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Frequently asked questions - FAQs
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our products and services. However, before you fill out a contact form, we recommend that you take a look at our FAQ - a lot of information is already provided for you there. If you still can't find the right answer or have further questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
Please note that we are not a call center and as a small company may take some time to respond to your inquiry. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to helping you!
Repairs & Custom designs
Respectful handling of our products is important to us. If something breaks, don't worry. We encourage you to repair your blanket yourself - whether it's a small hole or replacing accessories such as straps or Velcro fasteners. It's not that difficult.
We always have enough mending material ready for your repairs and are on hand to give you advice. Both fabrics and accessories can be easily processed with a conventional household sewing machine. If a part of the blanket is irreparably damaged, you can order spare parts directly from us.
Please understand that we cannot offer a full repair service as we are a small company and our resources are tied up elsewhere. Nevertheless, we will be happy to send you the necessary materials free of charge and provide detailed repair instructions.
Our fabrics are user-friendly and easy to sew and repair yourself. For larger problems our Help-Center available. Send us a description of the problem and a photo if you like. We will provide you with comprehensive advice and, in exceptional cases, even undertake repairs to particularly hard-wearing ceilings.
Please note that due to our size as a small company, we are unable to offer a comprehensive alteration service. However, we are always ready to support you with materials, instructions and advice for your own customizations.
if you have any special requests, please contact our Help-Center. Together we will find the best solution to adapt the rug perfectly to your horse's needs.
We are a small company and have products made by external manufacturers. We therefore have no in-house production facilities and can only offer custom-made products in exceptional cases.
The production of custom-made products usually takes at least 8 weeks. Please also note that these individual customizations involve a considerable amount of additional work and are therefore more expensive than our regular products.
However, if you have special requirements and are prepared to pay a surcharge, feel free to contact us. We will then check whether we can make an exception. Otherwise, we are sure that you will find what you are looking for in our extensive product range .
We do not offer a personalized embroidery service for our blankets. If you have difficulties finding a suitable provider for personalized embroidery, we will help you or make recommendations.
No, we eat what's on the table. The items in our online store are the ones currently available. We regularly update our product offerings, including color variations and designs. On our Shop-All Site you can view all products
If you are looking for an out-of-stock product, take a look at the online stores of our re-sellers Sigmoline and Galdur. Sometimes they still have products in stock that are already sold out in our store.
Otherwise we recommend that you register on our waiting list, so that we can notify you as soon as the product is available again.
To stay informed about new color variants or other product updates, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on our social media platforms. There we regularly share information about new products, color variants and special offers.
If you have any suggestions or wishes, you are of course always welcome to express them!
Unfortunately, we do not offer personalized color combinations for our blankets. Our blankets are available in specific colorways that have been carefully selected to cater to a wide range of preferences.
We are constantly working on new designs and color combinations to expand our product selection. If you have any special color requests or suggestions for future color options, we look forward to your feedback.
FAQ - General
The appearance of the note "Back Soon" on a product indicates that it is not definitively sold out. We plan to make the product available again. The production time varies between 4 weeks and several months, depending on the demand for the product and the free capacity in production.
We do not wish to commit to specific re-stock dates, as production is dependent on many variables, such as the availability of fabrics, production materials and labor. It is therefore difficult to provide precise data.
We offer a Waitlist for you. Sign up and we will inform you by e-mail as soon as the product is available in the store again. Never miss a new drop by following us on social media .
Our production is geared towards demand and avoids overproduction, which can occasionally lead to some of our products being temporarily sold out. We often experience a rush, especially with new collections, and items are quickly sold out.
This not only enables us to produce sustainably, but also prevents us from placing bulk orders that may not be sold. Smaller order quantities allow us to offer a diverse range of products in different colors.
Detailed care instructions are included with every order. You can also read them HERE . If you have any further questions about care, please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Fleece sweat rug: Wash at 40 degrees, spin at 600 - 800 rpm, use color detergent.
- Wool sweat rug: Hand wash or wool wash cycle at a maximum of 30 degrees, spin at 600 - 800 rpm, use wool detergent.
- BAVARIA sweat rug: Wash carefully or hand wash, spin gently at 600 - 800 rpm, use cold to lukewarm water and wool detergent.
- Glitter special sweat rug: Gentle wash cycle at 30-40 degrees using a laundry bag, gentle spin and color detergent.
- Wool saddle blanket: wool wash cycle at 30 degrees, gentle spin at 600 - 800 rpm, use wool detergent.
- Softshell rain cover: Wash at 40 degrees, light spin at 600 - 800 rpm, use color, softshell or sports detergent, no impregnation necessary.
