Any Recommendations for Custom Embroidery for Saddle Pads?

[Big_Tag]

Hi All!

I’d like to do a group Christmas gift for my barn family, with a white saddle pad, with piping, and a simple design (Barn logo, simple design) and initials embroidered. Lots of Etsy options, etc, but wondering if anyone had a recommendation? Thanks in advance!

[Laurierace]

Our local Dover has an in house embroiderer a couple days per week. You can see if that is an option where you live.

[cmssera2117]

Where are you located? There are bound to be local monogramming places somewhat near you to which you could take pads. Also, most tack shops have access to monogrammers. Realize a barn logo will cost you a 1-time set-up fee for the monogrammers to digitize the logo. North Shore Saddlery in New York has a very good monogrammer who is reasonably priced. (They have a website but no mention of monogramming, even though they do it.)
Great barn present!

[Draftmare]

I have been very happy with my pads that have been monogramed by SmartPak. I have three now, and all of the work is really good.

[beowulf]

Just FYI… You’ll want to hustle: most custom option shops are 4-8 weeks. Dover Saddlery has great quality monograms/custom options but you are unlikely to get it before Christmas - there is a digitizing fee depending on the logo (there will be for any company, Smartpak, Dover, etc) which takes time to digitize, usually 1-3 weeks. Monogramming usually takes 3-5 days at Smartpak and Dover, but they get slammed this time of year.

So your best option, for such a short time period, might be an Etsy shop or somewhere local like a Sports shop that offers that type of thing.

[SBrentnall]

Is it a dressage barn? Don’t buy show pads - it’s now illegal for AAs to show with a barn logo on their pad. Really annoying, since we used to love competing in our “team” pads.

[MissAriel]

Agreed with others that suggested finding a local person/shop. Maybe check Yelp for embroidery. It is a great idea. We have done jackets, pads, stall guards and even folding chairs! Just realize that unless you go with a horse-specific shop, you will want to be very specific about sizes and locations of the embroidery. They won’t necessarily know how the pad goes on the horse!

I got lucky - a neighbor does machine embroidery out of her home.

“it’s now illegal for AAs to show with a barn logo on their pad. Really annoying, since we used to love competing in our “team” pads.” I’m not sure that is the case - USEF rules: “Competition award pads and stable name pads are permitted.”

[SendenHorse]

Yes, local shop. Mine can scan in a logo and it’s $6

[SBrentnall]

[QUOTE=MissAriel;8950555]
I’m not sure that is the case - USEF rules: “Competition award pads and stable name pads are permitted.”[/QUOTE]

Hmmm… “stable name” is unclear - is that the barn name of the horse? Or is it the name of a barn but not its logo? If you read the entire paragraph in DR121, it says that AAs can’t have a business logo on pads:

While in the competition ring and during awards ceremonies, a logo/monogram or name may appear on either or both sides of a saddle cloth in an area not exceeding 200 cm2 (26.632 sq. inches). Only the following logos or names are permitted: breed logos (for horses registered with that breed); a national flag (for citizens of that country); USEF or USDF names/logos. Professionals may have a business or product name/logo of their official sponsor. Amateurs may not have a business or product name/logo unless they own the business. Competition award pads and stable name pads are permitted.

[wallyworld]

I do custom embroidery and monogramming on saddle pads and all kinds of other horse and human apparel. I can digitize logos as well. I have a commercial machine and quick turnaround, and as carry pads from several vendors such as Roma, PRI and Union Hill. Dozens of monogram fonts as well as designs to decorate Dressage pads as well. My Etsy and FB shop is The French Thread. I’d be happy to help anyone out, and I discount larger quantities for show prizes, colleges or riding teams.

[J-Lu]

I have had saddle pads embroidered for my COTH SS, and I went to a local embroidery store. They did a great job, and the thread density was better than I could get at Dover or typical tack stores. I think you can just bring them a design or logo to scan - I think they do this frequently for jackets and other things they embroider. Go local, I say!