Do I need a summer sheet?

[CDR]

When I bought a LW turnout last year I sort of assumed I would be able to use it in the summer too. But it's got no lining or anything and I think he will get sweaty if it's hot.

How does a summer sheet differ? Is it still waterproof? Is it warm enough for him to wear overnight in a couple of weeks when he starts to live out.

I know if the weather's nice then he technically doesn't need a rug on but sometimes you just want a clean horse :cheekywink:

[loubylou]

Its just cotton and is for keeping clean and stop him fading in the sun, not waterproof

Bucas do a rug that is silver, and is meant for summer use as it reflects the sun, is about £60 though but I have heard nothing but good about them!

[BEX101]

Is the one you have breathable?

What about a fly rug? He shouldnt get to hot in that - plus it will help with the flys. Not waterproof but designed for outside and to dry quickly.

[CDR]

Its just cotton and is for keeping clean and stop him fading in the sun, not waterproof

Bucas do a rug that is silver, and is meant for summer use as it reflects the sun, is about £60 though but I have heard nothing but good about them!

Please tell me you're kidding about fading in the sun!!

I wondered if the flies would affect him, he seems ok so far but it probably makes sense to get one if I need a summer rug anyway, the LW he's got doesn't seem breathable.

[loubylou]

Showing peeps dont want the coat to get sun-bleached, particularly important if its a black

So no not joking :)

[black crow]

Ditto Louby!

Chestnut and Bay coats can fade and go redder/paler in the sun. Blacks go a dark bay colour.

Summer sheets are just cotton, they are not waterproof. On very hot summer days, i would turn all mine out in their summer sheets, as they help keep the sun off them directly and theyre still light enough to provide air circulation.

Lightweight turnouts generally go give circulation, although you need to check the lining - most of mine have a light weave inside to keep the sweat at bay. Otherwise i put summer sheets on under all my rugs to keep the inside of the rug cleaner which helps it to last longer.