The choice of color for your horse rug can depend on various factors, including the horse's coat color, personal taste or even traditional preferences.
Wenn ihr mehr über die Wahl der richtigen Farbe für euer Pferd erfahren möchtet, empfehlen wir unseren Blogartikel, der sich ausführlich mit diesem Thema befasst. Dort findet ihr hilfreiche Tipps und Anregungen zur Auswahl der passenden Farbe für eure nächste Decke.
Our design combines functionality and aesthetics and is based on the needs of horse and rider. Sustainability is a basic principle: we select materials carefully, produce according to demand and are repair-friendly. Our production is regional, supports medium-sized companies and enables short transportation routes, decent working conditions and compliance with environmental standards.
Fairness is reflected in the higher quality and durability of our products. Small companies invest proportionately more in fair payment and sustainability. Even if the purchase price is higher at first glance, you will receive more cost-effective and ethically responsible products from us in the long term.
Fair prices are not the cheapest possible price for the end consumer, but fair payment for everyone involved in the process. Plus fair pricing without preventive discounts. Our prices do not include any surcharges that are later used to finance sales.
FAQ – Versand & Returen
We endeavor to process and ship your orders as quickly as possible. However, the estimated delivery time depends on various factors. Please note that external factors such as public holidays, special events or unforeseen circumstances may affect the delivery time.
If you order by bank transfer, we will ship your order AFTER we have received your payment. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS .
Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number to track the status of the delivery.
For specific information about your order or individual delivery requests, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please contact us via our Contact form.
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within fourteen days without giving any reason.
Products must be in unused and original packaging to be eligible for a refund or exchange. You can find detailed information on our return conditions here.
Once we have received and inspected your return, we will refund the amount according to our return policy. Please note that the refund amount will be less the shipping costs for the return.
We would like to point out that the costs for returning products must be borne by the customer. We do not offer free shipping for returns and do not provide free return labels.
We thank you for your understanding and cooperation with regard to our return policy and costs.
If you have any further questions or require assistance with your return, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please contact us via the Contact-Form.
FAQ - Sizing
The decision to use one size for our sweat rug is based on years of experience and specific fit research for Icelandic horses and similarly sized ponies. Our Isi size (approx. 125) covers all back lengths (between 115 and 125 centimeters), regardless of the height at the withers or leg length.
A special Velcro fastening system enables an individual fit for different body types. This adaptability ensures a secure fit and the best conditions for sweating off.
Our sweat rug in size 125 is ideal for all Icelandic horses and similar sized ponies.
Rug sizes are based on the length of the back, not the height of the horse. As with ready-to-wear clothing, the sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, an Icelandic horse measuring 1.43 meters does not necessarily need a larger rug than one measuring 1.33 meters just because it has longer legs.
Our Isi Size fits all Icelanders thanks to years of experience. Despite a height of 1.30 to 1.45 meters, most Icelanders have a back length of between 115 and 125 centimeters.
Our special Velcro fastening system ensures an individual fit for every body type.
Do you want our rug to fit your Icelandic horse? Then it is extremely important to put the blanket on correctly.
- Place the entire rug loosely over the neck
- Close Velcro flaps neatly
- Now pull the rug back over the croup.
- If necessary, adjust the Velcro on the neck.
This method works for all horses from 130 to 150 centimeters tall. In most cases where the rug does not fit, the order was not followed. We are used to placing horse rugs on the croup first. But that doesn't work with Sportsfreund.
You can order the rug in any case and try it on as long as your horse is clean and dry. If you don't find it suitable, simply send it back. But please return it hair-free, clean and with the Velcro fastened.
Absolutely, our cooler rug is also suitable for smaller and narrower horses. The adjustable Velcro straps play an important role here. They make it possible to adapt the rug to different body sizes and shapes.
If your horse is slightly smaller and/or narrower, the Velcro straps can be used to adjust the rug accordingly and ensure a snug fit. This ensures that the sweat rug fits snugly on the horse's body and offers sufficient freedom of movement, regardless of size or stature.
You can order the rug in any case and try it on as long as your horse is clean. If it doesn't fit at all, simply send it back free of hair and dirt.
Yes, of course. The size of the rug is not determined by the horse's height, but by the length of its back. The size of horse rugs is not reliably related to the length of the horse's back and varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. So if in doubt, measure again. The topic is described in detail here.
If you have difficulty closing the blanket around your chest, 99% of the time it is because you have pulled the blanket too far back and are trying to close the flaps at too wide a point on the neck.
Simply place the rug loosely on the front of your horse's neck and close the Velcro straps first. You can decide how tight you want to close them. Then pull the entire rug back over the croup. We have never met a horse whose neck was really too thick for the rug. If the rug doesn't want to close, it has been pulled on "from back to front" and has slowed down when pulled forward against the direction of the coat. This means it cannot be closed correctly.
