Looking for the best turnout sheets for horses? Waterproof turnout sheets for horses? Waterproof turnout blankets for horses?
Does my horse even need one? It seems like horse my gets better clothes than me!
I know exactly how you feel! And yep, your horse needs one, so let’s find the best one for him here.
Let's start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.
Top Horse Turnout Sheets at a Glance
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Don't have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!
8 Best Turnout Horse Sheets With Reviews
I’ve been riding since I was 6 and got my first pony at 9. This is when I bought, or more like my mom did my first horse blanket. At the time I had no clue on what was good or not, just that my pony needed a blanket in the winter.
Since then, I’ve learned quite a lot. With over 20-years of looking after horses, my own and for others, I’ve seen a lot of horse blankets on all types of horses.
In this guide, I’m focusing on one specific type that I feel every horse needs in its wardrobe - a turnout sheet.
So let’s take a look at some of my all-time favorites. All of which I’ve owned myself or used in over the years.
#1 Tough 1 600 Denier Waterproof Horse Sheet (WINNER)
The Tough 1 horse turnout sheet is one of my favorites. It is a great price and comes in some fun color options. I’m particularly partial to the purple but all the colors are nice.
Like all turnout sheets, this blanket is waterproof. It has a long should gusset a feature I find really important. The long gusset provides your horse with more freedom of movement and is less likely to rub.
The nylon lining prevents hair from sticking to it and helps keep your horse shiny. A turnout sheet has 0g of insulation or very little (less than 100g).
If you want to keep your horse dry from showers in warmer weather this is a great solution.
It will also help keep your horse clean. The Tough 1 is a value product making it accessible to many equestrians. The outlet shell is 600 denier. This is the weakest strength denier you will find in a blanket.
It is perfect for horses that are not rough on their blankets. You can also use it as a tougher stable sheet to help keep your horse extra clean.
Physical Attributes
- 600 Denier
- Shoulder gussets
- Waterproof
- 2 front buckle closures
- Belly surcingle straps
- Tail flap
- Adjustable leg straps
- Fleece wither protection
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in purple, hunter green, turquoise, and navy
- Sizes from 69-inch to 84-inch
Benefits & Drawbacks of Tough 1 600 Denier Waterproof Horse Sheet
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Great value for money |
600 denier can rip more easily |
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Long shoulder gussets for freedom moving |
Not good for prolonged periods of rain |
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Lightweight |
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Nice options of color |
How it Compare to Others and Why
This is a good value turnout sheet for horses. It doesn’t have the same quality as some of the more expensive options but it’s perfect for a smaller budget and something to keep your horse clean and dry in light rain.
Expert Tips
To improve its waterproofing ability, I suggest you treat this rain sheet with a waterproofing spray. This great tip comes from rider, Taylor, who says this:
“Saw some reviews saying this sheet wasn’t completely waterproof so I waterproofed it before I even tried it out just in case. It’s held up so far and no water has come through. It fits as it should and the straps seem strong and durable. No rips after multiple uses, overall good product for the price!”
Read more tough 1 horse blankets reviews!
#2 AMIGO Horseware Mio Lite Turnout Sheet
Horseware is my all-time favorite brand when it comes to horse blankets. They are always innovating and have a broad range to choose from. The Amigo Mio Lite comes from their more budget-friendly line.
I really love that this waterproof horse turnout sheet has a ton of sizes. You will find small sizes for little ponies, something I always find a challenge!
Physical Attributes
- 600 denier
- 2 front hook and loop buckle closures
- Cross, belly surcingle straps
- Tail flap
- Shine-enhancing polyester lining
- 0g weight
Quantitative Measurements
- Sizes range from 51-inch to 84-inch
- Comes in navy with red trim or turquoise and black
Benefits & Drawbacks of AMIGO Horseware Mio Lite Turnout Sheet
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Waterproof |
No shoulder gussets |
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Breathable |
Front buckles not adjustable |
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Front leg arches |
|
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Under $100 |
How it Compare to Others and Why
This is a mid-priced horse turnout sheet. It is good quality for the price, something to expect from a Horseware product.
