Horse Coolers and Quarter Sheets: What They Are and When to Use Them

Riders use coolers made from moisture-wicking fabrics like fleece on sweaty horses after cold-weather exercise to prevent chills and absorb moisture before the horse is re-blanketed. This way, dampness doesn’t trigger skin issues, and it encourages consistent muscle cooling.  

Coolers are made of fleece, wool, or knit fabrics—often called Irish knits—and are available in different styles that offer full-body coverage or standard body coverage. 

“I’m old school in that I like the coolers that go up to their head, tie in the front, and have a crown piece that goes around their ears,” says Ashley Wyant, assistant Western coach, instructor, and trainer at Alfred University in Alfred, New York. “It’s nice to keep their entire body warm. I prefer fleece over wool because the fleece seems to disperse the moisture better.” 

Riders who bathe horses on a chilly day also use coolers. Wyant doesn’t bathe a horse unless it’s at least 70 F, but horse owners with heated barns or hot-water wash stalls might choose to bathe them at cooler temperatures. 

“My favorite cooler for a cold day after a bath is wool,” says Joa Sigsbee, a professional rider and trainer in Aiken, South Carolina, who has worked as an assistant and head groom for multiple 5-star riders. “It absorbs the water but keeps the horse’s body warm.” 

If you’re unsure whether it’s safe to bathe a horse in cold weather, consult your veterinarian, trainer, or another experienced horseperson. 

A quarter sheet, also called an exercise rug or riding blanket, covers a horse’s hindquarters during cold-weather riding.  

Quarter sheets come in a variety of styles and may include:  

• Fitted material over the saddle pad but under the saddle 
• Hook-and-loop closures for easy removal after warm-up 
• Cutouts to cover a rider’s thigh 

“I use quarter sheets below freezing for most horses and below 42 F if a horse is clipped,” Sigsbee says. “Investing in a waterproof one has made a huge difference in the rainy months for my horse and me for conditioning and trail rides.” 

Quarter sheets typically come in fleece or wool, though waterproof options, like this one from LeMieux, also protect the back and hindquarters in wet weather. 

Coolers and quarter sheets serve different purposes. A cooler helps a horse transition from work to rest by managing heat loss, preventing chills, and speeding up drying. A quarter sheet keeps the hindquarters warm during warm-up or throughout a ride.  

English riders tend to use quarter sheets more often than Western riders, but both disciplines rely on coolers. 

Many coolers resemble a standard horse blanket, while some are large square sheets that drape loosely over the entire body. Quarter sheets are smaller and shaped specifically for the hind end.  

Climate, workload, coat density, and rider preference determine when to use each item.  

The best horse coolers and quarter sheets for your tack trunk are based on your riding routine and preferences.  

When choosing a cooler or quarter sheet material, consider the following: 

• Fleece wicks quickly, distributes moisture evenly, and tends to be budget-friendly.  
• Wool offers unmatched warmth and absorbency.  
• Knits allow airflow and gradual drying, but are more suited to warm weather or layered under a fleece or wool cooler. 

Fit matters. Some brands size coolers like blankets, while others use more generic designations like small, medium, and large.  

A cooler should drape comfortably without being too short from chest to hindquarters, nor overly long.  

Sizing is even more important for quarter sheets. “Make sure you get one that is the correct size,” says Sigsbee. “You want one that will cover the hind end but not be draped over the horse’s tail. You also want one that isn’t going to pull on you or the saddle, depending on how you fasten it.” 

Keep these guidelines in mind before putting a cooler or quarter sheet on your horse: 

• Monitor for dampness. Remove once your horse is dry, or swap it for a fresh one if the horse needs more drying time. 
• Check the fit. A cooler that’s too short can be uncomfortable, while one that’s too loose can shift. Quarter sheets must fit around the saddle without pulling. Sheets that are too long can interfere with the horse’s gaits. 
• Decide on a quarter sheet style. Sigsbee prefers under-saddle quarter sheets, but she notes that wrapping one around your legs can be nice for trail rides if your horse is comfortable with fabric moving behind them. 
• Do not leave your horse unattended. Many coolers lack secure closures. Stand with your horse, tie or cross-tie them, and observe them for shifting. 

• Layer with care. Fleece coolers add warmth under another blanket, but only if both layers fit correctly and the cooler is dry.  
• Combat static. Dry winter conditions can create static when using coolers, quarter sheets, or any blanket. Choose either slip-free products or avoid use in saddle areas. Spray-on coat conditioners can also reduce static electricity buildup. 

You can wash most coolers and quarter sheets in a standard machine, using a cleaner that won’t irritate your horse’s skin.  

Wyant hangs coolers to dry to prevent shrinking or damage to the fabric. 

Store clean coolers in critter-proof containers during the off-season. Wyant stores wool coolers in metal containers because mice have eaten through plastic tubs to reach them. 

Replace a cooler when it no longer fits, develops major tears, has broken hardware, or stops wicking moisture effectively. 

What is the point of a horse cooler?  

It wicks moisture after exercise to prevent chills, and helps muscles cool down slowly. 

When should I use a cooler on my horse?  

Use a cooler after your horse gets sweaty in cold weather. Also, use a cooler after a bath in colder temperatures. 

Can I ride with a horse cooler?  

No, a cooler is not for riding. A quarter sheet can be used while riding. 

Do coolers help horses dry faster?  

Yes, they wick away excess moisture.

Can you leave a fleece cooler on a horse overnight?

Not usually, as many lack secure closures, and you should never leave a wet cooler on a horse for extended periods. Dry, well-fitted coolers with straps are sometimes used for layering under a stable or turnout blanket. 

Are quarter sheets waterproof? 

Waterproof options made of synthetic materials are available. Fleece and wool quarter sheets aren’t waterproof.  

Do I need both a horse cooler and quarter sheet?  

It depends on your riding routine and preferences.  A cooler is essential for riders of all disciplines when their horse sweats during winter exercise. Quarter sheets are often discipline-specific, with more English, dressage, and eventing riders using them than Western riders.