With wide or fat horses, it can happen that a little belly or croup sticks out. This is not a problem in itself and does not affect the function of the sweating. It is only the appearance that may be affected. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide how you like it.
You can order the rug in any case and try it on as long as your horse is clean. If it doesn't fit at all, simply send it back free of hair and dirt.
Yes, our sweat rug also fits small horses with a back length of approximately 125 centimeters, plus/minus 5-10 centimeters. To measure the back length, place the measuring tape at the withers and run it up to the base of the tail.
We have already sold blankets to various horse breeds such as Tinkers, Arabians, Fjord horses and German riding ponies whose approximate height is between 130 and 150 centimeters. For breeds other than Icelandic horses, please note that the neck may be thicker/thinner or the horse may be longer.
If you are unsure, you are welcome to send us a picture of your small horse or ask us questions. We will be happy to help you.
We have already been working on the development of rug sizes for larger horses, such as size M for a stick size of approx. 160 cm or size L for a stick size of 175 cm. So far, however, it has been unrealistic to bring these rugs onto the market.
Lack of storage space, limited production capacity and pricing have prevented us from doing so. A larger ceiling requires more material and labor, which would increase production costs and could ultimately lead to a higher final price for the customer.
However, if you are interested in a larger blanket, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are constantly looking at new possibilities and would like to better understand your needs so that we can perhaps offer larger blankets in the future.
FAQ - Cooler rugs
Horses sweat off faster with a Wool Rug . This is mainly due to the fact that a wool rug does not encourage the horse to perspire. This means the rug has to absorb less sweat and the horse dries faster.
Wool nestles even closer to the horse's body and therefore has an even better fit, which in turn accelerates sweating even further.
In contrast Fleece cheaper to produce and somewhat less complicated to handle. Fleece is also vegan-friendly. On the other hand, wool is environmentally friendly.
A wool sweat rug dries just as quickly as a fleece rug. Wool is never cold, even when damp.
The difference between the blankets lies in the origin of the fabric. The WOLLE is made from conventional new wool of international origin. The BAVARIA sweat rug is made from 100% mountain wool from happy sheep in the Bavarian and Austrian Alps. Sheared, woven, sewn and designed in Bavaria.
Takes account of sustainability, animal welfare, social fairness and regionality. The BAVARIA fabric is more voluminous, softer and fluffier. This allows it to absorb and release moisture even faster.
The drying time of a fleece or wool sweat rug can vary depending on the environment and how wet it is. In principle, both dry equally quickly. Air circulation, temperature and humidity determine the drying time.
In a cold stable lane in winter, sweat rugs take longer to dry. If your sweat rug is only slightly sweaty, it will be dry again the next day when hung up. However, if it is completely soaked, it can take days depending on the humidity. The more saturated the air is with moisture, the less it can absorb.
In this case, it is a good idea to use two sweat rugs. You can then use them in rotation and give one blanket a day off.
It helps your damp wool blanket if you take it home with you to dry completely or just move it around in the car. The advantage of wool: Wool is antibacterial and odorless, so your car or cellar won't stink.
A sweat rug should be worn for about 30 minutes after riding. Put it on immediately after work. After this time, the coat should be dry. If not, change the rug or put a paddock rug on the horse.
No blanket should be left on the horse overnight as it will be soaked with sweat after 30 minutes. Fleece gets cold.
You can find detailed instructions here, how to use a sweat rug.
Your Sportsfreund rug is a classic sweat rug. Fleece and wool rugs are NOT made for use in paddocks and outside stables. We therefore accept no responsibility for any damage caused by soiling, rolling, playing etc.
Our Basic sweat rugs were deliberately designed without cross surcingles. They are intended for short applications after riding and therefore do not require additional fixation as they are not worn for long periods of time. Cross surcingles are usually intended for rugs that remain on the horse for longer periods to ensure secure fixation and stability.
If you want more stability for your blanket, buying a blanket harness would be a simple solution.
Please note that as a small company we cannot offer a comprehensive alteration service. However, we are always available to provide you with materials, instructions and Advice for your own customizations. For special requests, please contact our Help-Center . Together we will find the best solution to adapt the rug perfectly to your horse's needs.
FAQ - Saddle Pads
Basically, we can answer yes to this question as long as it is the shape of a modern dressage saddle/island horse saddle. It supports all saddles up to a length of 18 inches and offers generous dimensions (55 x 53 cm) to ensure that it is not too small.