Expert Tips
Horseware put together this great video on how to fit their horse blankets and how to recognize if it fits well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KILE_hJzX08
Check Price on State Line Tack
#3 WeatherBeeta Comfitec Essential Standard Neck Lite
In addition to Horseware, WeatherBeeta is on my list of top horse blanket brands. This lightweight blanket is of great quality and has super cute color options.
If you are a traditionalist you’ll like the navy with silver trim. However, if you want something fun, it also comes with a snowman or raccoon print. They are both adorable, but I’m partial to the snowmen!
Physical Attributes
- Shoulder gusset for freedom moving
- 0g fill
- Fleece at wither
- Waterproof
- 600 denier
- 210D Oxford polyester lining
- Tail flap
- Removable, adjustable hind leg straps
- Criss-cross belly straps
- Fleece wither protection
Quantitative Measurements
- Sizes range from 51-inch to 87-inch
- Comes in Navy/silver, snowman print, raccoon print, and silver/light blue.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Weatherta Comfitec Essential Standard Neck Lite
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Breathable protection |
Expensive |
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Double buckle closure straps |
Fits some horse’s a bit tight depending on their shape |
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Great range of sizes |
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High-quality outer |
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Waterproof |
How it Compare to Others and Why
With this sheet, you know you will get quality. Equestrian, Zoe, has this to say “Typical of Weatherbeeta, this is a high quality, a durable lite sheet that runs true to size. I’ve bought them in the past and this one is just as nice as the previous ones I’ve bought. They hold up incredibly well to the punishment that horses throw at them.”
Expert Tips
The Horse Council of British Columbia states that “Outdoor turnout blankets for horses must be both waterproof and breathable.”
Check Price on State Line Tack
#4 Shires Tempest Original Rain Sheet
Shires is a popular budget-friendly equestrian brand. The Tempest Original Rain Sheet is one of the most popular blankets for keeping horses dry and clean in warmer weather.
“Actually waterproof & breathable! This fits my Haflinger and OTTB.” Finding an outdoor blanket that is both waterproof and breathable is tricky due to the nature of the outer fabric. However, users find this blanket does a great job.
Physical Attributes
- Ripstop outer shell
- 0g polly fill
- 600 Denier
- Two front closure buckles
- Adjustable hind leg straps
- 2 belly surcingle straps
Quantitative Measurements
- Sizes range from 48-inch to 84-inch
- Comes in owl print, blue/grey, and charcoal/turquoise
Benefits & Drawbacks of Shires Tempest Original Rain Sheet
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Ripstop |
No shoulder gussets |
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Waterproof and lightweight |
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Tail flap |
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Good price |
How it Compare to Others and Why
Pricewise this is one of the best options available.
Expert Tips
An interesting study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that horses can learn to select specific symbols to indicate if they want a blanket put on or taken off.
The results show that contrary to some beliefs that horses should never wear a blanket that many want them on in certain weather conditions.
Check Price on State Line Tack
#5 HORZE Avalanche 1200D Ripstop High Neck Lightweight Waterproof Horse Turnout Rain Sheet
What I love about this waterproof horse rain blanket is that it provides a little extra protection without adding warmth.
The high neck design covers about halfway up the neck and is better at preventing any water from sneaking in under the blanket.
If you're a horse owner like me and worry all the time about keeping your horse comfortable, you'll love this.
Physical Attributes
- High neck design
- 1200D polyester square ripstop outer
- Waterproof
- Extra high shoulder gussets for freedom of movement
- Wide tail flap
- Crossed surcingle belly straps
- Adjustable elastic hind leg straps
Quantitative Measurements
- Sizes range from 63-inch to 84-inch
- Comes in navy, black, and horse bits print
Benefits & Drawbacks of HORZE Avalanche 1200D Ripstop High Neck Lightweight Waterproof Horse Turnout Rain Sheet
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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The surcingles have added elastics that provide more flexibility |
Expensive |
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High neck |
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Breathable |
|
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Extra strong 1200D outer shell |
How it Compare to Others and Why
This is one of the toughest and most durable rain sheets for horses as it has 1200D ripstop fabric. However, with the higher quality, it is also more expensive than many options.
Expert Tips
Total Equine Vets recommends that clipped horses, those that are sick, hard keepers, older, have no good shelter, and recently moved to a colder climate need to wear blankets in cooler temperatures.
