Coolers & Fleeces
Wicks the sweat, keeps the warmth.
Cooler and fleece rugs that dry your horse off fast - and hold off the chill.
Horse Cooler & Fleece Rugs
A cooler or fleece rug does one job brilliantly: it wicks sweat and moisture away from your horse's coat so they dry quickly without getting cold. Just finished schooling? Bathed before a show? Need a cosy travel layer? This collection brings together over 180 cooler rugs, fleece rugs, sweat sheets and show fleeces from Rhinegold, Shires, John Whitaker, Premier Equine and more — with in-stock rugs starting from £14.20.
In a hurry? Quick picks
- Best value fleece rug: Rhinegold Fleece Rug — from £19.06
- Best budget cooler: Hyconic Cooler Rug — £15.76
- Best for hot, sweaty horses: Shires Tempest Original Mesh Cooler Rug — from £26.99
- Best smart travel fleece: Shires Wessex Newmarket Fleece Rug — £37.80
- Best for ponies: Rhinegold Mini Fleece Rug — from £17.44
Which type of cooler or fleece rug do I need?
They all move moisture, but each type suits a different job. Here is the quick comparison:
| Rug type | Best for | In-stock example | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fleece rug | Warmth after work, travelling, layering under stable rugs | Rhinegold Fleece Rug | £19.06 |
| Cooler rug | Drying off after exercise or a bath | Hyconic Cooler Rug | £15.76 |
| Sweat sheet / mesh cooler | Cooling a hot horse gradually in warmer weather | Rhinegold Sweat Sheet | £15.82 |
| Waffle / technical cooler | Faster wicking with a touch of warmth | Rhinegold Smart Tec Waffle Rug | £31.99 |
| Show / travel fleece | Looking smart at shows and staying tidy in the lorry | Rhinegold Show Fleece | £37.78 |
| Pony and mini sizes | Small ponies, Shetlands and youngstock | Rhinegold Small Pony Coral Fleece Rug | £14.20 |
What does a cooler rug actually do?
A cooler is a breathable rug that lets a hot or wet horse dry off gradually rather than standing damp in a chilly yard. Air moves through the fabric, sweat and water are drawn away from the coat, and your horse cools down at a steady pace instead of getting cold too fast. Mesh designs like the Rhinegold Box Weave Cooler (£23.89) are ideal in summer, while heavier options such as the Shires Tempest Original Tech Cooler Rug (£63.00) suit clipped horses and colder months. For hot days, the Shires Tempest Original Air Motion Cooler and Premier Equine Ventoso Mesh Cooler (both £45.00) offer maximum airflow.
When should my horse wear a fleece rug?
Reach for a fleece when the weather turns cooler, after a workout or bath, while travelling, or as an extra layer under a stable rug on cold nights. A fleece traps a little warmth while still letting moisture escape — so unlike a towel-dried horse under a solid rug, a fleeced horse dries and stays comfortable. The Rhinegold Comfey Fleece Rug (£22.92) and John Whitaker Rastrick V2 Fleece Rug (£28.44) are popular all-rounders, and the Rhinegold Unicorn Embroidered Fleece Rug (£19.54) is a favourite for ponies. Every horse is different — if yours feels cold behind the ears or at the base of the neck, that is a good sign a layer would help.
What size cooler or fleece rug should I buy?
Measure from the centre of the chest, along the side of the body, to the point of the tail — that measurement in feet and inches is the rug size. This collection covers sizes from 3ft 3 for small ponies up to 7ft 3 for the biggest horses. Between sizes? Most riders size up so the rug fully covers the hindquarters. If you are unsure, get in touch and our team will help you find the right fit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a cooler rug on a wet horse?
Yes — that is exactly what coolers are made for. Put the cooler on after exercise or a bath and it will draw moisture away from the coat while your horse dries. Once the horse is dry underneath, swap the cooler for their normal rug or turn them out as usual.
What is the difference between a cooler rug and a fleece rug?
A cooler is built first for airflow and wicking — it helps a hot or wet horse dry without cooling down too fast. A fleece adds more warmth while still breathing, so it doubles as a travel rug or an under-layer in winter. Many fleeces work well as coolers in cold weather, while lightweight mesh coolers are better on warm days.
How long should a cooler rug stay on after exercise?
Leave it on until your horse is dry and their breathing and temperature have returned to normal — usually somewhere between 20 minutes and an hour depending on the weather and how hard they worked. Slide a hand under the rug: if the coat is dry and the horse feels comfortable, the cooler has done its job.
Do fleece rugs work as travel rugs?
Yes — a fleece is one of the most popular travel layers because horses can warm up quickly in a lorry or trailer and a fleece lets that heat and moisture escape. Smart options like the Shires Wessex Newmarket Fleece Rug (£37.80) are a common sight at shows for exactly this reason.
How do I measure my horse for a cooler or fleece rug?
Stand your horse square and measure from the centre of the chest, horizontally along the body, to the point of the tail. That length in feet and inches is the rug size — for example a measurement of 6ft means a 6ft 0 rug. If your horse falls between sizes, most riders choose the larger size for full coverage.
Can a fleece rug replace a stable rug in winter?
Usually not on its own — a fleece is a light-to-medium layer, not a substitute for a proper stable rug in cold weather. Where fleeces shine is layering: pop one under a stable rug for extra warmth on frosty nights, then use it alone in milder spells or after work. Unclipped, hardy types may only ever need the fleece; clipped horses will want more on top.
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Last reviewed 2026-07-19 by the Just Horse Riders team.