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.
