Sheepskin; the most versatile fabric!

Sheepskin saddle pads are an incredibly fashionable, attractive item to kit your horse out in for schooling or competing but the use of true sheepskin, as opposed to a synthetic alternative also provides unique health benefits, particularly useful during the summer months.

Often horse owners typically associate sheepskin as a cosy, warm layer that can provide warmth and comfort for our equines during the winter months. Though this is an accurate analogy, in fact sheepskin is exceptional at absorbing moisture and therefore provides a useful item during the winter and summer months alike.

Sheepskin numnahs and saddle cloths made from natural materials are considered one of the highest performing materials. Despite density sheepskin is highly breathable, composed of a mass of softly curled fibres that can hold many microscopic air pockets allowing air to circulate and water vapour to be released.

As well as allowing water to evaporate sheepskin draws water and sweat away from our equine’s backs. Sheepskin wool is able to hold 30% of its own weight in moisture before it begins to feel damp, allowing our horse’s skin and coat to remain drier for longer.
In addition real sheepskin, through its density and structure warms up and cools down, thermoregulating more slowly and effectively than other materials. This reduces temperature fluctuations in the muscles of our equine’s back, which in turn reduces the risk of injury.

World Wide Tack offer a wide range of Sheepskin accessories made from the highest quality Australian lambswool so you can kit your horse or pony out in the best products available.

For more information or to see the wide range of sheepskin products World Wide Tack has available visit the website at: www.worldwidetack.com

Why choose sheepskin?

Sheepskin has been used historically to protect your horses skin! Whether it be used as a saddle pad, girth sleeve or on a bridle or headcollar – the benefits to using Sheepskin are plenty…

• Sheepskin has exceptional wicking properties meaning that it absorbs moisture and draws it away from the horse’s skin – this can be particularly beneficial if your horse suffers from ‘heat bumps’ under the saddle. 
• Sheepskin is highly shock absorbing which means that concussion is reduced – particularly useful for competition horses who are working hard!
• By placing Sheepskin against the body directly it can help activate blood circulation. To gain the benefits of sheepskin it should be placed directly on your horse rather than on top of a synthetic pad. 
• For sensitive skinned horses Sheepskin is ideal because it is soft, non-abrasive and natural meaning that even those prone to skin irritation will feel comfortable wearing it. 
• The lanolin in Sheepskin products means it self cleans and helps protect against dirt and bacteria. Simply hang in fresh air to refresh after use and it will be ready to go!
• At this time of year Sheepskin can be particularly beneficial on clipped coats that is susceptible to rubs and marks. Ideal for using on reins, girths, under saddles and on nosebands – the soft, luxurious fabric can protect against further rubs meaning you don’t have to give your horse unnecessary time off in the event of irritation. 

At www.worldwidetack.com we have a wide range of Sheepskin products available. Click here to find out more.