We have successfully tested them under various popular saddle brands, as you can see in our Instagram Story-Highlight 'saddle pad'.
For baroque saddles, Iberian saddles, treed saddles, riding pads, etc. we recommend our saddle cloth.
On the product pages in the Shop you can find the exact dimensions in a sketch.
The wool saddle pad from Sportsfreund Studios has a thickness of around 1.5 cm. Thanks to its thinner texture, it ensures close contact with the horse while riding so that it does not feel spongy or overly padded.
With a correctly padded saddle, thick saddle pads are not necessary anyway. After all, the saddle panels are responsible for the padding and not the carpet pad. The tree distributes the pressure.
However, if additional padding is required, our saddle cover can easily be used in conjunction with a pad or lambskin lining.
The drying time of a wool saddle pad varies depending on the environment, humidity and ventilation. Under normal conditions, the saddle pad can also dry in a cool locker within one night.
To speed up the drying process, you can take them home or air them out in the car. Wool is antibacterial and odorless, so there are no unpleasant smells in the car or cellar.
Unlike cotton and polyester, new wool never feels cold. Even when damp, it is temperature-neutral and pleasant, offering maximum comfort for your horse.
Ja, auf alle Fälle! Eine Satteldecke aus Wollle ist extrem gut für die Benutzung bei Hitze geeignet. Im Sommer solltest du unbedingt eine atmungsaktive saddle pad verwenden, um dein Pferd vor Hitzestaus unterm Sattel zu schützen. Am besten eignet sich natürlich eine Satteldecke aus Wolle. Hitzestaus können verspannend wirken und im schlimmsten Fall gewebeschädigend.
Eine Satteldecke aus Wolle ist im Sommer für Pferde aus verschiedenen Gründen vorteilhaft:
- Breathability: a saddle pad made of wool allows air to circulate between the horse's back and the saddle, helping to prevent overheating and moisture build-up.
- Moisture management: If the horse sweats while riding, the wool saddle blanket absorbs the sweat and wicks it away from the horse's skin for a more comfortable riding experience.
- Padding and pressure distribution: Wool has a natural elasticity that allows it to reduce pressure points on the skin. By distributing the pressure over a larger area, the blood vessels are not constricted, which promotes blood circulation.
- Temperature regulation: Wool helps to balance the horse's body temperature. By maintaining an optimal body temperature, the blood vessels can remain relaxed and blood circulation is improved.
- Fit of the pad: The saddle blanket chambers well, allowing air to circulate in the panel channel and heat exchange to take place.
- Sweet Itch friendly: Wool is kind to the skin and antibacterial. This reduces friction and chafing.
- Gel, neoprene and other synthetic pads cause heat build-up as heat cannot rise through the material. Heat in combination with pressure can very quickly damage tissue.
A saddle pad that slips while riding is an indicator that the saddle does not fit perfectly.
- Lack of stability: A saddle that is not fitted correctly does not have sufficient contact with the horse's back to keep the saddle cloth in place. This can cause the pad to slip during riding.
- Uneven pressure: A saddle that does not rest evenly on the horse's back creates uneven pressure. The saddle pad experiences more friction in certain places than in others, which in turn encourages slippage.
It is advisable to have the fit of the saddle checked by a qualified saddler to ensure that it is correctly fitted to the horse. A professional fitting will minimize saddle cloth slipping.
Our saddle pads offer various fastening options for attaching them to the saddle. There are Velcro fasteners on both sides, which are attached to the eyelets of the panniers, as well as loops through which the saddle girth is passed.
The wool fabric and its quilting provide additional grip to minimize slipping of the saddle pad. Wool fibers bond with the hair in a unique way so that they lie almost like a "second coat".
If you have any ideas for changes, please contact us.
Unfortunately, we do not offer saddle pads with insert pockets. The additional space for such inserts would make our saddle pad too thick and increase the production costs, which would ultimately increase the price disproportionately for you.
However, you can easily use our saddle cover in combination with a pad or a lambskin carpet pad. Provided the saddle is not too tight.
If the saddle is well fitted and has no specific pressure points or imbalances, inserts are not normally necessary. A well-fitted saddle should lie correctly and evenly on the horse's back without additional panels.
In cases where your horse is developing muscles and one side of the back is less muscular, inserts are often recommended. However, we have found that it is better if the saddle panels are fitted correctly to the respective condition. This prevents you from having to insert the panels yourself without knowing when they should be removed or how they should be adjusted.
A stabilizing rubber saddle pad is intended to be used temporarily or as a temporary solution to temporarily alleviate problems with an ill-fitting saddle.
However, it should not be used permanently as it does not solve the underlying problems, but only masks them. Ideally, a saddle should be fitted so that it sits correctly on the horse's back without additional support or padding.
