Anti sweat sheets are very similar to coolers but are best when used in warmer weather.
What are the best ones? I took that boring task out of your hands by putting together this guide to my favorites. Irish knit horse cooler, anti sweat sheet for horses, summer sheets for horses, scrim sheets for horses etc.
Let’s get started.
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Don't forget to also check out our list of the best horse show sheet.
Top Horse Anti-Sweat Sheets at a Glance
Don't have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!
6 Best Anti-Sweat Sheets for Horses - Top Picks' Review
While anti-sweat and cooler are words that mean pretty much the same thing, there is a slight difference that can apply.
True anti sweat sheets are meant to be used when the weather is warmer and it is too hot for a proper cooler.
They are also the perfect underlayer for putting under a cooler when you need to get a wet horse dry as quickly as possible in cold weather while keeping them warm.
I’ve used a variety of these types of sheets over the years working with horses and found my favorites.
So, let’s get started to find the perfect one for you and your horse.
#1 High Spirit Irish Knit Anti Sweat Sheet (WINNER)
The Irish knit style is a true anti sweat sheet in a traditional sense. I really like these and wish there were more of them still available.
Unfortunately, it is hard to find this type of anti sweat sheet as many equestrians have shifted towards net coolers or fleece coolers for the same purpose.
Traditional anti sweat sheets are made from cotton, just like this Irish knit from High Spirit. It comes in some fun color choices. My favorites are the purple and hunter green sheets.
The cotton is knit, which means it has small holes that allow airflow and moisture to escape.
What I really love about Irish knit sweat sheets is that they are great for using on your horse while they are cooling down after exercise when it is a bit warmer outside.
They still prevent your horse from cooling down too quickly but prevent them from getting too hot like they would with a fleece cooler.
One trick I picked up many years ago, it’s been so long, I’d give away my age, is layering. If a horse gets very sweaty in cold weather put an Irish knit anti sweat sheet on and then put a wool or fleece cooler on top.
This will help pull the moisture up and away from the horse while keeping them warm.
Physical Attributes
- 100% cotton
- Mesh like knit
- Front buckle
- Tail chord
- Contrasting trim
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in pink, purple, hunter green, navy, and burgundy
- Sheets sizes range from 68-inch to 84-inch
Benefits & Drawbacks of High Spirit Irish Knit Anti Sweat Sheet
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Affordable price |
A little fragile |
|
Can use it year round |
Can run big |
|
Nice traditional style |
How it Compare to Others and Why
Unlike many of the other ‘holey’ anti sweat sheets, this is one of the few that still comes in the traditional cotton Irish knit.
Even though you do have to be a little careful with it, the price makes it good value for money.
Expert Tips
Pro Equine Grooms, a group of professional grooms that have worked with horses for years have this to say about this type of sheet:
“Knit coolers, or Irish knits as they are sometimes called, are ideal for warmer temps, their weave is very open and the cotton doesn’t wick away the moisture as well, they sort of just soak up the moisture.”
This anti sweat sheet comes from Horseware, one of my all-time favorite blanket brands. The Amigo Net cooler is from their more affordable line.
This sheet is a more modern design using a lightweight polyester mesh material. It is very similar to a scrim sheet but heavier.
This type of anti-sweat sheet is ideal for warmer weather and wicks moisture away from the horse.
Physical Attributes
- One front hook and loop closure with velcro
- Two adjustable belly surcingles
- Fillet string
Quantitative Measurements
- Sizes range from 69-inch to 84-inch
- Comes in navy or fig
Benefits & Drawbacks of Horseware Amigo Net Cooler
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Great for cooling and drying a horse in hot weather |
Does not absorb moisture |
|
Great value for money |
Not suitable for colder weather |
|
Lightweight |
How it Compare to Others and Why
The price is really good for this sweat sheet when looking at some other options. Especially considering you are getting Horseware quality. However, it is more limited in its use than an Irish knit style option.
