Need to protect your horse from UV rays this summer? Check these out...

The best summer sheets for horses are designed to be worn out in the field when the weather is warm to protect your horse from the sun. Some of these rugs also offer protection from light showers like a no-fill rain sheet, but are made of a highly breathable fabric to prevent your horse from overheating.

Using a summer sheet can help to protect your horse from coat bleaching, sunburn (which is most common in horses with lighter coats or pink skin) and other sun-related illnesses, as summer sheets for horses offer a higher level of UV protection than most of the best fly rugs.

Best summer sheets for horses

LeMieux Arika Sunstopper Cooler Sheet

Colours: Stone
Sizes: 4ft9in – 7ft3in
UV protection: 98%
RRP: £99.95

The lightweight 450D ripstop upper blocks 98% of the sun’s rays, while the breathable micro-mesh lower section enhances airflow and shields against flies and insects. Features include a 45° angled T-bar front closure, patented two-part skirt, antibacterial and anti-static lining, plus a detachable neck.

WeatherBeeta Kool Coat Cotton Airstream II Detach-A-Neck

Colours: White/mint
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft
UV protection: 90%+
RRP: £74.99

This breathable and cool summer sheet with mesh panelling is a perfect alternative to a traditional mesh fly rug that protects your horse from flies and midges as well as harmful UV rays, offering 90%+ UV protection. The shoulders and mane and tail areas are lined to prevent rubbing. The rug fastens with a twin buckle chest strap, hidden adjustable surcingles, a ski clip closure on the detachable neck, and removable leg straps.

Horseware Amigo Summer Sheet Plus

Colours: Navy check/titanium grey and silver
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft3in
UV protection: 95%
RRP: From £103.95

This water-resistant and lightweight summer sheet is made from a durable polyester and cotton blend. It offers 95% UV protection, while also providing a layer of defence against flies and summer irritants. Features include a detachable hood, keg arches and adjustable surcingles for freedom of movement.

The rug is one of only two in this guide that are showerproof.

Masta Fieldmasta Fly Rug Combo

Colours: White/blue
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft6in
UV protection: 98%+
RRP: £99.99

This sheet can also double up as a fly rug. It has a polyester upper that provides more than 98% UV protection, while the heavyweight mesh panels allow for airflow and give protection from flies. The rug fastens with twin adjustable front clips, adjustable surcingles and leg straps. It has a unique domed neck design to help prevent mane loss and large leg gussets for freedom of movement.

Weatherbeeta Hybrid Seasons Combo Neck

Colours: White/maroon
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
UV protection: 95%+
RRP: £99.99

This summer sheet is made from a water resistant 600D polyester fabric, offering protection during light rain showers and providing 95%+ UV protection. It’s shaped to fit your horse and has a wither relief pad for additional comfort, while the shoulders, mane area and full-wrap tail flap are lined to prevent rubbing. The rug fastens with a twin buckle chest strap, has cross surcingles and elasticated, removable leg straps, plus two touch-tape tabs on the neck.

The rug is one of only two in this guide that are showerproof.

Horseware Rambo Optimo Supreme Summer Sheet Plus

Colours: Navy check/thunderstorm grey and silver
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft3in
UV protection: 90%
RRP: From £147.95

This UV-protective summer sheet is made from a polycotton outer fabric that is designed for breathability and comfort. The bib front closure is adjustable to alleviate pressure points, and the very long shoulder gusset and dual leg arches offer a greater freedom of movement. The detachable hood is lined and elongated to provide extra coverage.

There is also lining at the shoulders and under the extra-long tail flap to prevent rubbing. It is fastened with three straight adjustable surcingles and features a tail strap to provide extra security.

WeatherBeeta Kool Coat Airstream III Combo Summer Sheet

Colours: White/navy
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft
UV protection: 90%+
RRP: £54.99

This rug is made of a strong and lightweight polyester outer, and has polyester lined shoulders to help prevent rubbing . It offers 90%+ UV protection and  is quite traditional in design. It features traditional shoulder gussets, twin adjustable buckle front closure, low cross surcingles, has a large tail flap and adjustable, removable leg straps.

How to choose a summer sheet

When choosing a summer sheet, look for styles made from a lightweight material, such as polycotton. This material is also highly breathable, which will help to keep your horse cool in the sun. Some styles will also feature mesh sections to maximise airflow.

The best summer sheets are versatile and can also be used while travelling or in the stable in place of a travel rug, show rug or stable sheet. They are also really useful for protecting your horse’s coat from dust and dirt, which is handy prior to a competition.

Most summer sheets aren’t suitable for use in wet weather – if it’s wet and warm, you’re better off protecting your horse with one of the best waterproof fly rugs. However, if UV protection is particularly important to you, there are a small number that have a water-resistant top.

Do horses need UV protection?

Like humans, horses can get sunburnt and develop other skin issues as a result of UV rays. Protecting your horse against the sun is vital during the summer months, and a combination of good management and physical barriers to block UV will help to minimise the risks. Not all fly rugs and the best summer sheets for horses offer the same UV protection, but we’ve highlighted the level of protection each rug offers in this guide.

How does UV affect horses?

UV stands for ultraviolet – and UV radiation is a type of energy produced by the sun. UV is the best natural source of vitamin D, but too much UV exposure can cause problems, such as sunburn. While you can feel the heat from the sun, UV rays are not detectable. It’s important to protect your horse as you will only notice the effects once the damage has been done. The main ways UV affects horses include:

1. Coat bleaching – Colour change is a result of too much sun exposure; this is more common in darker coloured horses and will show up as lighter coloured patches. It can also affect manes and tails.

2. Sunburn – The sun’s rays can penetrate your horse’s coat and reach their skin. Horses with little or no pigmentation, such as greys or palominos, are more prone to sunburn. White markings and legs can also be affected so the use of fly leg boots can help protect from UV and pesky flies.

3. Photosensitivity – This is a light sensitivity issue, which can resemble sunburn but it is caused internally. Certain grass, feeds and medication release photodynamic compounds inside the horse, which then react with UV light. It can leas to blistered, itch, flaky skin.

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