An exercise sheet is a useful part of every horse’s wardrobe. When the weather is less than favourable, but a horse still needs to be ridden — for fitness, weight management or simply to get them out of their stable for a couple of hours — an exercise sheet will prove to be an essential part of their collection of rugs and blankets.
This versatile type of rug covers the hindquarters. It offers protection from the elements on a wet day and also keeps muscles warm when it’s warm. During the winter, an exercise sheet is particularly useful on a horse who is clipped. Choose a high vis colour and it will also help you to be seen by other road users out hacking all year round.
Which exercise sheet is most suitable for you depends on when and why you want to use it. This will affect the material you go for: mesh on a warm day or fleece on a cold day, for example. Not all exercise rugs are waterproof, so consider whether you need it to be before you buy.
The Your Horse test: exercise sheets
Our team of testers have been using a selection of exercise sheets for hacking and schooling. They assessed each one for how well it fits, how good a job it does at keeping the horse warm and dry, and whether it stayed in place during exercise.
Premier Equine Stratus Horse Exercise Sheet
Tester Sallie Hinks says: “This is a stunning looking exercise sheet that feels very good quality. It is made from a robust 1,200 denier outer material, which moulds to the shape of the horse, and has a good weight to it to ensure that it doesn’t flap about when it’s windy.
“I have used this exercise sheet in the school and out hacking and it has kept my horse warm and dry on cold, wet days without overheating her.
“The reflective strips on each side and on the tail flap are good additions and they help other road users to see you in poor light. The sheet stayed in place well and is nicely cut so that it fits around the saddle neatly.
“I found the sizing a little on the small side. My horse usually wears a 6ft 3in rug and this was a large, but it proved a little snug. I would therefore suggest checking the sizing before you buy (there is a helpful measurement guide on the website).
“Overall, this is a lovely quality rug that does the job. The price is a little more than I would normally spend, but if you choose to invest you won’t be disappointed.”
Colours: powder blue, orange or black. Sizes: small, medium or large
RRP £80
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Le Mieux Reflective Exercise Sheet
Tester Katie Throup says: “This exercise sheet proved to be fantastic for hacking out. The outer material is super reflective even on dull days, and it made me feel safer on the road and more visible to other road users.
“It is also waterproof, which is great for rainy rides, plus it has a lovely soft, breathable fleece lining to keep the horse warm.
“The rug is lightweight, but it didn’t flap about in windy conditions. Its wrap-around design proved to be quick and easy to fit.
“This exercise sheet is spacious at the front so you can easily attach it around the saddle without it pulling tight across the horse’s withers.
“My horse wears a 6ft 3in size rug and the large fits him perfectly. I think the price is good value for such a quality sheet.”
Colour: silver. Sizes: small, medium, large or extra large
RRP £69.95 (US$111.95)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Hy Equestrian Defence X System Cool Control Exercise Sheet
Tester Leanne Jackson says: “This is a very smart and expensive looking exercise sheet. It was easy to fit and lovely and deep for keeping all the muscles over my horse’s hindquarters warm.
“It is nicely cut away and doesn’t interfere with the rider’s lower leg either.
“I worked my horse quite hard in this rug to test the wicking fabric and it performed really well, keeping her warm without overheating or causing her to sweat underneath it.
“Although it slipped back a little, the fastening at the front of the saddle held the rug securely in place. Overall, this is a lovely exercise sheet that does the job and is definitely worth the money.”
Colour: navy/red. Sizes: 4ft 6in, 4ft 9in or 5ft
RRP £59.99 (US$91.70)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Thermo Master Waterproof Exercise Rug Kaleo
Tester Rianna Hobbs says: “This exercise sheet fitted my horse really well. It is nicely shaped so that it hugs the horse’s body and it is neatly cut away where the rider’s legs sit.
“The depth is generous and it even has a tail flap. The 50g filling is lightweight and provides enough warmth but not so much that my horse gets excessively hot during exercise.
