Keeping your horse warm and protected from the elements is essential during the colder months. A horse turnout sheet is a light cover designed to keep your horse safe from rain, snow, and sun. You can find rain sheets for horses in various sizes and made from materials like nylon and polyester.
If you're on the hunt for horse turnout sheets, here are some important things to keep in mind.
What's a Turnout Sheet?
A horse turnout or rain sheet is a lightweight covering designed to shield your horse from the elements during milder weather. These sheets are typically crafted from breathable fabrics like nylon or polyester and can be either water-resistant or fully waterproof. With a variety of sizes and styles on the market, you can easily find the perfect rain sheet to suit your horse's needs.
How Horses Stay Warm
Horses are naturally equipped to handle the outdoors, and they have their ways of staying warm when temperatures drop. As the days get shorter, your horse's body starts growing a winter coat to get ready for the cold. This process begins around July, when they shed their lighter summer coat by October, replacing it with a thicker, longer winter coat. The winter coat is made up of coarser hairs that can be fluffed up to trap heat. This fluff creates a layer of warm air close to their skin, acting as insulation against the cold. Besides their furry coat, horses also burn calories to produce internal heat and keep their core temperature stable. They generate heat by fermenting roughage in their hindgut, which is why many horse owners up their hay supply during winter. Still, even with a full winter coat and enough calories, some horses might find it tough to stay warm in winter, depending on their lower critical temperature. That’s where a rain sheet comes in handy.
Different Types of Horse Rain Sheets
• Rainsheet for horses: These horse turnout sheets are designed to keep your horse dry from rain and wind, typically made from waterproof or water-resistant materials.
• Fly sheet turnouts: These help protect your horse from pesky flies and insects, usually crafted from lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant fabric.
• Medium-lite blanket turnouts: These are intended to keep your horse cozy in cooler weather, generally made with lighter insulation ranging from 50g to 150g.
Turnout Blankets
Even in winter, horses need some outdoor time to stretch and enjoy the fresh air. Insulated turnout blankets serve as a protective layer for your horse during the tough Canadian winters. They help keep your horse warm as temperatures drop and shield them from harsh winds. With a waterproof outer layer, these blankets ensure your horse is ready for whatever the weather throws at them while they’re outside.
Stable Blankets
Stable blankets are made to keep your horse snug and warm while they're inside, unlike turnout blankets. They’re lightweight and comfy, perfect for horses that enjoy chilling in their stables at night. Just a heads up, these blankets aren’t waterproof and aren’t tough enough for outdoor adventures, so save them for indoor use only.
Hoods
While they aren’t exactly blankets, hoods are great for giving your horse some extra warmth. They fit around the neck and help keep your horse cozy from head to tail, ensuring they stay toasty even on the chilliest days.
How to Choose?
When you're on the hunt for a turnout sheet, there are a few key things to keep in mind, like your horse's size, the weather in your area, how active your horse is, and of course, what you can afford.
• Horse size - It's super important to get a turnout sheet that fits your horse just right. A sheet that's too small can be uncomfortable, while one that's too big can be a hassle to put on and take off.
• Climate - Think about where you live. If you're in a colder area like Canada, you'll want a sheet that keeps your horse warm. In warmer places, a simple rain sheet or fly sheet should do the trick.
• Activity level - If your horse is always on the go, look for a turnout sheet made from tough materials that let them move freely.
• Budget - Keep your budget in mind when shopping for a turnout sheet. Prices can vary quite a bit, from around $90 to $350, so pick one that fits your wallet and your horse's needs.
Your Horse Needs It
There are plenty of great reasons to get a rain sheet for your horse. For starters, it keeps them nice and dry when the weather turns rainy or windy. Plus, it shields their skin from those harsh sun rays. It also offers warmth and insulation when it’s chilly out and helps keep your horse clean by blocking mud and dirt. Using a rain sheet can really boost the health of your horse's coat by protecting it from the elements.
How to Take Care of It?
Make sure to clean your horse's turnout sheet regularly, just like the manufacturer suggests. Air drying is the way to go instead of tossing it in the dryer to keep the fabric in top shape. And remember to store it in a cool, dry spot to prevent any mildew or mould from forming.
