Pads with Fur

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What is a pad and what is it used for?

A saddle pad is a pad that is placed between the saddle and the horse's back to reduce pressure points and optimize saddle padding. Due to their inconspicuous appearance, pads are particularly popular with female riders who compete in sport.

While many pads promise to be gentle on the horse's back, fur pads made from lambskin or woven fur are the best choice. These natural materials offer excellent pressure distribution and additional padding. Compared to synthetic materials, fur pads are breathable and moisture-regulating, which increases the horse's well-being.

Fur pads are ideal for horses with a sensitive back or little muscle. They are also ideal for horses in training or in rehabilitation. The natural padding of the fur protects the horse's back from chafing and pressure points.

Which pad is best for my Icelandic horse's back?

First of all, you should ask yourself: What do you want to use a pad for?

  • My saddle is slipping: Then you should have a saddle fitter look at it again, as this is an indicator of a poor fit. Correctly fitted saddles do not slip.
  • Padding: A well-fitted saddle generally does not need any additional, thick padding. Its job is to distribute the rider's weight evenly on the horse's back and to absorb shocks. Avoid placing “towers” of padding material under your saddle.additional, thick padding. Its job is to distribute the rider's weight evenly on the horse's back and to absorb shocks. Avoid placing “towers” of padding material under your saddle.
  • Optimal pressure distribution for sensitive backs: Horses with sensitive backs and those with little musculature particularly benefit from the additional padding and comfort of a saddle pad

This results in the following points that you should consider when buying a pad:

  • Fit: The pad should be anatomically shaped and adapt to the shape of your back. It is essential that the pad can be combed open to ensure freedom of the withers and spine.
  • Thickness: One misconception is that a thicker pad provides more padding and is therefore better for the horse's back. On the contrary: pads that are too thick can affect the fit of the saddle and lead to pressure points. A thin, breathable pad is sufficient to reduce friction and ensure a comfortable fit.
  • Avoid friction points: Plastic materials designed to hold the saddle in one place increase the pressure exerted by the ill-fitting saddle and lead to chafing. In the long term, this can lead to saddle pressure, deterioration of the back line and muscular problems.
  • Heat regulation and sweat absorption: Breathable materials such as Wool or fur should be preferred. They dissipate heat from the horse's body and maintain the natural body temperature to prevent overheating. Their good sweat absorption leaves the horse with a dry back after work.
  • Pressure distribution: Wool is an elastic and pressure-relieving material that distributes the pressure of the saddle evenly over the horse's back, preventing pressure points and pain. This is particularly important for horses with sensitive backs or back problems.

Pure woven fur vs. lambskin: Which material is best for my horse?

Lambskin and real woven fur offer similar benefits to all wool products: They absorb sweat, have an antibacterial effect and promote a healthy microclimate between saddle and horse. Both materials activate blood circulation and have a relaxing effect on muscles and connective tissue. However, woven fur offers some additional advantages over lambskin:

  • Woven fur: our genuine woven fur is made from 100% virgin wool from sheep. Virgin wool is obtained by shearing the sheep, which is a vital process for the animals and benefits them. Lambskin: To obtain lambskin, the animal must be killed, as the fur is removed together with the skin.
  • Animal-friendliness: Woven fur is obtained by shearing, which does not harm the sheep. Lambskin, on the other hand, requires the animal to be killed.
  • Chemical-free: Lambskin is often chemically tanned with chrome salts to make the skin durable. This chemical process is not necessary with virgin wool, as no additional treatment is required.
  • Renewable raw material: Virgin wool grows back every year and the only resource required is a living sheep. With lambskin, there is only one coat per lamb.
  • Less waste: Lambskin is cut to a specific shape and leftovers are often thrown away. Woven fur, on the other hand, is made from individual hairs, resulting in almost no waste.
  • Thickness: Lambskin is always processed with the skin, which makes the saddle pad unnecessarily thick without offering any significant advantages.
  • Care: Woven fur is easier to care for as the skin is not damaged. Nevertheless, care should be taken.
Wool cools: why wool pads are also effective in summer

The frequently asked question of whether wool pads are also suitable in Summer can be answered with a clear yes. The unique properties of wool make it an all-round talent. Thanks to its ability to absorb and release moisture, it ensures a balanced microclimate under the saddle. In summer, wool has a cooling effect by dissipating excess heat and allowing perspiration to evaporate. This keeps the horse at a comfortable temperature even at high temperatures.

Can I wash the pad with fur?

You should brush out a pad with fur after every ride - the most effective way to do this is with a pin brush. Be careful, if you let the fur get knotted, even the softest fur can press on the back. Allow the pad to dry in a well-ventilated area. The best way to do this is to take it out from under the saddle and place it on the saddle with the wet side facing up.

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.

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