Blanket and saddle pad: how to sew equipment for a horse with your own hands

Very often, the concept of “horse care” only means arranging a stall for a four-legged friend, good pasture, as well as high-quality nutrition. However, this is not the entire list of horse needs that a caring owner must satisfy by taking on such a high responsibility - maintaining one horse or several. After all, there are also cold winter months, during which horses need protection not only from wind and precipitation, but also from low temperatures.

In frosty and simply cold seasons, a warm blanket made well and according to all the rules will help preserve the health of the horse, and therefore the strength and time of the owner. Every caring owner can sew it on their own without much effort. However, if for some reason this is impossible or difficult, then there is always the opportunity to buy it.

Fabric selection

The saddle pad will consist of three layers of fabric. The bottom of the saddle pad is best sewn from flannel fabric; calico and denim are also suitable. For the filler, you can take CPP, padding polyester or even foam rubber. Well, for the top you can choose any material of your choice, just keep in mind that it is better to take the fabric as a solid piece, without pieces.

Edging

For edging, you can choose a ready-made edging tape or cut it out. It is not recommended to use keeper tape - it shrinks a lot when washed, which can warp the saddle pad.

For stalemates and fastening

For stalemates, synthetic belt slings with a width of 2.5 - 3 cm are best suited, and for attaching to harnesses - Velcro.

Material consumption

To sew the simplest saddle pad, you will need pieces of fabric 75 x 75 cm for each half; top – one layer, filler – three layers, bottom – one layer. For edging – 430 cm of tape, Velcro – 32 cm, slings – 140 cm.

Kinds

There are several types of saddle pads:

• for winter and summer;
• with and without pockets;
• flavored or not.

But products made from cotton, felt and fur are very popular. Depending on the pattern, ammunition of the same type may differ in the following parameters:

• cutout under the withers;
• arch of the back;
• stagger;
• placement or absence of straps for girths or girths.

Did you know? The term "saddle pad" is taken from the Italian language. And it means “plate” - a piece of lining.

Competitive

Designed for show jumping, under a jumping saddle. Most often it has a shortened shape in the form of a drop.

Dressage saddle pad

It has a square shape, without a forward wing and is designed for a dressage saddle. This saddle is distinguished by its shorter size and is balanced by wings extended downwards.

Shamrock

An elegant piece of equipment with a slightly longer back on the sides. Suitable for show jumping and all-purpose saddles.

We sew the workpiece

To begin with, we fold the layers of filler, pin them together, now they need to be basted first with vertical stitches - every 15 cm, then along the edge and in the middle we make a horizontal basting. In order to prevent the layers of filler from shifting, some craftsmen recommend sweeping each layer of filler together. Then we pin the bottom layer to the canvas and sew it with large stitches with a contrasting thread at intervals of about 15 cm. Don’t worry if the seams turn out crooked, their main role is to outline and hold the bottom layer. But we try to make the stitches on the bottom layer carefully and without wrinkles.

Now we put the pattern on top of the canvas. The patterns should be arranged in a mirror image so that you don’t end up with two one-sided ones.

We pin the pattern to the fabric with pins and outline it with chalk or soap. Don't forget to mark the fabric where the patches will be attached. If you are going to sew a saddle pad with quilting, then also draw lines for quilting.

It is better to do quilting only inside the outline of the saddle pad, since there you can securely fasten the ends of the threads.

Quilting the saddle pad begins with the central vertical seam. The optimal stitch length is considered to be 3.5 - 4 mm. While sewing, the layers need to be periodically straightened with your hands - they will inevitably wrinkle. Periodically evaluate the quality of work - if something does not suit you, it is better to redo it.

Then we need to stitch around the perimeter of the part we need, not forgetting to deviate 2 - 3 mm from the contour inward - this way we will secure the edge and make it easier for ourselves to work on the edging. After this, we lay a line along the contour of the upper edge of the future saddle pad.

We iron our workpiece.

How to choose the right one when purchasing

When choosing a saddle cloth, first of all pay attention to the material. For heavy loads, it is advisable to choose ammunition with a porous structure inside. This structure allows moisture to be immediately released outside. Sheepskin saddle pads have proven themselves well. They provide excellent shock absorption and prevent overheating.

Among the outer layer materials, it is better to choose cotton or polyester. But each of them has its own pros and cons. For example, cotton is easy to care for and hypoallergenic. But in extreme conditions it does not fully perform its functions and quickly loses its shape and color.