So yes, of course!
Lambskin and wool offer similar benefits in terms of absorbency, breathability and thermoregulation, with lambskin offering greater cushioning but can also be bulkier.
Virgin wool is more robust and versatile, requires less care and generates less waste during production. A new wool saddle pad can be easily cleaned in the washing machine.
Virgin wool is produced by shearing the sheep, which is a vital process for all sheep breeds and is good for them. The animal has to die to produce lambskin. A lot of lambskin is chemically tanned with chrome salts, which is neither sustainable nor kind to nature.
A lambskin carpet pad can be useful for horses with additional padding requirements, but should be used consciously and only in the very best quality.
Eine Satteldecke kann zu einem besseren Mikroklima unter dem Sattel beitragen und Hitzestaus vermeiden.
Ein Hitzestau kann durch eine schlecht gewählte Sattelunterlage entstehen, die nicht atmungsaktiv ist und daher die beim Reiten entstehende Körperwärme und den Schweiß nicht ausreichend vom Pferd ableitet.
Diese Überhitzung verhindert eine effiziente Entspannung und Regeneration der Muskulatur, was zu Verspannungen und Schmerzen führen kann.
Hitzestaus schränken die Durchblutung ein, sodass die Muskeln schlechter mit Sauerstoff und Nährstoffen versorgt werden und schneller ermüden.
Darüber hinaus kann Hitze Stressreaktionen beim Pferd auslösen, was sich negativ auf Verhalten und Gesundheit auswirken kann.
Um solche Probleme zu vermeiden, sollte auf eine gut belüftete und feuchtigkeitsableitende Sattelunterlage geachtet werden.
Eine Satteldecke kann in gewissem Maße Druckpunkte vermindern, aber sie kann nicht alle Probleme lösen. Zunächst ist es wichtig zu beachten, dass ein Sattel grundsätzlich keine Druckpunkte haben sollte. Wenn dein Sattel welche aufweist, ist er definitiv falsch angepasst.
Der Sinn eines Sattels ist es, das Gewicht des Reiters gleichmäßig zu verteilen. Das geschieht durch die Sattelkissen, die das Gewicht vom Sattelbaum auf den Pferderücken übertragen und gleichmäßig verteilen. Zusätzlich dämpfen sie Stöße und Vibrationen.
Die Sattelkissen sollten an die individuelle Rückenform des Pferdes angepasst sein, um eine optimale Druckverteilung zu gewährleisten. Unter diesen Umständen benötigt ein Pferd keine dicke, stoßdämpfende Sattelunterlage.
Eine falsch gewählte Sattelunterlage kann die Druckverteilung durch die Sattelkissen beeinträchtigen und zu Druckstellen und Schmerzen beim Pferd führen. Das ist der Fall bei zu dicken Unterlagen oder Gummiunterlagen, die den Druck auf bestimmte Stellen nur vergrößern.
Eine gute Sattelunterlage ist dünn und unterstützt die Sattelkissen, indem sie den Komfort für das Pferd verbessert. Wir empfehlen Wolle, da sie schweißabsorbierend ist, die Durchblutung verbessert und bei der Druckverteilung hilft. Unsere Satteldecke hat zusätzlich eine weiche, klumpenfreie Füllung aus Wolle. Wer lieber mit einem Fell unter dem Sattel reiten möchte, kann unser Pad ergänzend zur Satteldecke verwenden.
Um mögliches Rutschen zu verhindern, haben unsere Satteldecken eine kleine Befestigungslasche mit Klett an der Vorderseite. Diese lässt sich an den vorderen Packringen des Sattels befestigen.
So spielt es auch keine Rolle mehr, ob der Sattel ein normales Sattelblatt hat oder ein Monoblatt. Packringe hat jeder Sattel.
FAQ – Sattelpads
Grundsätzlich können wir diese Frage mit Ja beantworten, solange es sich um die Form eines modernen Dressursattels/Islandpferdesattels handelt.
Bis 18“ Zoll. Insgesamt haben wir die Form eher großzügig bemessen, sodass die Satteldecke nicht zu klein sein kann.
Das Pad hat eine Gesamtdicke von etwa 4,5 cm im unkomprimierten Zustand. Unter dem Sattel wird es natürlich etwas zusammengedrückt, sodass beim Reiten auf jeder Seite etwa 1,5 cm Polsterung verbleiben. Diese Dicke bietet eine hervorragende Polsterung und Druckverteilung, ohne die Wirbelsäulenfreiheit des Pferdes zu beeinträchtigen. Das Pad lässt sich zudem ideal mit unserer Satteldecke kombinieren.
