Horse textiles

Horse textiles: the saddle pad and the half pad do not do the same job

The saddle pad protects the saddle from sweat and the back from rubbing. It is chosen according to the shape of the saddle: a general-purpose or jumping pad, shorter and rounded, for a jumping or general-purpose saddle; a dressage pad, longer and straighter, for a dressage saddle. Our saddle pad include Harcour models, the Greenfield Cookie and a lightweight non-slip EVA pad that reduces saddle slipping.

The half pad goes on top of the saddle pad. It spreads the pressure of the saddle and absorbs some of the impact. Sheepskin, as from HKM, lets the skin breathe. BR gel and memory foam mould to the back, while Ronzon felt stays thin and firm. Some models compensate for a slight fitting issue: the BR gel half pad with riser adds thickness where the saddle lacks contact, and the ECOSoft leaves the spine free. Compare them on the page half pads for horses.

A half pad does not replace a well-fitted saddle. If the saddle presses on a specific spot, have it checked before stacking up layers.

Exercise sheets and ear bonnets

The exercise sheet attaches to the saddle for warming up and cooling down at walk, when it is cold or raining. HKM waterproof models keep the loins dry, and the reflective exercise sheet makes the horse visible on the road. The ear bonnets for horses from Equiline and HKM cover the ears: they muffle the noise of stands, loudspeakers or wind for a horse that gets anxious.

Care

Brush the saddle pad after each session to remove hair, then wash it at 30 °C without fabric softener when it is dirty. Gel and neoprene are rinsed in clean water and dried flat, in the shade. A grimy textile stiffens and eventually irritates the back.