#6 Saxon 1200D Standard Neck Lite II
For a 1200D blanket, the Saxon is a great price. Saxon has plenty of fans, like Paulette, who has this to say about using this blanket on her horse:
“This Horse Blanket is well made and waterproof as well as is a very attractive color. I have had this brand before and the blankets wear well.”
Physical Attributes
- 1200 denier outer
- Shoulder gussets for freedom of movement
- 210D polyester lining
- Low cross surcingles
Quantitative Measurements
- This horse blanket size ranges from 60-inch to 84-inch
- Comes in green/black
Benefits & Drawbacks of Saxon 1200D Standard Neck Lite II
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Great price for high-quality fabric |
Can run small on broad bodied horses |
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Waterproof |
|
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0g fill |
How it Compare to Others and Why
This turnout sheet is cheaper than some others that use the same tough 1200 fabric.
Expert Tips
Popular eventing rider, Claire put together this fantastic guide to help you better understand how and when to use blankets on your horse.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJzL-5cOolE
Check Price on State Line Tack
#7 Horseware Rambo Original Turnout Sheet
I can’t create a guide for lightweight turnout sheets for horses without including Horseware’s flagship line, the Rambo.
Even though they are expensive, these blankets are of excellent quality and can put up with a lot of rough conditions.
If you prefer the most up-to-date Rambo style, which I personally love. Then, you’ll want to look at the Rambo Original Lite Horse Sheet. It has all the same great features as the original but with the added new cut and buckles.
Physical Attributes
- 1000D ballistic nylon
- Two belly surcingles
- Tail strap
- AquaTrans(R) Coating Technology
- Anti-Bacterial Lining
Quantitative Measurements
Comes in the classic Horseware green with red trim
Sizes range from 66-inch to 87-inch
Benefits & Drawbacks of Horseware Rambo Original Turnout Sheet
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Waterproof |
Expensive |
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Breathable |
|
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No slip design |
|
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Durable |
How it Compare to Others and Why
Rambo blankets are some of the most expensive you’ll find. However, you get what you pay for. They are long-lasting and keep your horse dry. They have over two decades of popularity.
Expert Tips
Wondering how to fit a horse blanket properly? Check out these great tips by one of the expert blanket makers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olrj-n7sG88
#8 Derby Originals Wind Storm 1200D Horse Turnout Rain Sheet
This lightweight turnout sheet comes with some really cool features. First, it has my favorite type of front buckle closure. They are adjustable, so the blanket fits a wider range of horses.
It also has straps that allow you to adjust the fit around the neck.
Physical Attributes
- 1200D Ripstop
- Waterproof
- Adjustable chest buckles
- 0g fill
- Cross surcingles
- Neck adjustment
- Fleece wither protection
Quantitative Measurements
- Sizes range from 72-inch to 84-inch
- Comes in red/black and orange/black
Benefits & Drawbacks of Derby Turnout Rain Sheet
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Adjustable neck |
Limited size range |
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Super strong ripstop fabric |
|
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Shoulder gusset for freedom of movement |
|
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Tail flap |
How it Compare to Others and Why
This is a good quality light turnout sheet for horses that is very similar to some more expensive brands like the excellent Schneider line.
Expert Tips
Dr. Luke Bass from Colorado State says to only put blankets on clean, dry horses. He also points out that horses that are too warm and sweat under their blankets can cause just as many problems are a horse wearing a non-waterproof blanket outside in wet weather.
Why Should You Have Turnout Sheets For Horses?
You should have turnout sheets for horses because they are very lightweight without polyfill to add extra warmth like their heavier cousins.
A 0 fill turnout sheet is great for when it is too warm to put a heavier turnout blanket on your horse but still chilly or wet.
They are excellent for spring temperatures or even a chilly day in the summer. One very hot summer day, your horse is better off 'naked'.
They help keep your horse comfy, dry, and clean. One great time to use a turnout sheet is if you let your horse out in a sand paddock to roll and stretch its legs.
The sheet will prevent loads of sand from getting embedded into the coat when they roll.
This is a real pain to clean and brushing just isn’t enough. You’d end up brushing for days to get rid of it. I know this struggle! A turnout sheet makes your life much easier!
