12 of the best no-fill rain sheets for horses to protect them from showers

One of the best rain sheets for horses (also known as a 0g or no-fill turnout rug) is an essential part of any horse’s wardrobe, whatever their situation. Offering lightweight protection against wind and rain, these rugs are also handy to keep on standby at shows for sudden downpours.

With so much choice it can be hard to narrow down the best option for your horse. I’ve put together a selection of the best rain sheets and highlighted key features, including outer denier strength, liner attachment options and fixings.

Best rain sheets for horses: H&H’s quick guide

Best rain sheet for a rug-wrecker: Bucas Smartex Rain 0g

Best value rain sheet: Millbry Hill Elite 0g

Best rain sheet for a broad fit: Premier Equine Akoni 0g

Best rain sheet for tiny ponies: Ruggles V2 Standard

This rain sheet has a ripstop outer that is waterproof and breathable. It also has a stay-dry fleece lining that means you can put the rug on your horse after exercise or bathing – it wicks away moisture, drying your horse, while remains dry next to your horse’s skin.

The rug also features a magnetic snap closure, shoulder darts, adjustable cross surcingles, and leg straps. It has attachments for a neck cover, which can be purchased separately, and is also compatible with Bucas liners.

If you have a heavier breed, this rug is also available as a big neck version to accommodate wider chests.

This detachable neck turnout rug is part of the new Elite autumn/winter collection from Millbry Hill. Made from a tough waterproof and breathable 1680D ripstop outer with taped seams, it’s compatible with Millbry Hill’s 100g and 200g liners so you can add layers without changing rugs.

Features include shoulder gussets for freedom of movement, reflective detailing for added visibility, adjustable buckle and quick-clip front fastening, elasticated leg straps and a generous tail flap for extra coverage.

This rain sheet is made with a 600D diamond triple weave polyester outer, which has a Teflon coating for stain resistance and moisture protection. It is compatible with Premier Equine liners so it can be quickly adapted to suit your horse’s needs.

It features a classic neck cover (without elastic) with Velcro fastenings, a fleece wither pad, an extra-high elasticated shoulder gusset, quick-release chest clips, an antibacterial and anti-static lining, and PVC-coated tail strap.

This rug from Ruggles is made from 1200D fabric with a Teflon coating that offers extra protection as well as more resistance to moisture and staining. The underside has soft nylon lining to prevent rubbing and keep the coat smooth.

It also features removable leg straps, a wither protector and has double buckle and clip chest fastenings. It is available in a range of weights and has attachments for a neck that is available separately.

This no-fill rug has a strong 1200D ripstop outer shell, enhanced with a waterproof and breathable PFC-free Guard-Tec coating, for added protection in wet weather. Features include a smooth lining and traditional shoulder gussets, twin quick-clip front closure, low cross surcingles, adjustable leg straps and a large tail flap.

It also has fleece at the wither and reflective binding and branding to enhance visibility. WeatherBeeta offers a three-year warranty on hardware, waterproofness and breathability on turnouts.

This turnout is ideal for use as a lighter layer during wet weather. It has a 1200D waterproof ripstop outer and features a snug fit detachable neck cover, generous shoulder gusset and a shaped tail flap for extra coverage.

It fastens with twin adjustable buckle chest clips, adjustable cross surcingles and has adjustable leg straps, and is finished with reflective DefenceX logo for added visibility.

Made with a 600D ripstop, breathable outer, this Rhinegold rain sheet has a breathable cotton lining and taped seams. It features twin clip and buckle chest fastening for adjustability and ease of use, front shoulder gusset, cross surcingles, leg straps, tail guard and strengthened surcingle guides.

This rug has a strong 1200D, waterproof outer and is fully lined with taped seams, and fastens with twin clip chest fastenings, adjustable cross surcingles, fillet strap and tail flap. It is compatible with Shires WarmaRug liners for extra layering.

This rain sheet from LeMieux has been developed using the same technical features as their Arika turnout range. It has a detachable neck and additional liner attachments, while the angled front closure system helps to evenly balance and distribute pressure, which prevents rubbing on the shoulders and across the chest.

It has an antibacterial and anti-static lining, waterproof skirt panels, and is fastened with two surcingles. It also has a silicone-covered fillet strap. Compatible with the full range of LeMieux liners, it gives you more flexibility across the seasons.

This rain sheet has a 600D waterproof and breathable outer, and features a double T-bar front closure, two cross surcingles and has an adjustable cord at the tail. It also has fleece wither protection and a generous tail flap.

This Masta rug has an anti-rub polyester lining, twin front surcingle fastenings, adjustable belly straps and a fillet string that allow a quick and secure fit. There are spare D rings if you would like to add your own leg straps, which are available separately.

This lightweight rug from Horseware is part of their Rhino (mid-) range. It is ideal for use as a standalone rug in milder conditions that's also compatible with Horseware liners allowing you to easily change the rug’s weight when needed.

It features a 1000D outer, surefit neck design with V-Front closure to eliminate pressure on the shoulder, dual leg arches and a wipe clean tail cord. The rug has reflective strips for increased visibility, three cross surcingles and a detachable neck cover.

Horseware offers a three-year guarantee on waterproofness, breathability and hardware.

How to choose the best no-fill rain sheet

Ideal for the changeable British summer weather, no-fill turnouts are often worn by unclipped horses in the spring and autumn as well as being popular for good-doers and hardier types that only require lightweight rugs in the colder months. They’re not usually designed to hold off really heavy rain in the same way that the best lightweight turnout rugs would do, but are perfect for showers and providing extra protection from the wind without adding any warmth. If you’re looking to protect your horse from flies, it might be worth considering one of the best waterproof fly rugs, too.

Many of the best rain sheets for horses come with more simple fastenings, which make them quick and easy to put on and take off but in turn offer less adjustability, so this is something to consider. Some only have a fillet string rather than leg straps. Rain sheets are increasingly becoming liner compatible, which means you can buy them as an outer shell, mixing and matching liners to create a warmer rug. This saves you having to buy a different rug for every temperature.

How do I measure my horse for a rug?

To measure your horse for good rug fit, use a soft tape measure to measure your horse from the centre of their chest to the furthest point of their hindquarters – follow these instructions on how to fit a horse rug. In the UK rugs are measured in feet and inches.

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