Sheepskin Pads for Riding: Comfort and Protection for Your Horse’s Well-Being

Why are sheepskin pads indispensable in riding?
Sheepskin pads play an essential role in protecting the horse’s back and withers. This guide will help you choose the best pad to ensure your horse’s comfort, prevent sores, and provide excellent weight distribution.

1. What is a sheepskin pad and why is it important in riding?

A sheepskin pad is a cushion made of real sheepskin or synthetic materials, placed between the saddle and the saddle pad. Its main purpose is to evenly distribute the rider’s weight, reducing pressure points and preventing sores. A good sheepskin pad absorbs shocks and ensures greater comfort for the horse, making it ideal for sensitive backs or long training sessions.

2. How to choose the best sheepskin pad for your horse?

The choice of pad depends on your horse’s specific needs. Sheepskin pads made from sheepskin provide excellent pressure distribution. For horses with sensitive backs, a memory foam pad might be a good choice as it perfectly adapts to the horse’s back, ensuring a soft, comfortable contact.

3. Sheepskin pad or riser pad: What’s the difference?

Both a sheepskin pad and a riser pad aim to improve the horse’s comfort, but they serve slightly different purposes. While the sheepskin pad focuses on distributing pressure and reducing friction, a riser pad is designed to correct any saddle fit issues, such as tilts or imbalances. A gel or memory foam riser pad is ideal for horses needing additional support to better adapt the saddle to their back.

5. What is the role of a wither protector?

The wither protector is used to safeguard one of the horse’s most delicate areas: the withers. This area is particularly prone to rubbing and pressure points from the saddle. Using a wither protector helps prevent sores and skin problems.

6. Is a sheepskin pad suitable for every horse?

A sheepskin pad is often considered one of the best equestrian accessories due to its natural properties. Sheepskin can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture, keeping the horse’s skin dry and comfortable even during long training sessions.

8. How to care for a sheepskin pad: maintenance tips

A good sheepskin pad requires proper maintenance to preserve its properties over time. Sheepskin pads should be cleaned with a wool-safe detergent. They can be hand-washed or machine-washed at 30°C with wool-specific products to prevent damage. By washing it at 30°C, the pad will maintain its shape and softness, ensuring constant protection for the horse’s back.

9. Synthetic or natural sheepskin pads: which is better?

The choice between a synthetic or natural sheepskin pad depends on the needs of both horse and rider. Synthetic pads are more durable and require less maintenance than sheepskin ones. However, a natural sheepskin pad offers superior comfort and temperature regulation, making it particularly suitable for horses with sensitive backs.

10. What are the best sheepskin equestrian accessories?

In addition to sheepskin pads for the horse’s back, there are numerous other sheepskin accessories on the market, such as back protectors, correction pads, and saddle pads. These accessories provide comprehensive protection and optimal comfort for the horse, preventing sores and skin issues.

Conclusions

• Sheepskin pads evenly distribute pressure, preventing sores.
• Memory foam pads are excellent for sensitive horses.
• A good wither protector is essential to safeguard the horse’s withers.
• Proper maintenance (wool-safe detergents, washing at 30°C) preserves the pad’s properties over time.

In conclusion, investing in a quality sheepskin pad will ensure comfort and well-being for your horse, improving its performance as well.