Best rain sheets for horses to protect from showers

Hy StormX Original 0 Turnout Rug — (Image credit: credit unknown)

Even if your horse is clipped or hairy, in work or enjoying some time out in the field, you need one of these best rain sheets for horses or no-fill turnout rugs in his rug collection. 0g fill, rain sheets are ideal for protecting your horse from the wind and rain, also perfect for having to hand at a show for those unexpected showers.

With so much choice it can be hard to narrow down your search based on your circumstances. I’ve put a selection of turnout rugs with no fill together and highlighted the outer denier, liner attachments, fixings and if the rug is designed for a specific type of horse so you don’t end up with a mini skirt on your horse.

This no-fill turnout rug has a ripstop outer that is waterproof and breathable. Featuring a stay-dry fleece lining enabling you to put the rug on your horse after exercise or bathing. The lining is designed to wick away moisture, drying your horse, while the lining remains dry next to your horse’s skin. With Click n go 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 compatible with Bucas liners.

This no-fill rug has a strong 1200D ripstop outer shell. Features include a smooth lining and traditional shoulder gussets, twin chest buckles, low cross surcingles, adjustable leg straps and a standard tail flap. It also has fleece at the wither and D rings to attach a neck (purchased separately) on the standard neck version. WeatherBeeta offers a three-year warranty on hardware, waterproofness and breathability on turnouts.

This is the no-fill version of Premier Equine’s best-selling turnout. Made with a breathable 840D ballistic nylon, this rug is compatible with Premier Equine liners. As part of the evolution of the ‘Buster’, an extra-high shoulder gusset has been added to allow for a greater range of movement in the field. It features a classic neck cover (without elastic), fleece-lined with pad, 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 and 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 rain sheet from LeMieux has been developed using the same technology as their Storm-Tek 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 three belly surcingles, the middle of which is detachable. It also has a silicone-covered fillet strap. Compatible with the full range of LeMieux liners, giving you more flexibility across the seasons.

This rain sheet has been designed to offer freedom of movement for a bigger-built horse with unique innovative design features. Featuring a pivotal dart placed above and behind the horse’s shoulder for natural movement while keeping the rug in position. 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, detachable neck cover and liner loops to attach Horseware liners. As this rug is built for larger horses, Horseware recommends sizing down.

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.

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Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.

12 rain sheets/no-fill turnouts to protect your horse from showers

Best 0g rain sheets for horses: H&H’s quick guide

Bucas Smartex Rain 0g

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Lite

Premier Equine Buster Zero Turnout Rug

Ruggles V2 Standard Turnout

Hy StormX Empra 0 Turnout Rug

Rhinegold Torrent No Fill Turnout Rug

Shires Highlander Original Lite Turnout Rug

LeMieux Arika Featherweight Rug

Mackey Equi-Sential Light

Gallop Trojan Lightweight Turnout

Masta Fieldmasta 0g Lightweight Turnout

Horseware Rambo Optimo Plus 0g Turnout

How to choose the best no-fill rain sheet

How do I measure my horse for a rug?

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