“I have used this rug in some pretty bad weather out hacking and Teddy remained warm and dry. The Kaleo wraps neatly around the saddle and fastens over the withers.
“When I was using it, it stayed securely in place, didn’t slip, and even in windy conditions it didn’t flap about too much.”
Colours: forest green, dusty sky or navy. Sizes: 5ft 6in-7ft
RRP £59.90
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Finer Equine Winter Weight Waterproof Ride-On Exercise Sheet
Tester Allison Lowther says: “This is much more than just an ordinary exercise sheet, because it includes a saddle cover, too.
“There are a few extra fastenings to hold the saddle cover in place, which I did find a little fiddly to begin with, but the sheet fits neatly over the horse’s hindquarters and has a generous tail flap for extra protection from the elements.
“I have ridden in some heavy rain and this exercise sheet has done a fantastic job of keeping my horse and saddle dry. The little grips on the saddle cover help the rider to feel secure at all times.
“The lining is made of a cosy, breathable faux sheepskin which keeps the horse warm and comfortable even on chilly, frosty mornings in the winter. The only downside is that you have to get off the horse to remove the rug.
“Other wrap-around styles can be easily slipped off before you go in a ring to compete, but with this one you can’t do that, which is worth bearing in mind depending on what you want to use it for and where.
“This exercise sheet is on the pricey side, but I have to say that I’m impressed with its quality and design. It is two products in one and does both jobs brilliantly.”
Colours: navy or high vis. Sizes: small, medium or large
RRP £160/sale price £80
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
WeatherBeeta Thermocell Quarter Sheet
Your Horse’s tester says: “This is a straightforward exercise sheet that just covers your horse’s quarters. It fits neatly and fastens onto the girth straps on either side.
“Because it’s so quick and easy to put on and take off, it is ideal for use in the warm up ring or while hanging around between classes. You can quickly whip it off when you’re ready to go in to the arena. Being small, it’s easy for a helper to carry, too.
“This quarter sheet is a good depth and has a bit of shaping to it, which means it follows the contours of your horse. It stayed in place well when I used it for both hacking and schooling.
“Overall, this quarter sheet does its job well and is excellent value for money. The material is soft to the touch and lightweight, but it does keep the muscles over the quarters warm.
“This is a versatile quarter sheet that looks smart too. I recommend it.”
Colour: navy/white. Sizes: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large
RRP £54.99
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? View the range
Thermatex Quilted Quarter Rug
Your Horse’s tester says: “I am a big fan of this exercise sheet, which is a simple design that sits behind the saddle to cover the horse’s hindquarters.
“It fastens quickly and securely to the saddle via the stirrup leather. I attached it to the bottom leather and made sure it was completely flat. It was comfortable under my thigh and didn’t impact on my riding.
“This quarter rug is made from a wicking fabric that keeps the horse warm, but wicks away moisture so that the horse doesn’t get too hot. I have been hacking and schooling in it and my horse didn’t overheat.
It is ideal for use during competition warm ups, because it is super quick and easy to remove. It looks smart too. It stays in place well, even when doing fast work.
“I think this is good value for a smart and effective quarter sheet.”
Large range of colours and personalisation is available. Sizes: 4ft-5ft 3in
RRP £79.99 (US$123.23)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Bucas Freedom Riding Rug
Your Horse’s tester says: “Although this exercise sheet isn’t very deep, I have found it provides a super fit for my horse. It give good coverage of the quarters, which is what you want, especially when using it for schooling, fast work or at competitions.
“This quarter rug fits neatly around the saddle and secures easily over the withers. It is lightweight, waterproof and there are reflective strips at the rear and on the tail flap.
“The material moulds well to a horse’s body shape. It has proved to be waterproof and my horse feels comfortably warm underneath the rug. The silk-feel lining keeps their coat looking great too.
“Overall, this is a quality exercise sheet and it is good value for money.”
Colour: navy. Sizes: small, medium, large or extra large
RRP £53.10 (US$74.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
