Summer Sheet: Light Protection for Warm Days and Cool Nights

Summer Sheet: light and airy

In summer no horse needs extra warmth, but sometimes it does need protection. A summer sheet made of light cotton or technical fabric keeps dust off a freshly groomed coat, protects against sun and insects and is pleasant on cool summer evenings. At a show it makes sure your horse stays clean until its class. Cooling rugs also offer refreshment after work on hot days, when your horse has been sweating.

Which summer sheet for what?

A thin stable and summer sheet is ideal for the box and against dust. Mesh sheets let air reach the body and still keep annoying insects away. For light coloured or clipped horses, protection from strong sun makes sense so the coat does not bleach. Cooling rugs are dampened and cool through evaporation. They are meant for the time after riding, not for the whole day. Spring sheets with little material help during the transitional season, when mornings are still fresh.

What to bear in mind

Even a light sheet can get warm when the sun beats down on it. So check regularly whether your horse is sweating underneath. In great heat, a shady spot is often more important than any rug. The sheet should not rub and should have no loose straps. Cotton and mesh can usually be washed easily, so you can have the sheet fresh again quickly after dusty days.

Frequently asked questions

How does a cooling rug work on a horse?
You wet the rug, put it on, and evaporation draws heat away from the body. That is pleasant after training on hot days. As soon as the rug is dry, take it off or dampen it again.

Does the coat bleach in summer without a sheet?
Dark horses, especially blacks, often take on a reddish tinge in the sun. A light sheet can reduce this. In terms of health, though, bleaching is not a problem.

Can my horse overheat under a sheet in summer?
Yes, if the sheet is too thick or your horse stands in blazing sun. So choose light, breathable material and provide shade. Feel under the sheet regularly to check that the coat stays dry.