As the seasons shift into fall and early winter, many regions experience stretches of wet, muddy, and unpredictable weather. For horse owners, this brings unique challenges—from preventing health issues caused by dampness to ensuring both horse and rider remain comfortable and safe. Rain and mud can cause everything from skin problems to hoof infections, while also making daily rides and barn work less enjoyable.

With the right gear, you can protect your horse’s health, safeguard your tack, and make rainy days much more manageable.

How Rainy Weather Affects Horses

Skin and Coat Problems
Constant dampness often leads to rain rot, fungal infections, and other skin conditions—especially for horses turned out regularly.

Hoof Health
Wet and muddy environments soften hooves, creating the perfect conditions for thrush, cracks, and even lost shoes between farrier visits.

General Discomfort
Even with their natural coats, prolonged exposure to rain can leave horses cold. As their bodies work harder to stay warm, they burn more calories, which may impact weight and overall performance.

Must-Haves to Keep Them Healthy and Dry

Wellie-Wear Rain Exercise Sheet

How It Helps: Designed for use during rides in wet weather, the Wellie-Wear Rain Exercise Sheet provides waterproof coverage without restricting movement. It shields your horse’s back and hindquarters while allowing airflow to prevent overheating.
Benefits: Waterproof, breathable, designed for riding in the rain.

Wellie-Wear Extended Neck Rain Sheet

How It Helps: This sheet offers full coverage with an extended neck for extra protection during turnout. It helps prevent rain rot and keeps your horse dry in the harshest conditions.
Benefits: Waterproof, durable, extended coverage, great for turnout.

Amigo AmECO Combi Sheet

How It Helps: Perfect for warmer, rainy climates, this eco-friendly sheet provides lightweight, water-resistant protection with a detachable hood and mesh sides.
Benefits: Water-resistant, eco-conscious, comfortable fit.

Silver Honey Wound Spray & Repair Ointment

How It Helps: Silver Honey’s healing formulas combat rain rot, scratches, and fungal issues caused by damp conditions. The spray is ideal for large areas, while the ointment is perfect for targeted healing.
Benefits: Fast healing, protective barrier, easy application.

Cornucrescine Daily Hoof Barrier

How It Helps: Creates a protective shield against excessive moisture, keeping hooves strong and reducing the risk of thrush.
Benefits: Waterproofs hooves, prevents infections, strengthens structure.

Rider Essentials for Wet Conditions

Equiline Corby Full Neck Rain Sheet

How It Helps: Provides full waterproof coverage for your horse and tack while walking to and from the ring.
Benefits: Tack protection, breathable, secure fit.

Tingley Shoe Covers

How They Help: Slip these waterproof covers over your shoes to keep them dry while working around the barn.
Benefits: Waterproof, durable, easy on/off.

Sporty Stick Spray

How It Helps: Adds extra grip to boots and saddles in slick, rainy conditions.
Benefits: Better security in the saddle, easy to use.

Sport Helmet Visor

How It Helps: Keeps rain out of your eyes while you ride, and blocks the sun on brighter days.
Benefits: Practical, waterproof, and adjustable fit to any helmet.

Other Rain-Ready Favorites from FarmVet

Beyond these essentials, FarmVet carries a selection of products to help horses handle rainy weather. Consider adding:

  • WeatherBeeta Turnout Sheets – Heavy-duty protection for turnout in all weather.
  • Horseware Ireland Rambo Rain Sheets – Durable and breathable waterproof turnout options.
  • Wellie-Wear Scrim Sheets – Ideal for layering during transitional weather.

Be Prepared For Any Weather

Rainy weather doesn’t have to derail your training schedule or compromise your horse’s health. With the right rain sheets, hoof and skin care products, and rider gear, you can stay ahead of common wet-weather challenges.

In some coastal states, the rainy season is better known as hurricane season. These tips to prepare for hurricane season will help you ensure your animals’ safety and well-being.

Explore FarmVet’s full collection of rain-ready essentials—from turnout sheets and exercise gear to rider apparel and grooming products—to keep both you and your horse comfortable, healthy, and ready to perform no matter the forecast.