Domestic horses in the modern sense differ from those in the past as they nowadays live in stalls protecting them form the weather elements. Still, a lifestyle without turnout time can be bad for their overall health and well-being, as walking, running, and grazing in a controlled outdoor environment is beneficial for them in more ways than one.

As weather can be unpredictable sometimes, they still may require a dose of protection when roaming outside, which is where convenient horse turnout rain sheets come in handy. This is basically a cover designed to protect the horse from the elements, however because it’s lightweight it’s ideal for warmer seasons and climates.

Why Buy Rain Sheet for Horses?

Just because it’s one meant for rain doesn’t mean it won’t be useful for a range of seasons or situations. As I said, it’s lightweight, and on top of it all it’s breathable, so first and foremost it can keep your horse comfortable and dry in wet weather but not only.

When the weather gets chilly, like a summer night or spring morning, it can serve as a nice covering that adds a layer of warmth. In the even colder days, you can use it in a combination with a blanket for extra protection from the cold weather. And, while we’re at summer, it’s helpful with adding that layer of protection your horse could do with, shielding it from UV rays - useful especially if spending more time out in the sun.

Lastly, the horse turnout rain sheets are the kind of accessory that’s perfect for the horse’s coat health because they act as a barrier against the elements, as well as against dirt and mud. This also means you won’t have to spend too much time or product in keeping it nice and clean.

How to Choose the Ideal Rain Sheet?

Size and Fit

Same as us, horses are not all the same, they differ in size, weight, and even personality. For that, it’s first important to consider your horse’s specific characteristics to be able to choose a sheet that suits it most, as not all sheets are made the same either.

Measure up your horse from the center of its chest to the base of its tail, then along the widest parts like the shoulders and hindquarters. Double check to make sure you got the right numbers, then compare with the options you see available when shopping. Getting a sheet that’s either too big or too small could cause your horse discomfort when moving, hindering its activity and well-being.

Type

Once you get that right, it’s essential to get to know the different types of horse rain sheets, from the rain sheet turnouts, to the fly sheet turnouts, and medium-lite blanket turnouts. Made of waterproof fabrics, the rain sheet turnouts are perfect for protection from rain and wind. The fly sheet turnouts are also water-resistant and breathable too, and can come in handy with protecting the animal from insects.

The medium-lite blanket turnouts are made from lightweight but insulating fabric, so they’re better at keeping the horse warm during cold weather without causing overheating and discomfort. One more aspect I’d like to add here that could have a say in the choice of thickness and protection is the thickness and length of their coat. If their coat is shorter, they’d be better off with thicker and more insulating sheets, as opposed to the thicker coats that could do with less insulation.

Weather

Next up, consider the climate and weather conditions of the place where you live in. If the weather generally tends to be warmer, then the horse turnout rain sheets would do, whereas for colder climates the fly sheet turnout and medium-lite blanket turnouts would be a better choice.

Activity

When you’ve got an animal that’s very active, likes to move around and run, you need something that can withstand not only the elements but also the daily wear and tear. This is where durable turnout sheets come in handy, those made from exceptionally resistant materials that can serve you with functionality as much as reliability. One more aspect to keep in mind here is to look for a flexible design that won’t get in the way of the horse’s movement, avoiding restricting the limbs and causing discomfort, or worse - leading to injuries.

Budget

All things considered, you should get an idea on the type of sheet you should be looking for. But, that’s not all - you have to think through the price carefully as well, and find something that fits within the budget you can work with. Be sure to read up some reviews on popular brands and designs which can be of help in finding something more affordable that’s also on the quality side. Typically, the prices can range from as low as $75 to as high as $400, so consider your ideal in terms of budget and needs.