The 6 Best Rain Sheets to Keep Your Horse Dry

Keeping your horse dry during those rainy days doesn’t have to be a chore when you have a horse rain sheet. Rain sheets are thin, waterproof blankets that dry your horse without adding extra warmth. These sheets act as armor against rain, mud, and wind during wet days and wet seasons without the extra bulk of a regular blanket. Choosing a rain sheet for horses depends on a few factors, such as waterproofing, breathability, and durability for frequent use.

What is a Rain Sheet and Why Does Your Horse Need One?

Since a horse rain sheet’s primary purpose is to protect your horse’s coat from rain, mud, and wind, these sheets should only be used for that purpose. They are not meant to keep your horse warm or to act as a replacement for a horse blanket. Rain sheets also differ from other sheets in that stable sheets are not meant to be used outside, yet because the rain sheet is for elemental protection, it can be used in the pasture.

The best rain sheets for horses are great for light rainy days or spring showers. They are also a great way to protect your clipped horse from mud and rain. There are also many benefits to using a horse rain sheet. These sheets are lightweight, so they are easy to put on, comfortable, and easy to store. Rain sheets are also designed to be windproof and waterproof, acting as a shield to keep your horse dry. In addition, horse rain sheets are designed to be breathable, so your horse won’t get overheated. In addition to keeping your horse dry, a great benefit to rain sheets for horses is the protection against skin infections such as rain rot.

Another great use for a waterproof rain sheet is keeping your horse dry and clean while waiting for the show to start. Some rain sheets for horses are designed to go over saddles, so all that hard work you did to clean tack and groom your horse stays intact.

Key Features to Look for in a Horse Rain Sheet

Grabbing a rain sheet for a horse isn’t as simple as grabbing the first one you see. There are key features to look at when buying a rain sheet for your horse.

Waterproofing: The whole point of a rain sheet is to prevent water from soaking your horse’s skin and coat. Therefore, choose a rain sheet with high waterproof ratings to ensure protection. Waterproof rain sheets for horses can be covered in a coating with holes smaller than water molecules. Some rain sheets use a coated Denier to achieve a high level of waterproofing.
Breathability: Rain sheets for horses don’t just stop moisture from coming in; they keep moisture from starting on the inside, by allowing sweat to escape your horse’s body, so they stay dry and cool. Breathable rain sheets also make sure that your horse doesn’t overheat in this way.
Durability: Ripstop materials and strong stitching make for the most durable horse rain sheet.
Fit and Comfort: Choose a horse rain sheet that has adjustable straps, proper sizing, and allows for freedom of movement.
Windproof Design: In addition to waterproofing, a windproof design for your horse’s rain sheet is an extra feature to block wind and keep your horse comfortable in adverse weather.

The 6 Best Rain Sheets to Help Keep Your Horse Dry

StormShield® II Contour Collar Sheet

StormShield® II Contour Collar sheets have a seam-sealed shaped collar that fits snugly around the neck to provide greater protection in wet, windy weather. Designed to drape comfortably on low and medium-withered horses, this rain sheet adapts well to most conformations with a generous drop for good coverage. Made with new and improved waterproof and breathability ratings, these blankets are more waterproof than competitive brands and offer exceptional breathability, ensuring that your horse stays dry, comfortable, and well-ventilated.

StormShield® II Contour Collar Sheet

ARMORFlex® Challenger II Adjusta-Fit® Sheet

This sheet features improved waterproofing and breathability ratings with exceptional breathability, ensuring your horse stays dry and comfortable all season. With our variety of fit options, you're certain to find the best-fitting option for your horse - no matter their confirmation. Available in V-FREE®, VTEK®, Attached Neck V-FREE®, Attached Neck VTEK®, and Cutback.

ARMORFlex® Warrior II Adjusta-Fit® Sheet

ARMORFlex® Warrior sheets are specifically designed to protect your horse in a breathable, waterproof, durable blanket. This blanket is designed with a 1680D Ballistic Nylon material that provides the utmost durability, making it the perfect choice for your most playful horses. The innovative Aridity™ Bamboo Charcoal inner layer has deodorizing, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that fight off skin irritations. This advanced technology wicks away moisture and provides exceptional temperature regulation, ensuring optimal comfort for your horse. Comes in V-FREE®, VTEK®, and Cutback.

Dura-Tech® Waterproof Contour Horse Show Cover Rain Sheet

Never let your horse or tack get wet at a show again with this horse show cover rain sheet that fits over any saddle. The incorporated horn cover to better fit western saddles can also be pulled inside to fit English saddles. The 600D ripstop polyester outer cover with smooth nylon lining will keep your horse and valuable tack dry in rainy conditions. All seams are taped and sealed to make this 100% waterproof. Contoured through the neck with 4 hook and loop tabs to help keep wind out, and adjustable web girth strap and hind elastic leg straps keep the sheet down in windy conditions.

Dura-Tech® Waterproof Contour Show Cover Rain Sheet

The perfect waterproof cover to use at the horse show walking to the show ring while keeping your horse and your tack dry! Made of a 600D ripstop outer material that is waterproof and breathable, all of the seams are taped and sealed to make this 100% waterproof. The contour fit provides exceptional head to tail coverage.

How to Choose the Right Rain Sheet

How to choose a horse rain sheet depends on several factors.

Climate. Rain sheets are best for warmer climates, so factor in what time of year you plan on using your horse rain sheet, as well as the rain conditions, from light rain to downpours.
Pasture strong. Choose a horse rain sheet with a high denier ballistic nylon if your horse (or their pasture mates) are tough on sheets and blankets.
Horse’s activity level. If your horse is very active, you'll want a durable material that doesn't restrict their movement.
Size. The best rain sheet for your horse is first and foremost, a good fit. Measure your horse's size by starting at the center of their chest and measuring around their side to the point where their hindquarter meets their tail.

Rain sheets are a great way to keep your horse clean and dry both in the pasture and while waiting at a show. Choose the best rain sheet for your horse based on durability, waterproofing, breathability, fit, and windproof features. Stay dry!