Lightweight Turnout Rugs
Free UK delivery over £50 · Next-day on eligible items ordered before 4pm · 90-day returns · Family-run UK retailer since 2010.
Lightweight turnout rugs are 0–100g rugs designed for mild and wet weather — they keep a horse dry and wind-protected without adding warmth. A 0g (no-fill) rug is a waterproof "rain sheet" for cool, damp days, while a 50g or 100g rug adds a little warmth for chilly spring and autumn nights. Just Horse Riders stocks over 150 lightweight turnout rugs from brands including Shires, Rhinegold, Gallop Equestrian, John Whitaker, Weatherbeeta, Premier Equine and Hy Equestrian, with prices from around £31.80.
In a hurry?
- Just need to keep the rain off? Choose a 0g waterproof rug — e.g. the John Whitaker Rastrick V2 Airflo (from £49.57).
- Cool, wet spring/autumn days? A 50g rug like the Rhinegold Nevada 50gsm (from £40.03) adds light warmth.
- Chilly nights, still not cold? Step up to 100g, such as the Rhinegold Capri 100gsm (from £36.85).
- Tougher on a rowdy horse? Look for a 1200D or higher outer, like the Shires Highlander Original Lite (from £53.27).
What is a lightweight turnout rug?
A turnout rug is a waterproof, breathable rug your horse wears out in the field. "Lightweight" refers to the amount of insulating fill inside — from 0g (none) up to around 100g. These rugs shed rain and cut wind chill while letting sweat escape, so your horse stays dry without overheating. They are the go-to choice for British spring, summer and autumn, and for milder winter spells.
What do the numbers (0g, 50g, 100g) mean?
The gram figure is the weight of the polyester fill per square metre — more grams means more warmth, not more waterproofing. All quality turnout rugs are waterproof regardless of fill; the fill only decides how warm the rug is.
| Fill weight | Best for | Rough temperature guide |
|---|---|---|
| 0g (no fill / rain sheet) | Keeping rain and wind off a clipped or unclipped horse that doesn't need warmth | Roughly 10–15°C, wet or windy |
| 50g | Cool, damp spring and autumn days and milder nights | Roughly 5–10°C |
| 100g | Chilly but not cold nights; bridging into early winter | Roughly 0–5°C |
These are general guides only. The right rug also depends on whether your horse is clipped, its age and condition, and whether it has shelter. If you are unsure, your vet is the best person to advise on rugging for an individual horse.
What does denier mean, and how tough should the outer be?
Denier (written as 600D, 1200D and so on) measures how thick and hard-wearing the outer fabric is — it is about durability, not warmth or waterproofing. A higher denier resists rips, bites and rubbing from fences and field-mates.
- 600D — a lighter, more affordable outer; fine for calm horses and lighter use.
- 1200D and above — a tougher outer that stands up better to boisterous horses, rough grazing and daily wear.
If your horse is hard on rugs or turned out in a busy field, a 1200D+ outer usually pays for itself in longer rug life.
How should a lightweight turnout rug fit?
Good fit keeps a rug waterproof and stops rubbing. Measure your horse from the centre of the chest, along the body, to the point of the tail (the UK/rug size in feet and inches). A well-fitting rug should:
- sit comfortably in front of the withers without pulling across the chest;
- have deep shoulder and side gussets so the horse can move, graze and lie down freely;
- reach roughly to the top of the tail, with a tail flap to channel rain away;
- fasten with leg straps (crossed between the hind legs) and adjustable chest and belly straps to stop the rug slipping or turning.
If a rug rubs at the shoulders or shifts constantly, the size or shape may be wrong. For a horse that is hard to fit or has known rub or wither issues, ask a saddle-fitter or your vet before committing to a rug.
Which lightweight turnout rugs do we recommend?
A few in-stock favourites from the collection, spanning 0g to 100g and several price points:
- Shires Typhoon Lite Turnout Rug — a well-priced, breathable lightweight turnout from a trusted brand. From £48.59.
- Shires Highlander Original Lite T/O Rug & Neck — deep shoulder gussets and a tough outer, with matching neck cover. From £53.27.
- Rhinegold Nevada 50gsm Outdoor Rug — a light 50g fill for cool, damp days. From £40.03.
- Rhinegold Capri 100gsm Outdoor Rug — a little more warmth at 100g for chillier nights. From £36.85.
- John Whitaker Rastrick V2 Airflo Turnout Rug — a breathable 0g rain sheet for keeping the wet off. From £49.57.
- Gallop Equestrian Trojan Duraproof Lightweight Turnout — a hard-wearing everyday option with a durable outer. From £40.17.
How do I look after a lightweight turnout rug?
Brush off dried mud and let the rug dry naturally rather than on direct heat. Wash using a specialist rug wash (ordinary detergent strips the waterproofing), and re-proof with a proofing spray or wash-in when water stops beading on the surface. Store it clean and fully dry to prevent mildew, and check straps and stitching regularly so small repairs don't become big ones.
Explore more horse rugs
Browse the full turnout rugs range, step up in warmth with mediumweight horse rugs or heavyweight horse rugs, or see every option in our horse rugs collection.
Lightweight turnout rug FAQs
What is the difference between a lightweight and a heavyweight turnout rug?
The difference is the amount of fill, which controls warmth — not waterproofing. Lightweight rugs (0–100g) suit mild and wet weather, while heavyweight rugs (around 300g and above) are for cold winter conditions. Both types are waterproof; you choose the weight to match the temperature and whether your horse is clipped.
Are lightweight turnout rugs waterproof?
Yes. Quality turnout rugs are waterproof and breathable regardless of fill weight, so even a 0g rug keeps rain and wind off. Some very light "cooler" or fly rugs are only showerproof, so check the product description if all-day waterproofing matters. Re-proofing every so often helps a rug stay waterproof over its life.
What denier should I choose — 600D or 1200D?
Denier measures the toughness of the outer fabric, not warmth. A 600D outer is lighter and cheaper and suits calm horses in lighter use. A 1200D or higher outer resists bites, rubs and fence damage far better, so it is the safer choice for boisterous horses or busy fields where rugs take a beating.
How much do lightweight turnout rugs cost?
At Just Horse Riders, lightweight turnout rugs start from around £31.80, with most everyday options between £35 and £60. Premium rugs with heavier deniers, combo neck covers or advanced fits can cost more. Prices shown on each product are the current live prices.
How do I measure my horse for a turnout rug?
Measure from the centre of the chest, straight along the side of the body, to the point of the tail. That measurement in feet and inches is the UK rug size (for example 6'3"). If your horse falls between sizes, the fit of the shoulder and gussets matters more than the exact number — a saddle-fitter can help with an awkward-to-fit horse.
Do lightweight turnout rugs come with a neck cover?
Some do. "Combo" or "& neck" rugs (such as the Shires Highlander Original Lite T/O Rug & Neck) include an attached or detachable neck cover for extra rain protection, while standard-neck rugs cover the body only. Choose a combo if your horse is turned out in exposed fields or you want to keep the mane and neck cleaner and drier.
Rugging advice from the Just Horse Riders team. Free UK delivery over £50 · 90-day returns · Family-run UK retailer since 2010. For rugging decisions about a clipped, elderly, or unwell horse, always check with your vet.
Last reviewed 12 July 2026 by the Just Horse Riders team.