Why do you need a saddle cloth for your horse?
Have you ever wondered, why it is even necessary to have on a saddle cloth under the saddle, when you are riding? There are several reasons as to why, one should always wear a saddle cloth. It is something that everyone is using, because it provides protection for both the horse and the tack, that is being used. In other words; it is a matter of the horse’s well-being as well as it is about taking care of the pricy tack that you want to keep in good condition for as long as possible.
Why it is necessary to use a saddle cloth
A saddle cloth is a piece of equipment that is produced in a shock absorbing fabric and design to fit the horse’s bag under the saddle.
First and foremost, the saddle cloth is there to prevent the horse form getting abrasions and wounds from the saddle. The saddle cloth does, to some degree, relief pressure, why the horse’s bag is better protected against the weight of the rider, when a saddle cloth is being used. Furthermore, a saddle cloth will protect your saddle from dirt and sweat - and it is a lot easier cleaning a saddle cloth than it is cleaner the saddle. The right saddle cloth will improve the performance of both the horse and the rider, it looks great, and it provides the horse with some extra comfort.
Which saddle cloth should you choose?
There is a difference in the designs of the saddle cloths depending on which discipline you are riding. Dressage, for instance, requires a larger, square saddle cloths, where the ones designed for jumping are shaped more like the saddle itself, and take up less space - this is to increase the horse’s freedom of movement in the jump.
No matter which discipline you are aiming for, it is always important, that you choose a saddle cloth, that is the right fit for your saddle - size and shape. In that way, it will not get too small nor too big to provide the best protection possible.
The anatomical saddle cloth
There are more than just the square and straight-lined designs in saddle cloths. If you have a horse with high withers, the horse will easily get uncomfortable wearing the straight-lines saddle cloth, because it won’t be able to follow the line of the horse’s bag. In this case, it is necessary to know of the anatomically shaped saddle cloths. These are made with a “cut-off” that provides a better, more natural fit. The tacking up can take a bit more time, though, when you use the anatomical saddle cloths - because of the perfection required.
Foam or gel?
The core of the saddle cloth is made from a foam material, a gel material or a combination of the two. Foam must be thicker in order to provide the same insulation as gel do, and the foam material is not as shock absorbing as gel is. Therefore, you must always consider what kind of core material is the better choice for your horse and that horse’s specific challenges. You can always try the different types to see which one brings out the best in your horse - slim, thick, heavy or light?
There is more to it than padding
Surely, it is not all in the padding, when it comes to the level of comfort, the saddle cloth provides. The material that covers the padding is of great significands also.
It is more or less unavoidable to get sweat from the horse on the saddle cloth, where there is contact between the two, the horse and the cloth. A good saddle cloth has the ability to lead away the horse’s sweat to secure a dry and warm body.
A good ventilation can be tricky to create in a thick, shock absorbing saddle cloth. Therefore, the obvious choice when the training is hard or the weather warm, is a saddle cloth made from a natural material - wool, cotton or other sweat wicking materials.
Do you need a special saddle cloth for the shows?
Of course, there is also a need for a saddle cloth, when you are off to perform at a show or event. Most likely, there will at the show be some rules as to how the design and color of the saddle cloth should be.
First, the shape and the design of the saddle cloth is of a decisive significance whether you are doing dressage, jumping or hunting. Mostly, a white saddle cloth will be required, though.
If you have any doubts as to which regulations applies to your next show - and therefore to your choice in saddle cloth - you can easily look it up at the website of the Danish Riding Association (Dansk rideforbund)
An extra shiny saddle cloth
When it comes to the horse’s tack, there is no reason to hold back on colors, design or special details. The same goes for the horse’s saddle cloth - whether it is meant for everyday use or special occasions.
There is a great variety in the supply of saddle cloths, and you can surely find something that is unique in its design, pattern, color or print. Something that will help you stand out. Take a look at all of the options to find the perfect saddle cloth that looks as good as it is comfortable for your horse.