Um mögliches Rutschen zu verhindern, haben unsere Sattelpads eine kleine Befestigungslasche mit Klett an der Vorderseite. Diese lässt sich an den vorderen Packringen des Sattels befestigen.
So spielt es auch keine Rolle mehr, ob der Sattel ein normales Sattelblatt hat oder ein Monoblatt. Packringe hat jeder Sattel.
Der von uns verwendete Echt-Webpelz besteht aus 100 % Schurwolle, die durch das Scheren von Schafen gewonnen wird. Die geschorene Wolle wird gereinigt, kardiert, gesponnen und zu einem Stoff gewebt. Im Vergleich zu Lammfell, das durch das Abziehen der Haut vom Tier gewonnen wird, ist Webpelz umweltfreundlicher und tierschonender. Es benötigt keine chemische Behandlung, wächst jährlich nach und verursacht kaum Verschnitt. Der Pelz wird in Deutschland produziert.
Eine Satteldecke mit Fell solltest Du nach jedem Ritt ausbürsten – am effektivsten mit einem Nadelstriegel.
Achtung, lässt du das Fell verknoten, kann selbst das sanfteste Fell auf dem Rücken drücken.
Lasse das Pad an einem gut belüfteten Platz trocknen, das geht am besten, wenn Du sie unterm Sattel rausholst und mit der nassen Seite nach oben auf den Sattel legst.
You can tackle dirt with a damp cloth and shampoo or wash the whole pad by hand. After washing, you should always allow the pad to air dry and brush it out again.
Never wash it at too high a temperature, do not use fabric softener and do not put it in the dryer. Very rarely you can put a fur pad in the washing machine if you use a special detergent and wash it cold. Saddle rugs made of loden can be washed regularly in the washing machine without any concerns.
Die oft gestellte Frage, ob Wollpads auch im Sommer geeignet sind, kann mit einem klaren Ja beantwortet werden. Die einzigartigen Eigenschaften von Wolle machen sie zu einem Allround-Talent. Durch ihre Fähigkeit, Feuchtigkeit aufzunehmen und abzugeben, sorgt sie für ein ausgeglichenes Mikroklima unter dem Sattel. Im Sommer wirkt Wolle kühlend, indem sie überschüssige Wärme ableitet und Schweiß verdunsten lässt. So bleibt das Pferd auch bei hohen Temperaturen angenehm temperiert.
Ja, das Pad passt vom Schnitt zu unserer Satteldecke. Wenn du die Vorteile eines Pads mit Fell mit dem Schutz einer Satteldecke verbinden möchtest, lässt sich das super kombinieren. Auch wenn dein Pferd etwas mehr Unterstützung in der Sattellage braucht, kann man das Pad zusätzlich zur Satteldecke kombinieren. Ob du das Pad über oder unter die Satteldecke legst, ist dir überlassen und muss einfach ausgetestet werden. Zur Fixierung kannst du die Befestigungslaschen der unteren Sattelunterlage durch die Packringe des Sattels führen.
FAQ - Rain rugs
Yes, the rain rug fits every Icelandic horse and comparable ponies and corresponds approximately to a size 125. Even if your horse wears a size 115 or 135 from other companies, the rug will fit him, as our cut was designed precisely for this. As with clothing, horse rugs from different manufacturers are never the same size, so the sizes of other rugs are not decisive.
We use our rain rugs ourselves and have seen them in use on countless horses during photo shoots or with our stable mates. We are talking about hundreds of rugs and horses that we have sold this rug to. It fits all Icelandic horses, whether they are small horses of 130 cm or large horses of 150 cm. We have seen and tried everything.
Remember: The size of the rugis not determined by the height of the horse but the length of the back. The size of horse rugs usually refers to the length of the horse's back. So if in doubt, it is better to measure it yourself. The topic is described in great detail here.
The average height of an Icelandic horse is between 1.30 m and 1.47 m, whereas the length of the back varies much less. Measured from the withers to the base of the tail, it averages 120 cm. Thanks to the Velcro fasteners, the fit ranges from 115 to 135, so you can close the fasteners either tighter or wider.
You can order and try on the rug as long as your horse is clean. If it doesn't fit at all, simply send it back free of hair and dirt.
The rain cover consists of a softshell laminate in three layers: outer layer of fabric, inner layer of fleece and, as an intermediate layer, a breathable, waterproof membrane with a water column of 10,000 mm. This membrane is extremely durable and cannot be removed even by washing. Therefore, no additional waterproofing is required. Please do not wash the blanket with fabric softener. You can find our care instructions here.
