Exercise sheets for all seasons – and in all styles
The best exercise sheets for horses keep your horse’s back warm and dry during warm-ups, cool-downs, or hacks, especially for clipped horses. Some are waterproof, while others feature hi-viz colours, making them ideal for safety on dull, wintery days. If you’re looking specifically for hi-viz options, we’ve grouped the best hi-viz exercise sheets separately for easy browsing.
Exercise sheets come in various designs: some fit under the saddle, others wrap around it for convenience, and some cover the saddle completely. Many feature a cutaway front for better leg contact and secure with touch-tape fastenings, offering practicality and comfort.
Best exercise sheets for all seasons: H&H’s quick guide
Ideal for chilly mornings: Mark Todd Waterproof Exercise Sheet
Exercise sheet with the best coverage: Finer Equine Ride-On Exercise Sheet
Best hi-viz exercise sheet: WeatherBeeta Reflective Wrap Around Exercise Sheet
Best budget hi-viz exercise sheet for hacking: Equisafety Polite Mesh Quarter Rug
Mark Todd Waterproof Exercise Sheet
Colours: Navy
Sizes: 4ft6in – 5ft
RRP: £44.99
H&H Review: 9/10
Reasons to buy
- Waterproof and breathable
- Fleece lining adds extra warmth
- Fits securely without shifting during rides
Reasons to avoid
- If you’re being picky – limited colour options
Made from 600D ripstop fabric, this rug has a fleece lining and hook and loop wither fastening. It’s cut away at the girth to ensure you can maintain good leg contact and also features reflective piping and twin reflective strips, a large tail flap and fillet string.
It was tested for H&H by international grade V para rider Tamsin Addison who said: “This rug was the most popular among our team. We really like how well it fitted all the horses. We think it’s great value for money and are struggling to find anything to fault about it.”
Read H&H’s independent Mark Todd Waterproof Exercise Sheet review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or hopevalleysaddlery.co.uk
Finer Equine Ride-On Exercise Sheet
Colours: Navy or hi-viz yellow
Sizes: S–L
RRP: From £145
Reasons to buy
- The contoured design covers the saddle and horse in one piece
- Waterproof, breathable, and slip-resistant for wet conditions
- Faux sheepskin lining adds warmth and comfort
Reasons to avoid
- Premium price point may not suit all budgets
A standout choice for riders prioritizing performance, this sheet combines luxury and functionality. Its contoured design doubles as a saddle protector, with a slip-resistant outer for security in wet weather, making it a great investment for winter riding.
In the UK? View the hi-viz version at amazon.co.uk or the regular version at amazon.co.uk
WeatherBeeta Thermocell Quarter Sheet
Colours: Navy/white/grey
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £54.99
Reasons to buy
- Lightweight yet warm design
- Excellent wicking properties to keep your horse dry
- Easy to attach and remove with touch-tape straps
Reasons to avoid
- Not suitable for use in wet conditions, as it lacks waterproofing
This versatile exercise sheet is perfect for colder weather, offering warmth without bulk. Its multi-layer fabric efficiently wicks away moisture while keeping your horse comfortable, making it ideal for cool mornings or light exercise.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk and viovet.co.uk
DefenceX System Cool Control Exercise Sheet
Colours: Navy/red
Sizes: 4ft6in – 5ft
RRP: £59.99
Reasons to buy
- Moisture-wicking properties work well
- The extra insulating layer makes it extra warm
- Also very easy to attach and remove
Reasons to avoid
- Limited color and size options can make availability tricky during peak demand
This practical sheet excels at keeping your horse comfortable during cooler weather. The clever quilted design wicks away sweat while the added insulation prevents chills, making it a reliable option for hacks or schooling sessions.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
LeMieux Arika Exercise Sheet
Colours: Navy
Sizes: S–XL
RRP: £49.95
Reasons to buy
- Waterproof outer with moisture-wicking fleece lining
- Allows free leg movement for the rider
- Reflective strips for added safety during low light
Reasons to avoid
- Not as warm as insulated or padded sheets for extreme cold
This sheet is an excellent choice for light exercise or warm-ups, combining functionality with a thoughtful design. With a waterproof outer layer and a soft microfleece lining, it effectively shields against rain while wicking moisture to prevent chills. Its clever cut wraps neatly around the saddle, leaving the rider’s leg free for unrestricted movement, and the velcro tab attachments make it quick and easy to fit. Reflective strips on the hindquarters add visibility.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Shires Tempest Original Fleece Exercise Sheet
Colours: Newmarket stripe
Sizes: 48–60in
RRP: £24.99
Reasons to buy
- Lightweight and breathable
- Secure fit with girth loops and fillet string
- Affordable and great for everyday use
Reasons to avoid
- Limited style options compared to more premium exercise sheets
This exercise sheet offers excellent value for money and is particularly suited for cool but dry weather conditions. Made from lightweight, quick-drying fleece in a classic colour, it wicks moisture effectively to prevent overheating, making it ideal for light exercise or warming up. The sheet features girth loops and a fillet string for secure and easy fitting, with a wrap-around design that ensures it stays in place.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk and gsequestrian.co.uk