Polyester, on the other hand, is more technologically advanced, easier to care for and retains its original appearance longer, but can cause allergic reactions, and with prolonged use (more than one day) horses may develop heat rash. In addition, such a saddle cloth needs frequent washing.

Important! The palm of your hand should be placed between the mane and the saddle pad.

When choosing a saddle pad, it is important to stick to the size of your horse. If the equipment is too small, it will injure the withers; if it is too large, it will get lost under the saddle. For example, standard bedding for high-blooded or large horses can cause back chafing.

We cut out the parts and sew a saddle pad

Now we have to carefully cut out the parts along the contour.

Where the back seam will be, cut it off at a distance of 2-2.5 cm from the outline.

We need to spread the outer layers of the saddle pad to the sides, iron them, then carefully cut out the filler so that its edges exactly follow the contours of the part.

We apply the halves in the lower layers to each other, baste and sew, preferably with two lines. We cut off the excess fabric, leaving 1 cm. Iron the edges to the sides and attach the edging tape to the top. All that remains is to make the edging around the edges and the saddle pad is ready!

If you wish, you can sew a pocket for goodies to the saddle pad or decorate it with a beautiful edging ribbon with patterns.

What is a saddle pad for a horse?

A saddle and a saddle pad are indispensable pieces of equipment that complement each other. Simply put, a saddle pad (or saddle cloth, bedding) is a special pad under the saddle, which is fixed to the girth using specially designed straps. It can be square or rectangular.

Important! People often confuse a saddle pad with a sweat pad. But the saddle pad is made of durable fabrics and necessarily follows the design of the saddle, while the saddle pad has a lighter base and can only be square or rectangular in shape.

Today, manufacturers offer a wide selection of ammunition, which differs in both the base and purpose, as well as parameters and colors.

The functions it performs can indicate the need for a saddle pad:

• a buffer and cushion between the horse's seat and back;
• softens shocks if the weight on the saddle is not accurately distributed;
• absorbs sweat;
• prevents the appearance of diaper rash on the animal's skin;
• prevents abrasions and irritations on the skin.

Horse handling equipment

The most important components for coordinating a horse's actions are the bridle and bit. This is the foundation with the help of which the rider carries out basic commands, shows the course and sometimes even pacifies the obstinate quadruped. In combination with the leg, vocal signals, changes in body position, they are the very lever that can subjugate an unruly animal.

The bridle and bit are the most important components of ammunition

bit

To control, the rider uses the physiological characteristics of the horse's jaw. His gums are characterized by gaps that are not filled with teeth, which is where the bit is placed. They are constructed of 2 metal rings and a bite, through which the front part of the animal is controlled, allowing it to slow down or give the command to stop completely. The gnawing puts pressure on the tongue, lips and the entire jaw as a whole.

Position of the bit in the horse's mouth

The bits are made mainly from iron, copper, steel, and other metals. A bit made of metal is called a snaffle. It is attached to the bridle and straps by rings and is differentiated from each other by the distance between the rings: from 12 to 14 cm.

Recently there has been a trend to use rubber bits, which are more gentle and great for horses with sensitive teeth.

It is very important that the bit is the right size and that the animal reacts to it without complaint, especially to taste. The horse should chew them with pleasure. During this process, a nerve impulse occurs that passes into the lingual-pectoral muscle and promotes its relaxation.

It is advisable to choose a snaffle individually for the horse, since it comes in different shapes and severity. You should not buy it just because of its external characteristics. This object is placed in the horse's mouth, and if it does not fit, it can cause the animal not only discomfort, but also severe pain. The best option would be the softest possible bit: the thinner the bit, the stricter the bit should be.

The bits are selected taking into account each specific horse

Bridle

In practice, bridles are used for a wide variety of purposes. But the main function of the leather straps that make up its basis is to hold the bit. Its main components are the bit and reins, which give the rider the opportunity to transmit signals to the horse.

Main types of bridles:

How to use

Saddle pads are used for ponies in city parks and horses in equestrian clubs. It is used by owners who care about the horse’s health and human comfort. To be worn while saddling:

1. Find the front part of the saddle pad. If you fold it in half, one edge will be higher. This is the front part.
2. The left edge is placed just above the horse's withers.
3. Slide down with a slight movement. The left edge of the saddle pad should be slightly below the center of the withers. The seam is in the middle - along the horse's spine. The saddle cloth is laid in a “house”.
4. A sweatshirt, a fur coat or a saddle is placed on top.

