600 Denier Ripstop Nylon Turnout Waterproof Horse Sheet comprises ripstop nylon 600D while the inner layer is 70D. It features a front fastening with two buckles and sturdy bar-tacked straps.
It has an open front with shoulder gussets, crossing surcingles, and leg straps that you can adjust. The withers and tail flap are fleece-lined for comfort.
TrustBreech 1200 Denier Waterproof and Breathable Turnout Horse Sheet（no Filling）: Best Durable
Amazon’s Choice in Horse Care Blankets by TrustBreech
Brand: TrustBreech
Material/s: 1200D polyester, nylon
Color/s: Black, black gray, burgundy black, dark blue-black, navy blue
Breed recommendation: Large breeds
About This Item
This tough 1200D sheet has a waterproof and breathable ripstop outer layer and a 210D interior to assist in reducing rubbing. It is ideal for unexpected rain showers at the show, camping, trail riding, or simply hanging out in the field.
It has deep shoulder gussets for added mobility, wither fleece for comfort, a double buckle front fastening with quick clips for a perfect fit and convenience of blanketing, low crossing surcingles, adjustable, removable leg straps, and a tail flap.
Tech Equestrian 1200 Denier Horse RAIN Sheet (Waterproof/Breathable & Windproof Turnout Sheet) Horse Breathable RAINSHEET: Best for All Seasons
Brand: Tech Equestrian
Material/s: 1200D polyester
Color/s: Black-turquoise, purple
Breed recommendation: All breed sizes
About This Item
Tech Equestrian 1200 Denier Horse RAIN Sheet is the best breathable rain sheet to protect your horse from rain showers at any time of the year. It has a velcro underneath for additional grip plus two adjustable buckles for enormous adjustment on the front closure.
It also has removable elastic leg straps, a shoulder gusset, a tail flap, three D rings for hood connection, and cross surcingles. It is completely breathable with tape-sealed stress points.
Tough 1 600 Denier Waterproof Horse Sheet: Best Value
Brand: Tough 1
Material/s: 600D polyester
Color/s: Hunter green, navy blue, purple, turquoise-brown
Breed recommendation: Large breeds
About This Item
The Tough1 600 Denier Waterproof Horse Sheet will protect your horse from the weather. The cloth is breathable, allowing moisture vapor to flow away from the horse while preserving body heat and repelling outside coldness. The thick nylon binding is double-sewn to secure the material and increase longevity.
Double-sewn reinforced stress points offer more strength to assist in avoiding tearing. Active shoulder gussets allow for more movement and minimize shoulder rubbing, while a tail cover adds further protection.
1200Denier Waterproof and Breathable Horse Sheet TGW RIDING Horse Blanket Standard Neck Turnout Sheet: Best for Tough Winter Climate
Brand: TGW RIDING
Material/s: 1200D nylon, ripstop, fleece
Color/s: Red, royal blue, turquoise
Breed recommendation: All breed sizes
About This Item
This 1200D heavyweight sheet is ideal for rugged winter environments. It has a waterproof, breathable outer layer, 210 nylon interior, and warm polyfill. It has withered fleece, shoulder gussets for mobility, low cross surcingles, a double buckle front with quick clips, a tail flap, and adjustable leg straps to help hold the blanket in place.
FAQs on Rain Sheets for Horses
Will a Rain Sheet Keep My Horse Warm?
There is no warmth-providing content or insulation in rain sheets. Rain sheets keep your horse dry, but as the sheet compresses the horse’s hair, it reduces the hair’s ability to store heat near the skin.
Do Rain Sheets Offer UV Protection to Horses?
In general, rain sheets are not for providing UV protection; they are typically used during cloudy weather when UV rays are less of a problem. Look for summer sheets in case you need UV sheets.
Does My Horse Need a Blanket?
The majority of horses will be fine without a rain sheet. Nonetheless, there are circumstances in which rain sheets suffice. Rain sheets are ideal for very wet and windy conditions and show horses that must remain clean and dry.
Are Horse Sheets Waterproof?
Not all horse sheets are water-resistant. Make sure to read the product’s description carefully to ensure that it is waterproof. In some cases, such as a cooler, waterproofing is undesirable; coolers must be permeable so the horse’s sweat may drain without cooling them.
Are Turnout Sheets Waterproof?
Typically speaking, turnout sheets are waterproof, but you should constantly verify.
When Should I Cover My Horse With a Rain Sheet?
The best weather conditions for rain sheets are cool, rainy, and windy. Your horse will also benefit from an insulated, waterproof blanket if the temperature is too low.
Can You Place a Rain Sheet On a Wet Horse?
No, you cannot cover a wet horse with a rain sheet. The only exception is if the horse is indoors and the temperature is colder. Otherwise, placing a blanket over a wet horse can trap moisture and cause the animal to get chilled. Moreover, it can create skin issues.
Wrapping Things Up
Horse rain sheets, like our top pick Mio Turnout Sheet, can be an excellent addition to your collection of rain sheets, allowing you and your horse to be ready for cool or wet weather. It is essential to watch changing weather and temperatures when sheeting your horse to ensure that it is appropriately attired.
Rain sheeting can be ideal for keeping your horses clean and dry in warm weather. Also, remember to monitor your horse’s temperature if you use a rain sheet to prevent sweating and a chill.