Rhinegold Embroidered Fleece Cutaway Ride-on Rug
Colours: Navy
Sizes: Pony – extra-full
RRP: £24.50
Reasons to buy
- Anti-pill fleece is soft, warm, and moisture-wicking
- A lightweight design, ideal for cooler weather
- Cutaway shape for better rider-leg contact
Reasons to avoid
- Limited size and colour options
This ride-on rug is a practical, budget-friendly option for maintaining your horse’s comfort during light exercise or hacking. Made from high-quality anti-pill fleece, it provides warmth and comfort for your horse while wicking away moisture. The rug is designed with a cutaway front to allow free leg movement and features touch-tape fastenings for a secure fit. The metallic rope twin binding and decorative embroidery on the quarters add an elegant finish.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk and ebay.co.uk
Premier Equine Stratus Exercise Sheet
Colours: Black, powder blue or orange
Sizes: M–XL
RRP: £68
Reasons to buy:
- Durable and warm, with breathable fabric
- Lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for cooler weather conditions
- Reflective strips for better visibility
Reasons to avoid:
- Some riders find the sizing runs a bit large, which might impact fit
Made with a waterproof ripstop outer and a stay-dry lining, this Premier Equine exercise sheet is a budget-friendly choice for riders looking to keep their horses comfortable during cooler weather exercise. It offers warmth without adding extra bulk. The design includes reflective elements to enhance safety, while the cut ensures easy movement and rider contact. Perfect for light schooling or hacking, this exercise sheet is a practical and stylish addition to any riding kit.
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
Whitaker Rothwell Roll-up Rain Sheet
Colours: Navy
Sizes: S–L
RRP: £39.50
Reasons to buy:
- Lightweight and breathable for everyday use
- Compact roll-up design with an included storage bag
- Reflective strips and stirrup holes allow for safe use during rides in rainy weather
Reason to avoid:
- Not insulated, which may not provide enough warmth on colder days
This rain sheet is perfect for on-the-go riders, offering protection in unexpected showers. Its compact design and waterproof fabric make it a practical addition to your kit, particularly for mild, wet conditions. It can also be rolled up and stored compactly in its accompanying bag, making it a great choice for travel and unexpected showers.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Best hi-viz exercise sheets for horses
WeatherBeeta Reflective Wrap Around Exercise Sheet
Colours: Silver/black
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £94.99
Reasons to buy:
- Highly reflective material
- Showerproof and breathable, offering comfort and protection during damp conditions
- Easy to use with secure touch tape closures, making it simple to put on and take off quickly
Reason to avoid:
- Not fully waterproof, which limits its effectiveness in heavy rain
The WeatherBeeta Reflective Wrap Around Exercise Sheet is designed for riders who prioritize safety during early morning or evening rides. It combines a reflective outer layer with a showerproof and breathable fabric, ensuring your horse stays comfortable and visible. The sheet’s wrap-around style allows for easy application, while features like a tail flap add extra coverage for light rain and wind protection. Perfect for everyday use in variable weather, it’s a reliable choice for safer rides.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
Equisafety Polite Mesh Quarter Rug
Colours: Yellow
Sizes: Extra-small pony – extra-full
RRP: £45.99
Reasons to buy:
- Lightweight and breathable mesh fabric keeps your horse cool and comfortable during warm weather
- High-visibility design
- Effective at keeping flies and insects at bay with a large tail flap for added coverage.
Reason to avoid:
- Not suitable for heavy rain or very cold conditions
The Equisafety Polite Mesh Quarter Rug is one of those items you’ll love if you do a lot of summer riding. It’s super light and airy, which means your horse stays cool while you remain visible to drivers –especially with the bright, reflective design that mimics police markings. This rug is perfect if you want something easy to throw on for a quick, safe ride in warm weather.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Shires Equi-Flector Waterproof Exercise Sheet
Colours: Yellow, pink or orange
Sizes: 48–60in
RRP: £55.99
Reasons to buy:
- Bright, high-visibility colours make it easy to see your horse in low light
- Waterproof with a cosy fleece lining
- Easy to fit around the saddle or rider’s legs due to the flexible continental pattern
Reason to avoid:
- Limited size and colour options
This sheet is an excellent choice for riders who need visibility and weather protection. Featuring a vibrant waterproof shell with reflective elements and a warm fleece lining, it is perfect for colder, darker conditions. Its adjustable fit and user-friendly design makes it ideal for winter training or early-morning rides
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Shires Equi-Flector Mesh Exercise Sheet
Colours: Yellow or orange
Sizes: 48–60in
RRP: £23.99
Reasons to buy:
- Lightweight and breathable mesh keeps your horse cool and comfortable, even in warmer weather
- Reflective strips on both sides and the tail flap increase visibility, making it ideal for low-light conditions
- Secure and easy to fit
Reason to avoid:
- Not fully waterproof, so it’s not suitable for heavy rain or very wet conditions.