Hygiene is important. Even a small speck under a saddle cloth can lead to chafing. Before leaving, the horse must be cleaned. After a walk or workout, the saddle pad is drenched in sweat. It is washed and dried.

A saddle pad is a useful part of horse harness. It protects the horse's health and helps the rider. This part of the ammunition can be made with your own hands.

Why do you need bandages for horses?

The most common injury that occurs to racehorses during dressage is their limbs. Bandages are placed on the metacarpus to secure the tendons and cover the skin and act like a muscle corset.

There are different types of bandages made from woven materials. Each variety has its own purpose.

Elastic

They are considered the most dangerous if used incorrectly. They are used in competitions and dressage, when the animal endures the most significant loads. Their texture is similar to medical elastic bandages and is well suited for fixing padded pads.

Woolen or wool blend

These headbands last a long time, especially half-woolen ones with the addition of acrylic in the composition. In them, the animal’s legs breathe, they are fixed not tightly, but securely.

Blanket and saddle pad: how to sew equipment for a horse with your own hands

Very often, the concept of “horse care” only means arranging a stall for a four-legged friend, good pasture, as well as high-quality nutrition.
However, this is not the entire list of horse needs that a caring owner must satisfy by taking on such a high responsibility - maintaining one horse or several. After all, there are also cold winter months, during which horses need protection not only from wind and precipitation, but also from low temperatures. In frosty and simply cold seasons, a warm blanket made well and according to all the rules will help preserve the health of the horse, and therefore the strength and time of the owner. Every caring owner can sew it on their own without much effort. However, if for some reason this is impossible or difficult, then there is always the opportunity to buy it.

Choosing a pattern

For the pattern, you can take any suitable factory saddle pad and outline it on paper

For the pattern, you can use the above diagrams, you can also take any suitable factory saddle pad and outline it on a newspaper or any other paper. Don't forget to indicate the location of the stalemate.

Varieties

There are saddle pads for every taste:

1. Lining with pockets.
2. For different seasons - winter, summer.
3. With a cutout for a horse's withers.
4. With wing extension.
5. With straps for girths and girths.
6. With porous filler. The fabric has a cellular structure. This helps the horse's sweat be absorbed and released more quickly. Recommended for active training.
7. Made from sheepskin. Non-toxic dyes are used for production. These saddle pads are suitable for the sensitive skin of a horse. They fight overheating and absorb well. The disadvantage is the high cost.
8. For long trips. They are denser, with a thick lining.

Each type of equestrian sport has its own characteristics, for example:

• for show jumping, the bedding is shorter, in the shape of a drop;
• for dressage - square, the wings are not brought forward, extended downwards;
• saddles for different competitions (universal) are equipped with a lining that resembles a trefoil.

Sports saddles and components

Their purpose is to simplify the movement of the animal as much as possible during any running and jumping. Sports saddles are used everywhere, in any sport where a horse is involved. And also at a higher riding school, directly in the process of studying. But in this case, even more simplified saddles are used, due to which their weight and cost are further reduced.

Saddle patterns: a) sports saddle b) cavalry saddle

Sports saddle composition:

The tree is a metal part, it contributes to the hardness of the saddle, it consists of benches that are fastened together with metal arches - the front and rear pommel. The length of the tree can vary depending on the specific type of equestrian sport.

The wings and fender liners are made of leather. They protect the rider's legs and shade the sweatshirt. Racing saddles have wings directed forward, due to the fact that the rider directs his legs forward, rising in the stirrups, and in riding schools the wings are slightly tilted down.

The seat is similarly made of leather. The saddle provides a comfortable fit on the horse's back, both for the rider and the horse itself.

The pillows are made from fairly thick fabric and wool is stuffed inside. They are placed immediately under the saddle, while tightly adjacent to the horse.

The saddle cloth is cut from good thick felt. By its presence, it slightly softens the load on the horse’s back, protects against abrasions and, judging by the name, absorbs the sweat that is released during the training process. A saddle pad is placed over the sweat pad, which is not part of the saddle, but is intended to disinfect the skin from the sweat pad.

Before choosing a girth, pay attention to the reliability of the braid. Nowadays, two pieces of girths are attached to the saddle harness, thanks to which they hold the saddle and it does not slip off the horse’s back.

The stirrups are made of metal and attached to a harness - a kind of belt with buckles. The putlishche is pushed into the sneller (a specific invention with a lock). The length of the harness is set to match the rider’s legs. The stirrups act as a second support for the rider.

Race saddles are used only on racetracks

Often, most people think that racing and sports saddles for horses are the same type. But this is not true, racing saddles are used only on hippodromes and during horse racing and they have nothing to do with equestrian sports.

