Uses for a summer sheet?

[kryspyg]

I purchased a summer sheet in the new year sales thinking I could use it for that inbetween period before summer for turnout.
When it arrived though I wasn't sure if it was appropriate for outdoor use and on browsing the web some sites say a summer sheet can be used outdoors and others say its for stable/show use.

Can anyone clarify this for me please?

Thanks

K

[cloang]

our pony is out in a summer turnout, its just like any other turnout, keeps the rain off but no padding to it at all. Don't know if that helps:o

[kryspyg]

yes that does help, i think the waterproof side of things was concerning me most. It's a cotton summer sheet and i'm not sure it's waterproofed..is that a problem?

k

[martini55]

In my experience people use summer sheet to describe two types of rugs. The first (which I call a rainsheet) is a waterproof rug with no lining. The other is the cotton type you are describing. Personally I don't see the point in turning out in the latter if the horse has a decent coat. Puting a rug on will stop their ability to 'fluff' up their own coat to help keep them warm. In addition, with our unpredictable weather it could easily start raining and I think that the horse would dry quicker without it. It could be useful for popping on at shows etc. though. I've never used one for the reasons I have listed. Maybe someone with more experience of them will pop on and give you the pro's for them.

[devonlass]

I believe there is a difference between a summer sheet and a summer turnout.
I could be wrong and anyone please feel free to correct me!!

My understanding is a summer turnout (which my girls have on through the winter as they are natives,and don't need the padding!!),is waterproof the same as any other turnout,but has no filling.
A summer sheet though,is not waterproof I don't think,at least not in the same way as a turnout.As I said that is only my understanding as have never owned a summer sheet!!
I *think* they are more used for keeping the dust and dirt off your horse in the summer,or maybe just to give them that bit more protection from the elements,(but not including rain!!)in the changover periods of seasons like you mentioned you wanted yours for.I wouldn't use them on mine as they are out 24/7 and would be too worried it would rain in the middle of the night or something:rolleyes:

As I said I could be completely wrong as haven't really looked into them in any great depth.
Try looking up some ad's for them maybe and see what the specifications are??
Sorry if not much help.

[Jessey]

A cotton summer sheet as you describe is not waterproof, they can be used outside in the summer, to prevent stains getting on the coat and dust etc if you are going to a show, but if it rains the horse will still get wet!
They can also be used in the stable for the same things and can be used for travelling etc also.

[kryspyg]

ok thanks all. had a feeling this was going to be the case. prob wont get much use out of it at the mo then as sax goes out without anything the summer and there's a lot of fluctuation in the weather at the mo isnt there?
Think it'll come in handy as a winter under rug for turnout tho.

k

[Jessey]

People also use them alot as under rugs, keep the main heavy rugs clean inside (no sweat or grease) and the summer sheets are easy to chuck in the wash helping keep a cleaner coat and prevent skin troubles associated with rugs :p

[MrDCBags]

They also make fantastic boot liners for the back of the car!! Hairy mutts can roll around to their hairy hearts content and all the shed hair stays on the rug!!!