Expert Tips
A great article from Practical Horseman, an equestrian magazine that has been around since I was a kid, talks about how to use coolers. It has this to say about anti sweat sheets:
“Although the terms "cooler" and "anti-sweat sheet" are sometimes used interchangeably, the latter usually refers to a sheet used primarily in the summertime that wicks moisture but provides very little warmth due to its knitted structure.”
This advice applies to the Horseware Amigo net cooler.
#3 Horseware Rambo Block Net Cooler
Sticking with Horseware as they have so many of the top options when it comes to anti sweat sheets. This one comes from their Rambo line, which is their premium product.
It uses modern fabric that is both absorbent and moisture wicking. Ideal for warm weather cooling or using as a bottom layer under a fleece type cooler.
Physical Attributes
- Air textured fabric
- Two cross surcingles
- Single front chest buckle
- Tail string
- Panel sections
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in navy
- Blanket sizes range from 60-inch to 84-inch
Benefits & Drawbacks of Horseware Rambo Block Net Cooler
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Durable |
Not suitable on its own on very cold days |
|
Lots of air circulation |
A little expensive |
|
Perfect for warm weather |
|
|
Great for cooling layers |
How it Compare to Others and Why
This is a warmer cooler. Unlike some mesh anti-sweat sheets this one is a bit heavier and does a great job at both wicking and absorbing moisture.
Expert Tips
When exercising your horse in hot weather, you need to take care and definitely don’t need to use a cooler or anti sweat sheet.
But there are a lot of myths around how to cool a horse down properly in hot weather that many equestrians still, unfortunately, think of as gospel.
One of these is that if you don’t scrap the water off a horse after bathing it will heat the horse up! This is 100% wrong and sadly advice is still given by some experts.
Leave the horse to drip dry, something I was taught as a kid, well before studies proved this to be the best way.
Veterinary researchers at the University of Queensland are just one of the experts that set out to see if scraping or not scraping was better at cooling.
The study found that “There is no scientific evidence to prove the cooling effect of scraping.” Taking temperatures of the horses used in the study it found:
“Looking solely at the central venous temperature for instance, it continued to drop for five to 10 seconds after water application before starting to increase. When the water was scraped, the temperature increased immediately.”
Check Price on State Line Tack
#4 Saxon Element Net Cooler Standard Neck
Ideal for summer and a super price! The Saxon net cooler is made for summer when you want something to put on your sweaty horse that won’t make him hotter.
Physical Attributes
- Polyester mesh
- Tail cord
- Contrasting trim
- Single buckle front closure
- Two low cross surcingles
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in navy/pink, purple/navy, and navy/blue
- Sizes from 68-inch to 84-inch
Benefits & Drawbacks of Saxon Element Net Cooler Standard Neck
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Very lightweight |
Not warm enough for colder weather |
|
Cheap price |
How it Compare to Others and Why
Price wise this is the cheapest I’ve included in my guide. It’s great if you are on a tighter budget. It is quite lightweight so not the best option for layering but it's great for the summer.
Expert Tips
If you’re not sure what size your horse needs, figuring this out is easy. You find the size in the same way you do for any horse blanket. Check out this video to learn how.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fyia1VMw1c
Check Price on State Line Tack
This anti-sweat sheet is perfect for putting on your horse after a bath in the summer, especially if you are hand grazing out in the sun.
The mesh fabric allows lots of airflow to help your horse dry while keeping the flies off.
Just don’t confuse this with a flysheet that you can turn your horse out in as it is not designed to be left on the horse for long periods and can easily get ripped.
Physical Attributes
- Mesh fabric
- Single front buckle
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in navy/blue or pink/navy
- Sizes range from 60-inch to 84-inch
Benefits
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Great for after baths |
Not suitable for turnout or leaving on for long periods |
|
Perfect for hand grazing |
|
|
Lots of air circulation |
How it Compare to Others and Why
This is another great budget-friendly option. Unlike some others, this sheet does not have belly surcingles. It is easy to take on and off and will last when used correctly.
Expert Tips
How much do you know about horse sweat? Electrolytes are important for horses that sweat a lot. Veterinarian, Dr. Marcella has this great nugget of info that all equestrians should know:
"Although conditioning helps humans lose less electrolytes by conserving sodium, fit horses still lose about the same amount of electrolytes as unfit horses.”