One lesson I learned pretty quickly is the 0g fill turnout sheets do not hold up to sustained periods of persistent rain. Even though they are waterproof they will eventually get wet inside.
My best solution is to use a 50g fill turnout blanket or even a 100g if the weather is cool enough.
Read our guide if you want to learn more about what is a turnout sheet used for!
How to Choose the Best Turnout Sheets for Horses?
Don’t worry, choosing the best turnout sheets for horses is as easy as picking any type of horse blanket. Here are some of the most important factors I think you need to consider.
Durability
After using horse blankets for over 20 years, I’ve been through a lot. I’ve used a lot of different brands and find that durability is one of the most important features of a good blanket.
The outer fabric of turnout blankets is made from a stronger fabric than stable sheets. You will see the word denier next to a number. The higher the number the stronger the fabric.
This means of the different levels of denier have more durability than others. A 1200 denier is more durable than a 600 denier. However, a higher denier also means the blanket is more expensive.
I’ve come across plenty of budget-friendly 600 denier blankets. You just have to know how hard your horse is on blankets and get insights from other equestrians. Some of it is trial and error, but soon you’ll find one that works for you!
Fit
A well-fitting sheet or blanket is so important. I hate to see a horse squeezed into something that is just too small or too tight. Just imagine yourself trying to spend all day in a jacket that doesn’t fit correctly.
Pretty uncomfortable, right? Too big comes with its own problems as well. Remember, just like people, there is a variety of horse builds, so different cuts will suit different individuals.
So, make sure you get the right size and cut for your horse.
Turnout Sheet FAQs
You still might have some questions. I can’t blame you when you’re confronted with so many options. Even after all these years with horses, I can still get overwhelmed with the choice.
To give you a leg up, I’ve answered some important questions for you here.
Are turnout sheets waterproof?
Yes, turnout sheets are waterproof. Any blanket or sheet designed for outside (turnout) is waterproof. Some do this job better than others.
What is the difference between a turnout sheet and a turnout blanket?
The difference between a turnout sheet and a turnout blanket is the weight. By this I mean a blanket will have all the same properties but it also has insulation to keep your horse warm.
Think of it as you wearing a light summer rain jacket and a winter coat.
How can I make my turnout sheet last longer?
To make your turnout sheet last longer, wash it according to the instructions fairly regularly and after each wash reproof it.
They are special sprays specifically for horse turnout blankets to keep the waterproof in good condition.
Is a turnout sheet the same as a stable blanket?
No, a turnout sheet, and a turnout blanket for that matter, is not the same as a stable blanket.
Horse turnout blankets & sheets are made for outside as they will not soak through in the rain or mud. A stable blanket is only for use inside.
Conclusion
I hope I’ve helped you get a good understanding of what a turnout sheet is and to find the perfect one for your budget and horse.
Don’t worry if the first one you pick out isn’t quite right. Blanketing a horse is a learning process. I’ve been there and done that, so I know how you feel! You’ll work out the best routine for your horse pretty quickly. I promise.
Final Recommendation
The Tough 1 is my top pick for what it has to offer and its price. If you want to splurge, then it’s Rambo. If had an unlimited bank account, I’d always get Rambo sheets and blankets.
They really are the leader in horse blankets However, as you know, horses are expensive so we have to look for the best value for our money.
References
- 1. HORSE BLANKETS EXPLAINED A brief explanation and description of blankets and blanketing your horse or pony . Available from: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0877/4628/1756/files/2010BlanketsExplainedcomplete.pdf?v=1720324498
- 2. Mejdell CM, Buvik T, Jørgensen GHM, Bøe KE. Horses can learn to use symbols to communicate their preferences. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2016;184:66–73.
- 3. To Blanket or Not to Blanket . www.totalequinevets.com. Available from: https://www.totalequinevets.com/client-center/resources/TEVApedia/blanket-or-not-blanket
- 4. To Blanket or not to Blanket? That’s a Good Cold-Weather Question . News from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. 2017. Available from: https://cvmbs.source.colostate.edu/blanket-not-blanket-thats-good-cold-weather-question/
What's your favorite horse turnout sheet? Please share below!