This sheet is a great pick if you want to keep your horse visible and comfortable during rides in low-light or mild weather. It’s designed to be both practical and safe, with bright, reflective materials that catch the light well. It’s perfect for hacking or road work when you need a bit of extra visibility without overheating your horse.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
Hy Silva Flash Exercise Sheet
Colours: Silver/black
Sizes: 4ft6in – 5ft
RRP: £49.99
Reasons to buy:
- Highly reflective outer fabric
- A waterproof design with a comfortable fit keeps your horse dry without overheating
- Lightweight and easy to adjust with touch-tape fastenings
Reason to avoid:
- Limited insulation, which may not be warm enough for extremely cold conditions
If you’re looking for a reliable exercise sheet that boosts visibility, the Hy Silva Flash Exercise Sheet is a fantastic option. Its reflective silver fabric is designed to catch light brilliantly, making sure you and your horse are seen on the road. Plus, it’s lightweight and waterproof, making it perfect for mild-weather rides where you want to stay dry and visible without adding bulk.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Equisafety Mercury Wraparound Rug
Colours: Yellow, pink or orange
Sizes: XS show pony – extra-full
RRP: £84.99
Reasons to buy:
- Highly reflective silver fabric
- Lightweight and fully waterproof
- Breathable and wicking, designed to prevent overheating
Reason to avoid:
- The fabric is not rip-stop, which makes it vulnerable to snags from brambles or sharp branches
The Equisafety Mercury Wraparound Rug is a fantastic choice if you prioritise visibility and protection in all weather conditions. The reflective material lights up brilliantly when hit by headlights or street lights, making it perfect for dark or cloudy rides. It’s also practical for everyday use, thanks to its lightweight, waterproof construction and breathability, which keeps your horse comfortable during exercise.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Hy Reflector Exercise Sheet
Colours: Yellow, pink or orange
Sizes: 4ft6in – 5ft
RRP: £41.99
Reasons to buy:
- Reflective strips boost visibility
- Lightweight and breathable, ideal for mild weather
- Easy to secure with touch-tape fastenings around the saddle
Reason to avoid:
- Not suitable for heavy rain, as it lacks full waterproofing
This fleece-lined exercise sheet is a practical choice for riders who need enhanced visibility during twilight or early morning rides. It offers a good balance of comfort and safety, being lightweight and easy to fit, making it a reliable option for everyday use in moderate weather. It has reflective piping around the edges and a double reflective strip on both sides and across the tail flap. It’s also cut away to fit snugly around the saddle, shaped around the front to enable the rider’s leg to sit close to the horse’s side and fastened with touch tape around the front of the saddle. It’s also available as a mesh exercise sheet.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Does my horse need an exercise sheet?
Whether your horse needs an exercise sheet depends on the weather, their coat, and the type of work you’re doing. Clipped horses or those ridden in cold, wet, or windy conditions often benefit from the added warmth and protection an exercise sheet provides. High-visibility options are also a must for safety during low-light hacks.
However, hardy horses or those working in mild conditions may not need one. For sensitive or less robust horses, a well-fitted exercise sheet can enhance comfort and performance. Ultimately, it’s about tailoring to your horse’s needs and the environment to keep them comfortable and protected.
How to fit an exercise sheet on a horse?
Fitting an exercise sheet correctly ensures your horse stays comfortable and protected. Begin by placing the sheet over your horse’s hindquarters, ensuring it sits evenly and covers the back and sides without slipping. If the sheet wraps around the saddle, secure it with touch-tape fastenings or straps, making sure it doesn’t bunch or restrict movement.
Check that the sheet allows freedom of movement for your horse’s shoulders and legs, especially if you’re using a cutaway design. Adjust the fillet string or rear fastenings for a snug but not tight fit, ensuring the sheet won’t shift during exercise. A well-fitted sheet stays securely in place and offers optimal protection without causing discomfort.
You might also be interested in:
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A pick of the best lightweight turnouts for changeable weather
9 winter riding coats we’ve tried, tested and awarded H&H Approved status
Best medium weight turnout rugs for chillier days
7 cooler rugs to consider for your four-legged friend
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Oscar joined Horse & Hound in October 2023 and is the magazine’s dressage editor and sports manager, overseeing coverage of equestrian sport. After studying equine science at Myerscough College, he spent four years working for leading dressage rider Emile Faurie, competing at the 2015 National Dressage Championships and travelling with the yard to CDIs including Aachen and Saumur. He holds a master’s degree in Literature from York St John University (2021).