All About Quarter Sheets for Horses
When temperatures drop, adding a quarter sheet to your horse is a great way to keep your horse’s sensitive back and hindquarter muscles warm while exercising. Body-clipped horses or a horse that might be cold-backed during cold weather can benefit from a quarter sheet for that extra warmth it provides when their blankets get pulled off for a ride.
Quarter sheets for horses are designed just like fleece horse coolers but in a shorter size that fits over the hindquarters and gets secured around the saddle. You can secure the front section either under your saddle or overtop of your legs to also keep you warmer, securing the velcro in front of the saddle. This also makes it easy to remove the quarter sheet if you prefer just to use it at the beginning and end of your ride while warming up or cooling down. You can even get waterproof quarter sheets to help keep your horse dry when riding outside or choose one in bright orange to increase visibility when hitting the trail or riding near roads or busy areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quarter Sheets for Horses
What is a horse quarter sheet used for?
A horse quarter sheet is used to keep a horse’s back and hindquarters warm and dry while exercising in cold weather. Muscles can get tense if a horse gets cold, and a quarter sheet can help keep those muscles warm and more supple during exercise.
What temperature should you ride in a quarter sheet?
You can use a quarter sheet for horses during any temperature that is cool enough where they may benefit from added warmth to their back or keeping them dry if riding outside during wet or snowy weather. You would not use a fleece or wool quarter sheet during hot weather.
How do you put a quarter sheet on a horse?
To put a quarter sheet on a horse you can lay the quarter sheet across their hips with the opening fitting around your saddle. If you prefer to ride with a quarter sheet the entire ride, you can secure it under your saddle flaps. If you want to be able to cover your legs with the quarter sheet or take it on and off as you please, then you would keep the front sections overtop of your legs so you can remove it at any time.