Fly Sheet vs Turnout Sheet for Horses: Which Do You Need?
Updated October 21, 2026 by the Hilason Media Team.
Quick answer: A fly sheet is a lightweight mesh cover for warm weather: it blocks UV and biting insects while letting air through. A turnout sheet is a waterproof, no-fill cover for rain and wind. Use a fly sheet in summer, a turnout sheet in cold rain, and neither when it is hot and dry.
Comparison
Prices as of October 2026.
| Fly sheet | Turnout sheet (rain sheet) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | UV and insect protection | Rain and wind protection |
| Material (per listing) | Poly/nylon mesh | 1200D ripstop polyester, waterproof |
| Insulation | None | None listed (lightweight, no fill) |
| Season | Spring through summer | Cold rain, wind, shoulder seasons |
| Sizes | 66", 69", 72", 75", 78", 81", 84" | 66" to 84" |
| Hilason price | $47.96 to $49.95 (the $47.96 is a sale price; regularly $59.95) | $78.99 |
| Example | Hilason Horse Fly Sheet | 1200D Turnout Rain Sheet |
How to choose
- Biggest problem is flies, gnats or sunburn on a light-skinned horse: fly sheet.
- Biggest problem is cold rain and wind but not deep cold: turnout sheet. If it will drop well below freezing, step up to a filled blanket (see the horse blanket weight guide).
- Both: buy both. A mesh sheet cannot keep a horse dry, and a waterproof sheet is too warm for summer.
- Fit: expandable shoulder panels and belly wraps help, but measure first. Rubbing at the shoulder or withers means the size or style is wrong.
Who it's for / not for
For: trail, pasture and barn horses in fly season; owners who want an inexpensive waterproof layer for wet spring and fall days.
Not for:
- Show-ring use. We don't currently list a dedicated show sheet.
- Horses that need heavy cold-weather insulation: use a turnout blanket.
- Horses above 84" (largest listed size).
FAQ
What does a fly sheet do?
It covers the body with breathable mesh to cut UV exposure and discourage flies and mosquitoes, without the heat of a blanket.
Can a fly sheet keep my horse dry?
No. Mesh lets water through. For rain, use a waterproof turnout sheet.
Is a turnout sheet warm?
A sheet has no fill listed, so it adds wind and wet protection rather than warmth. For hard cold, use a filled blanket.
What size fly sheet does my horse need?
Measure from mid-chest along the side to the point of the buttock and pick the closest listed size (66" to 84"). Fly sheets here have an expandable shoulder panel for in-between sizes, per the listing.
Can I leave a fly sheet on all day and night?
Check daily for rubbing, tears, and sweating, and remove it if your horse is too hot or if the sheet is damaged.
Compare and choose: see our Best Horse Blankets for Winter 2026 guide for how to choose by weight, denier and size.