It has never happened that one of our rain covers has leaked. The fabric remains reliably waterproof even after days of continuous rain. The waterproof membrane fulfills its function. Leakage can only occur if your horse has been lying directly in a puddle, which is rarely the case with healthy horses.
The water column is a unit of measurement for measuring the waterproofness of materials, especially textiles. A water column of 10,000 mm indicates how resistant the material is to water penetration. This figure represents the water pressure that the material can withstand before it starts to leak.
A water column of 10,000 mm means that the blanket can withstand heavy and prolonged rain without water penetrating through the fabric. This is thanks to the membrane between the layers of fabric, which makes it waterproof and breathable at the same time. These properties are retained even after washing.
A low water column is typically less than 800 mm, a high water column is usually over 10,000 mm. This is the level at which waterproofness is guaranteed.
The fabric of the blanket is breathable. It releases 300g of water vapor per square meter in 24 hours. (300g/m²/24hrs) The higher this figure, the better the breathability of the material. This figure is already extremely good for a waterproof rain rug.
The material can transport moisture and perspiration to the outside, which improves the microclimate and wearing comfort. The difference between the inside and outside temperature is crucial here - the greater the difference, the more effective it is.
If your horse has a very short mane and is also shorn at the neck, it really has little rain protection there. Otherwise, a high rain rug is sufficient, as the mane offers enough rain protection that the horse does not soak through it.
The drying time of a blanket depends on various factors, such as the humidity and/or the ambient temperature. In general, a rain blanket can take several hours to a day to dry completely, especially if it is very wet, but unlike other fabrics, the blanket dries quickly.
Depending on the weather conditions and air circulation, the drying time may be shorter or longer. It is important to hang the rug in a well-ventilated, dry place and ensure that it is completely dry before putting it back on the horse.
Drying a blanket in the stable aisle can be problematic, especially if the stable is cold, poorly ventilated and damp. High humidity and poor ventilation extend the drying time considerably. Moisture-saturated air has no further absorption capacity. Even the best material cannot help.
The softshell fabric is robust and hard-wearing, making it a good choice for rain blankets. Although it is lightweight, it is less susceptible to tearing due to its elasticity.
Normally it can withstand years of quiet use. Of course, it is not immune to attacks from wild paddock mates and can sometimes tear. But it can be easily repaired with any household sewing machine. We always have free scraps of fabric available for repairs.
In terms of safety, we find it better that the rug gives way in the event of danger and not the horse. In other words, it tears to prevent injuries or the horse getting stuck.
We only use Velcro and fleece of the highest quality. The Velcro does not wear out even after years and has never come undone by itself. There are actually horses that have figured out how to open the Velcro with their mouth. Fortunately, most of them are not that inventive.
The durability of the Velcro depends on how you handle it. Don't leave it dangling in the dirt, don't touch the horse with it when changing its coat, close the flaps when storing and washing.
If a Velcro/fleece does break, it is easy to replace.
The risk of injury from the Velcro fastener is minimal, as it gives way and tears open in an emergency, compared to carabiners or leg cords.
The use of a rain rug depends on various factors, especially how the horse reacts to wet conditions. A healthy Icelandic horse is usually well protected against the cold. However, prolonged rain or heavy sweating can cause the undercoat to become soaked and lie flat, losing its warming effect.
We recommend the use of a rain rug:
- In the summer coat in the rain: temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius and/or continuous rain
- In the winter coat in the rain: temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius
These recommendations may vary depending on how the individual horse reacts to moisture and cold. We also have a detailed blog article on this topic where we answer frequently asked questions. Feel free to check it out for more detailed information: »Does my Icelandic Horse get too cold in the winter?«
Our rain blankets have an additional sweating function. However, they do not replace a Cooler Rug. However, they are well suited for 'finish sweating'.
We recommend using a conventional sweat rug made of fleece or wool first. If your horse is not completely dry after the first sweat, the softshell rugs offer good protection so that it can complete the process.
It is possible to put the softshell rain rug on a wet horse. However, we think it is better to let the horse dry out first under a fleece or wool sweat rug.
The breathability of the softshell rain rug plays a decisive role when it comes to putting the rug on an already wet horse. This property allows moisture, be it sweat from the horse or existing wetness on the coat, to be transported from the inside to the outside.
The use of the softshell rain rug on a wet horse can depend on individual preferences and situations.
Yes. An Icelandic horse with a winter coat does not need an additionally lined blanket. Freezing is caused by wetness and draught, not by the temperature itself. Our blanket reliably keeps this out.
Only horses with full shearing or very thin sick horses could benefit from extra filling.
A fun fact about this: The first prototypes of our softshell blanket were sewn for two 30+ year old mares to give them protection and warmth in winter. This means that they are definitely also suitable for covering old horses.
