Rainsheet or summer rug? What your horse needs for spring storms
Quick answer: Use a summer rug on hot, dry days to protect against sun and flies. Switch to a 0g rainsheet when rain is forecast, because a summer rug isn't waterproof and a wet horse can chill quickly once the storm passes. If your spring weather swings between warm and wet, a hybrid rainsheet gives you a waterproof top with a breathable mesh lower half.
Spring in Australia keeps you guessing. One afternoon it's 28°C and sunny, the next a storm rolls through and the temperature drops ten degrees. That makes it hard to know what to put on your horse in the morning. A summer rug keeps the sun and flies off, but it won't keep your horse dry. A winter rug keeps them dry, but it's far too warm. In this guide we explain the difference between a rainsheet and a summer rug, when to use each, and how to choose the right horse rainsheet for spring storms without your horse overheating.
What is a horse rainsheet?
A horse rainsheet is a waterproof turnout rug with no fill, written as 0g. It keeps rain and wind off your horse without adding warmth. Think of it as a raincoat rather than a jacket.
A good rainsheet has three jobs:
- Keep water out with a waterproof outer fabric and a well-designed tail flap
- Let heat escape through a breathable fabric, so your horse doesn't sweat underneath
- Stay put in wind and rain, using surcingles and leg straps
What is a summer rug?
A summer rug is a lightweight rug made from ripstop, cotton blend or mesh fabric. It protects against UV, flies and dust, and helps keep your horse's coat clean. Summer rugs are not waterproof. Once they get wet, they hold moisture against your horse's skin.
Rainsheet vs summer rug: the key differences
| Summer rug (ripstop or mesh) | Horse rainsheet (0g) | |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | No | Yes |
| Warmth | None | None (0g fill), with wind protection |
| Fly and UV protection | Yes | Yes, on covered areas |
| Best weather | Hot, dry, sunny days | Wet, windy or stormy days that are mild, not cold |
| Risk if used wrongly | Horse gets soaked and chilled in a storm | Horse can overheat on a hot, still day |
When to use a rainsheet in spring
Reach for a rainsheet when:
- Rain or a storm is forecast, even if the morning is warm
- A cool change is coming with wind and showers
- Your horse is clipped, older or finds it hard to hold condition when wet
- You want to keep a clean horse dry before a show or lesson
Swap back to a summer rug, or no rug, when the weather is hot and dry. Check under the rug with your hand on warm afternoons. If your horse feels damp or sweaty behind the shoulder, they're too warm.
Three spring rainsheet options from Active Equine
AE StormShield Rainsheet 0g Combo: for broad-shouldered horses
The AE StormShield Rainsheet 0g Combo is one of the few rainsheets with a high shoulder gusset. A gusset is the extra panel at the shoulder that lets your horse move and graze without the rug pulling or rubbing. We built it for horses that are hard on rugs or carry broad shoulders.
- 1200D outer: heavy-duty 1200 denier fabric that stands up to rough paddock use
- 3000/3000 waterproof and breathable: 3,000mm waterproof and 3,000g breathable, so rain stays out while heat and moisture escape
- Mesh lining to keep air moving underneath
- Satin-lined mane, shoulders and tail flap to reduce rubbing
- Generous tail flap to shield against wind and rain
Price: $149.99.
Prefer flexibility? The AE StormShield 0g Detachable Neck Rainsheet Combo has the same features with a removable neck, so you can use it as a rug or a combo. Price: $169.99.
Hybrid Rainsheet Combo Rug 600D: for warm, showery days
The Hybrid Rainsheet Combo Rug 600D pairs a waterproof 600D top across the neck and back with breathable airflow mesh on the lower sections. Your horse stays dry on top and cool underneath. It's ideal in spring and autumn when showers pass through, but it's too hot for a full synthetic rug.
- 600D waterproof top across the neck and back
- Airflow mesh on the lower sections
- Velcro neck straps for quick on and off
- Fillet string and leg straps both included, so you can choose
- Cross surcingles for extra stability
Price: $129.99.
AE Freedom Detach-a-neck Combo 0g Rainsheet: one rug, every season
If you'd rather buy once and build warmth as the weather changes, the AE Freedom Detach-a-neck Combo 0g Rainsheet is the rainsheet in our hero Freedom range. It's liner compatible, so you can add a 100g or 200g liner in autumn and winter.
- 1200D outer with Teflon coating for strength and stain resistance
- 5000/5000 waterproof and breathable: 5,000mm waterproof and 5,000g breathable
- Fully taped seams, a higher standard of waterproofing
- High shoulder gusset for freedom of movement across broad and narrow horses
- Antimicrobial nylon lining along the mane, shoulders and tail flap
Price: $289.99. Fit note: this style is on the larger side, so if you are in-between sizes or have a narrow horse, we suggest going the smaller size.
Which rainsheet is right for your horse?
| If your horse… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Is broad-shouldered or tough on rugs | AE StormShield Rainsheet 0g Combo |
| Needs a neck on some days, not others | AE StormShield 0g Detachable Neck Rainsheet Combo |
| Overheats easily but still needs rain cover | Hybrid Rainsheet Combo Rug 600D |
| Needs one rug system for spring, autumn and winter | AE Freedom Detach-a-neck Combo 0g Rainsheet + liners |
Frequently asked questions
Can a horse wear a rainsheet in summer?
Yes, on wet or stormy summer days. Take it off once the weather clears and heats up, because a waterproof rug traps more heat than a mesh or ripstop summer rug.
What does 3000/3000 or 5000/5000 mean on a horse rug?
The first number is waterproofing in millimetres, and the second is breathability in grams. Higher numbers mean the rug resists more water and lets more moisture escape. 5000/5000 suits heavy, long-lasting rain.
Is a rainsheet the same as a 0g rug?
Yes. "0g" means there's no fill or insulation. Rainsheet and 0g turnout rug describe the same type of rug.
Should I put a rainsheet on a wet horse?
Ideally, rug your horse when they're dry. If you need to rug a wet horse, a breathable rainsheet with a mesh lining helps moisture escape. Check them again once they've had time to dry.
What if I choose the wrong size?
Every purchase comes with hassle-free exchanges and returns within 90 days, as long as the rug is in its original condition.
Be ready for the next storm
The right rainsheet means you're not stuck choosing between a soaked horse and an overheated one. Pick the style that matches your horse's shape and your local weather, and you're fit for the forecast. Want more background? Read does my horse need a rainsheet or browse our full turnout rug range.
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