I’m a big fan of waffle sheets, they make great anti sweat sheets and just seem cozy to me.
You can use them at any time of year as a layer under a fleece or wool cooler, or even as an extra blanket to keep your horse warm in the winter.
Physical Attributes
- Polyester fabric
- Waffle texture
- No holes
- Double front chest buckles
- Two adjustable belly surcingles
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in navy with blue and beige trim or burgundy with black trim
Benefits & Drawbacks of Rambo Techni Waffle Cooler
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Wicks sweat |
Expensive |
|
Also works as a travel blanket |
|
|
Breathable |
How it Compare to Others and Why
While this sheet is more expensive than many others it is also one of the most versatile blankets you can have in your horse’s wardrobe.
Expert Tips
The vets at Park City Equine Center have some great tips for equestrians. They advise that you “Change the blanket if it becomes wet with sweat, rain or snow, as moisture seals in the cold.”
Check: Cheap Winter Blankets For Horses
Things To Consider When Buying Horse Anti Sweat Sheets?
When buying a horse anti sweat sheet keeps a few simple things in mind.
What do you want to use the anti sweat sheet for?
Mesh sheets that are nearly the same as a scrim sheet are really only suitable for use in hot weather and not intended for staying on your horse for hours.
They are perfect for hand grazing and after giving your horse a bath.
If you want something that helps with moisture wicking then you need a heavier mesh, Irish knit, or waffle style sheet. Once you know what you want to use it for, you’ll be able to narrow down your search to that type.
Sweat Sheet Fit
Just like any other type of blanket you put on your horse fit is important. Measure to find your horse’s size using the helpful video I included early in this guide.
One great thing about these types of sheets is that they are only meant for short periods of use, so you can get away with using one that isn’t the perfect fit.
FAQs
To help you understand horse blanketing a bit more, I’ve answered some questions that I’ve been asked a lot by new horse owners and equestrians.
Can I use a anti sweat sheet as a blanket on my horse?
Yes, you can use some types of anti sweat sheets as a blanket on your horse. Not as a standalone blanket but as a bottom or mid layer under a heavy stable or turnout blanket during cold days.
What do summer sheets do for horses?
Summer sheets, if referring to the traditional style, are lightweight and help keep horses clean and any evening chill off their backs.
Flysheets can be considered a type of summer sheet. Their sole purpose is to prevent incests from irritating and biting your horse.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you’re feeling confident about finding the best anti sweat sheet for your horse now. There are some good options and most are great prices.
Final Recommendation
I tend to always go for the most versatile option. It helps you spend less money and keep your horse’s geat under control.
Hard I know! It’s so easy to buy tons of stuff because you think you need it. I’ve been there. My tops picks are my winner the Irish knit and the Rambo waffle sheets.
They can be used at any time of year, which is a big plus for me.
What is your favorite anti-sweat sheet for horses? Let us know below!
References
- 1. Types of Horse Coolers - Irish Knit, Fleece, and Wool . Pro Equine Grooms. 2021 . Available from: https://www.proequinegrooms.com/tips/equipment-and-tack/the-basics-of-coolers
- 2. Gude L. How to Select and Use a Cooler For Your Horse . Expert how-to for English Riders. Available from: https://practicalhorsemanmag.com/health-archive/how-do-i-c2adselect-and-use-a-cooler-for-my-horse
- 3. To Scrape, or Not to Scrape? Busting an Old Belief . Horse Sport. . Available from: https://horsesport.com/magazine/equine-ownership/scrape-not-scrape-busting-old-belief/
- 4. Paul Pion DVM, Spadafori G. Veterinary Partner. VINcom . 2017 ; Available from: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspxpid=19239&id=6048033/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102906&id=4952150&ind=1064&objTypeID=1007
- 5. How To Care For Your Horse When Temperatures Drop . Park City Equine - Veterinarian in Park City, UT. . Available from: https://www.parkcityequinecenter.com/horse-vet-blog/how-to-care-for-your-horse-when-temperatures-drop