We love our horses more than anything and use all our rugs for them. As a result, they have been extensively tested over many years, as our own horses have been wearing them for years. We only want the very best for our own horses. Despite the possibility of producing cheaper rugs, we as manufacturers are convinced that we offer the best for horses with our production costs and the quality of the material.
Even for us as manufacturers, blankets from competing companies would be cheaper. Our production price is even higher than the retail price of many other horse rugs. So we are not saving money by using our own products. Our conviction that we offer the best for horses is based on our dedication and care.
Rain Rugs Problem Solution
If the belly bib cannot be closed, your horse has an unusually large rump circumference or is simply too fat. The leg length is probably not the problem. We have also used the rug on 150 cm tall stallions with strong necks and it has fitted. Please contact us, and we check whether we can adjust the belly bib.
If you cannot close the blanket around your chest, 99% of the time it is because you have put the blanket on from "back to front" and are trying to close the flaps on a part of the neck that is too wide.
Simply place the rug loosely on the front of your horse's neck and close the Velcro straps neatly first. You have enough leeway to decide how tightly you close them. Only pull the entire rug back over the croup at the end. We have never come across a horse whose neck was really too thick for the rug. It was always because the rug was put on incorrectly and when it was pulled forward, it slowed down against the direction of the coat and therefore could not be closed.
A close fit is desirable with this rug because the fabric is elastic and no seam presses into the withers. The belly flap should also fit more like a saddle girth, which provides stability and safety because it cannot kick in.
The rain rug is one-size and is fastened at the front with Velcro, which can be easily adjusted. If your pony is very narrow at the neck and shoulders, we can also add two pleats to the neckline.
If the belly bib sags too much and is too big, then your horse is actually very slim or narrow and we can help with the adjustment.
This is difficult to determine from a distance. Did you close the belly flap snugly? When closing the belly flap, you should think more about a girth and make sure that it doesn't sag. Or is the neckline too wide because your pony is rather narrow at the neck and chest? Then you can sew the neckline tighter by adding a few pleats.
Unworn and free of dirt and hair, you may return the blanket within 14 days. If you need further help or advice, please contact our Help-Center.
If you are worried that the rug has not held tight, ask yourself this question: Was the horse wet or just the rug?
The fact that the blanket feels damp on the inside after taking it off does not mean that it is leaking. Even with a high water column, water can be pressed in from the outside by pressure. Similar to waterproof trousers that leak at the knees as soon as you walk on them. Extreme weather conditions such as storms and heavy rain can impair performance. Condensation is another factor that occurs regardless of the density.
Check whether the horse's coat is wet. In transitional cases, it can happen that the rug is damp on the inside but the horse has remained dry.
It can happen that the rug cools down and becomes clammy after being removed from the horse, especially during persistent rain, due to the lack of body contact. Over a longer period of time, such as 1-2 hours, moisture can pass from the outside to the inside due to pressure, whether from lying down or hanging up, when the inside and outside come into contact. This is normal.
In such cases, we recommend taking the rug home, letting it dry completely and putting a spare rug on the horse instead. It is advisable to always have two rain rugs to hand. However, it should be noted that a rug that feels damp on the body will dry quickly.
If you are still unsure, please contact us for further help and tips on how to care for your blanket.
If it has just been pouring with rain, the outside of the fabric will of course be wet. The waterproofness only starts with the second layer of the fabric with the waterproof membrane. Then the blanket is also heavier, as the outer material has become saturated. However, this does not mean that the blanket is leaking.
As long as the fabric is on the horse, the moisture evaporates through body heat. As soon as the rain stops, the rug on the horse will quickly dry again. Your horse will certainly not stand for hours in a cold, wet rug.
If the inside of the blanket feels damp, this could be condensation, which is not a bad thing at all. But it could also be that you are pushing the moisture from the outside in with the pressure of your fingers and it only feels wet when you touch it. You can also do the "cheek test". What feels wet on the hand turns out to be dry on the cheek.
Of course, it can also happen that the inside only gets water when it is removed, namely when the outside folds inwards. Or that the moisture is pressed inwards during handling, similar to a tent wall.
The possibility of water penetrating from the edge of the neckline or splashing up from the floor and wetting the fabric from the inside cannot be ruled out.
This is normal. The horse's coat serves as insulation. It should keep out the cold and retain body heat. This is why an Icelandic horse does not feel warm in winter. As proof, the snow remains on the Icelandic coat, precisely because there is only minimal heat loss. Contrary to our expectations, the horse does not feel warm under the rug. After all, a rug does not keep the horse warm, it only keeps out moisture and wind and prevents heat loss.