Sports (all except vaulting) and racing saddles for horses are much lighter in weight than combat and Cossack saddles - only up to 9 kg, although they are also found weighing 0.5 kg (their minimum weight).

Read also: Don breed of horses: description, advantages and disadvantages

DIY making

Sewing a saddle pad at home is not difficult. To do this, it is enough to have the desire, choose the right material, cut the fabric and sew it.

Material

One of the most common materials used today is fleece. Natural fleece provides more cushioning, but synthetic fleece is more durable and easier to care for.

The key property of felt saddle cloths is the ability of the material to absorb sweat. Felt is considered an excellent shock absorber that helps reduce the pressure placed on the horse's back.

Waterproof and easy to clean, neoprene saddle pads are usually lined with mesh on the inside to promote good air circulation and breathability. They also provide good shock absorption and reduce saddle slippage.

The gel perfectly distributes weight and absorbs shock. It also provides greater comfort for the horse than other materials. This product is heavier and more expensive, but it is the best choice for horse racing participants.

The saddle pad consists of 3 layers: between the top and bottom there is a layer of filler. The filler can be padding polyester or foam rubber. For edging around the edges you will need a special braid or belt. Width - about 3 cm, length - about 1.5 m. Velcro will be needed for fastenings. Their size is 32–35 cm.

How to sew a horse blanket

It’s very easy to get a blanket now, however, if the owner wants to sew it himself, then the first step is to decide on the material . When selecting it, it is worth considering that rustling fabrics can very frighten the horse when it is first put on, and subsequently cause him discomfort. It is also worth understanding that waterproof fabrics do not “breathe” at all, and this is unpleasant for the horse, and the owner will have to constantly check whether the horse is sweating. For an insulated version of blankets, the following options are optimal:

If you just want a light cape, then you should opt for mesh and cotton materials. To make fastening connections, you will also need carabiners (usually 5 or 6 pieces) and an equal number of rings. In addition to the above, you will need:

• special braid (trok) approximately 2 cm wide;
• wide elastic band.

When all the required components have been purchased, you can begin taking measurements . If it is not possible to measure the horse for which blankets are supposed to be sewn, the following dimensions are taken as a standard basis:

• length - 2.4 m,
• width - 2 m,
• height - 0.2 m,
• collar length - 60-65 cm.

If the pattern has already been drawn or found, then you can start sewing.

Procedure:

1. narrow parts of the cutting need to be stitched into a single piece,
2. secure the corners by placing the pieces on top of each other,
3. cut the collar
4. Sew a sling around the perimeter of the entire product so that the edges do not wear out.
5. On the wrong side, sew a drawstring with open edges, departing 140 cm from the collar.
6. Insert an elastic band around the perimeter and sew it in the form of a ring.

Gallery: horse blanket and saddle pad (25 photos)

Carbine

This device should be attached and basted approximately 100 cm in front of the edge, and a ring is sewn opposite.
The carabiner is placed on an elastic band folded twice, and at the upper ends of the collar there should be 2 carabiners, each of which is sewn on an elastic band. When folded, they are 15 cm long. Rings for attaching carabiners are sewn in approximately the same way. This is approximately how you can create a warm thing with your own hands for your pet. Only to the standard sizes you need to add another 20 cm . If the horse is too frisky, then additional fastenings will be necessary. Here you will need an elastic band with a pair of carabiners. A self-sewn blanket will cost you much less and will serve your beloved pet for a long time and decorate it, in no way inferior to a store-bought or branded one.

Types of blankets

Horse “clothes” are divided into several types. There are blankets:

• Winter (stall and walking).
• Warming (wool and fleece).
• Drying blankets (special, post-workout).
• Summer (cotton bedspreads).
• Interseasonal rain blanket (protects from wind and rain).

Winter blanket

A winter blanket for a pet will be especially indispensable in a sharply continental climate. Such clothing for horses is developed to guarantee excellent health of maned friends and is made mainly from warm materials. It comes equipped with various fastenings:

Winter clothing for horses is made mainly from natural and breathable materials. They allow the skin to breathe without condensation, so the animal is warm and dry.

Horse breeders widely use fleece horse blankets. Such products have a number of advantages:

• not heavy
• can be used without special care (can be washed in washing machines),
• not easily soiled,
• dry well,
• breathable,
• do not allow the horse to freeze even when wet.

In addition, they are hypoallergenic and do not allow harmful insects to breed.