Keeping your horse cozy and shielded from the weather is an integral part of your affection and attention. A horse turnout sheet is a lightweight covering, specifically crafted to safeguard the animal from rain, snow, and sunlight. A rain sheet for horses comes in different sizes and is constructed from diverse materials like nylon and polyester. If you're searching for horse rain sheets, here are a few crucial factors to consider.
What's a Horse Rain Sheet?
A horse rain or turnout sheet is a thin sheet designed to protect the animal from the weather in milder seasons and various environments. These sheets are often made of breathable materials like nylon or polyester, and they can be water-resistant or waterproof. With different sizes and styles available, you can find the ideal rainsheet for your horse's needs.
How Horses Stay Warm
Since horses are naturally outdoor animals, they have built-in mechanisms to keep themselves warm when the weather gets chilly. As the daylight diminishes, your horse's body begins to grow its winter coat to prepare for the colder temperatures. The animal starts developing a longer, thicker winter coat in July, shedding his shorter, thinner summer coat by October. The winter coat consists of longer and coarser hairs compared to the summer coat, which he fluffs up to trap heat.
This hair stands up, creating a layer of warm air close to his body that insulates him from the cold. In addition to his thick hair coat, your horse also uses calories to generate internal heat and maintain his core temperature. By fermenting roughage in the hindgut, his body produces heat, which is why many horse owners increase hay intake during the winter months. However, even with a full winter coat and sufficient calorie intake, your horse may still struggle to stay warm throughout the winter, depending on his lower critical temperature. This is where the rain sheet for horses comes into play.
Types of Horse Rain Sheets
There are different types of horse sheet turnouts:
- Rain sheet turnouts: These are made to protect your horse from rain and wind, usually using waterproof or water-resistant fabric.
- Fly sheet turnouts: These are meant to shield your horse from flies and insects, typically made of lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant material.
- Medium-lite blanket turnouts: These are designed to keep your horse warm in cooler weather, usually made of a lighter 50g-150g insulated fabric.
Turnout Blankets
Even during the winter months, horses need to spend some time outside to stretch their legs and enjoy the fresh air. Insulated turnout blankets act as a shield for your horse during the harsh Canadian winters. They keep your horse warm as the temperature drops and protect them from the biting winds. These blankets have a waterproof exterior, ensuring that your horse is prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws their way during outdoor activities.
Stable Blankets
In contrast to turnout blankets, stable blankets are specifically designed to keep your horse cozy while indoors. These blankets have a lightweight design that offers comfort without adding bulk, making them perfect for horses who like to relax in their stables after dark. Unlike lightweight turnout options, stable blankets are not waterproof and are not durable enough for outdoor use. They should only be used when your horse is indoors.
Hoods
Although not technically blankets, hoods provide additional protection for your horse. They wrap around the neck, providing extra warmth. Hoods offer complete winter comfort, keeping your horse warm from head to tail even on the coldest days. Therapeutic BlanketsNot only do these horse blankets keep your horse warm and protected, but they also go the extra mile to support their overall well-being!
These blankets have the added advantage of soothing muscles by absorbing the horse's body energy and creating a comforting infrared thermal effect. You can even pair them with other therapy products like hock wraps and knee supports to enhance healing and boost circulation for horses.
How to Choose the Right Horse Rain Sheet?
When buying a turnout sheet you need to consider several factors such as horse size, climate, activity level, and of course your budget.
- Horse size - Make sure to choose a turnout sheet that fits your horse properly. A sheet that is too small will cause discomfort, while a sheet that is too large will be challenging to put on and remove.
- Climate - Depending on the climate you live in, invest in a turnout sheet that meets your horse's needs. For climates like the Canadian, it's best to choose a sheet that provides warmth, while for warmer climates, a rain sheet or fly sheet may be sufficient.
- Activity level - if you have an active horse, go for a turnout sheet made from durable materials that allow unrestricted movement.
- Budget - Don't forget your budget when choosing a turnout sheet. Prices can range from $90 to $350, so select a sheet that aligns with your financial capabilities and requirements.
Why Use It?
There are several excellent reasons why you need to invest in such a rain sheet. First of all, it will keep your horse dry and cozy when it's raining or windy outside. Besides that, it'll protect your horse's skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
It provides warmth and insulation during cold weather and helps keep your horse clean by shielding them from mud and dirt. Horse rain sheets promote the overall health of your horse's coat by protecting it from the elements.
How to Maintain It?
Don't forget to clean your horse sheet turnout regularly, just as the manufacturer recommends. Opt for air drying instead of using a dryer to keep the fabric in good shape. Store the horse sheet turnout in a cool, dry place to avoid mildew and mold growth.
