Hufglocken 25% off

[outerbanks77]

The cotton is a pretty thin pad. It is just thick enough to have some structure so they don’t bunch up or anything. They’re my preferred schooling pad because they do fold up more easily so I can stuff a couple in the washer at a time, and they are probably a little more breathable/cooler than the sheen pads. I hang dry my pads, so YMMV if you put them in the dryer.

My sheen pads have been washing up fine, but they haven’t been in heavy daily use. I’ve used them for schooling when needed, but they are more my lesson/clinic pads. They are thicker and puffier than the cotton pads and thus less breathable and not as easy to stuff in the washing machine. Have not purchased a velvet pad yet.

Today I put my darker chestnut mare on the yellow Surefoot pads and pods, and noticed that the color actually looks really good on her. One more nudge towards ordering a fun pad in the curry color.

[see_u_at_x]

Yay!!! I’m so happy that it worked out for you!

[see_u_at_x]

This makes me really happy to hear. I bought one of the Equito pads in 2019 for showing, but have yet to use it. I was wondering how it would wash up and reading this gives me hope. Fingers crossed that I get to use it this year!

Like JenEM, I’m not 100% sure I’ll reorder the Mattes pads again, mostly because I feel like any hair really sticks to the underside. But we’ll see. In the interim, I’m enjoying my “new to me” used denim LeMieux pad that I acquired recently and am looking forward to seeing my male trainer ride around on my horse with the cute blue and yellow flowered HKM pad I picked up recently. LOL

[sweetsalute]

I’ve got one on the way, nothing fancy, just navy cotton with a single silver piping (I’m a fan of keeping it minimal). I like they have a variety of sizes, a full on my mare is just toooo big and pony is borderline too small, so I ordered a medium. Didn’t get the sheepskin as for some reason I don’t like the idea of the sheepskin getting dirty sitting directly on the horse, and I have one of their half pads with the correctional system anyway. Poor youngster is using the decade old cheap cotton pads that belonged to my retiree so I’m excited to get one for just her.

[CanteringCarrot]

I was pleasantly surprised that the Equito washed so well. Looks like new. Some of the satin pads can shrivel a bit (looking at you Eskadron) no matter how I wash them.

[ASBJumper]

In case anyone is afraid to wash the sheepskin Mattes pads, it comes with a special detergent and i’ve washed both of my cotton pads twice now, and they came out beautifully clean and fluffy (i’ve had bad experiences washing sheepskin before). They say you can put them in the dryer but i’m too paranoid and i just air dry mine. I noticed that in the summer my filly would sweat a normal amount, mostly just under the sheepskin (and really evenly, i might add) and the girth, whereas when i was using a cotton Eskadron pad + sheepskin half pad she would sweat like a stuck pig under all of it, and was exceedingly hot to the touch.
The full pads with integrated sheepskin definitely allow her to cool herself better and breathe really well.
Not really sure why anyone would bother ordering these if they’re not going to take advantage of what Mattes is known for - their top quality sheepskin. If you’re just going to go cotton, there are tons of quicker options available (as evidenced by this thread).

[Feathered_Feet]

I will attest to that! I’ve been using integrated sheepskin pads for decades now (now exclusively Mattes, but I’ve used Christ before and they are also great, if not a little thicker) and I’ve always thrown mine in the washer with Melp (never use regular detergent!!). I’ve heard any wool-safe cleaner will work (e.g., woolite) but haven’t tried them.

I agree with the drier - I’ve heard you can put them in on low, but in my experience they always shrink the cotton a bit, then you have to hand stretch it back out which is a huge pain. Much easier to air dry, then use the drier on no-heat to fluff, if needed (I’m sure the horse doesn’t care either way).

And I’ve also noticed better air circulation with the sheepskin again the horses back. Many people think sheepskin is warming, which is true to some extent, but it is more so a temperature regulator, which means they are also fantastic in the summer. So they are my (and my horse’s) favorite by a long shot.

[CanteringCarrot]

My Mattes sheepskin half pad (when I used it) always went under my square dressage pad (LeMieux usually). That way the horse got the actual benefits of the sheepskin. The half pad is back with no rolls on the front or back, so you don’t even notice it is there there afar. I keep a slicker dog brush at the barn and brush it out. Same with the girth. This keeps it fluffy. I wash every so often with Melp, let it air dry, and then brush. Good as new.

I also liked my integrated sheepskin pad but sold it a few years back since I no longer have a jump saddle to fit it.

[Jealoushe]

The denim Lemieux is worth $$$$

I love the cotton/merino pads (basic pad not the sheepskin ones). I had a bunch but I just sold them all, I prefer the Lemieux just because of the matchy matchy options they have lol

[see_u_at_x]

The denim Lemieux is worth $$$$

Truth be told, I am embarrassed to even think about how much I spent on that pad! I wanted to buy it back when it first came out, but the exchange rate was terrible at the time, so I didn’t do it. In the end, I ended up spending more on this pad than I’ve ever spent on any other with the exception of sheepskin Thinline. I ended up selling my mint, new in box 1988 Barbie Ferrari which covered the cost + shipping as I figured I’d get more use out of the pad than the Ferrari.

Overall, I agree with you - I love the LeMieux pads probably more than any other in my collection and have more of them than any other brand. (Eight of my 19 pads are LeMieux.) I do wish they’d come with fun piping, but the colors and quality are awesome enough that I’m willing to overlook that small “want.”

[theresak]

Sorry everyone to be derailing this thread into Lemieux!!!

I did a “treat yo-self” this January and bought my first Lemieux cotton suede pad - it was used and still the most I’ve ever spent for a pad other than Mattes or Thinline. Now I know what I’ve been missing using my $25 Roma pads the last 10 years…Roma pads can take a beating and stay functional but look pretty rough and are less structured after a few washes.

So I’m trying to feed my new addiction without paying too much. Any other suggestions for pads to try that hold their shape almost as well as the Lemieux and that wash and wear well? I also love the d-ring straps (or no straps) and the reinforcement at the girth strap.

[GraceLikeRain]

@Piaffe11

I got two of the Sheen pads, so I can’t comment on the straight cotton. I find mine don’t wash up as nicely as my Lemieux pads - although both of them are lighter colours (blush and the kelly green).

Same. I was disappointed when it arrived and even more so after I washed it. It’s thicker than I want for a summer pad and holds hair so intensely that it’s going to be a pain with a winter coat. I wish I’d gotten another cotton or suede Lemieux pad instead.

[see_u_at_x]

@theresak

Any other suggestions for pads to try that hold their shape almost as well as the Lemieux and that wash and wear well? I also love the d-ring straps (or no straps) and the reinforcement at the girth strap.

I really like my Schockemohle Power Pad. It seems to meet all your requirements. Others I have and like meet some, but not all of those requirements:
Custom Saddlery - doesn’t have the girth reinforcement but washes well and holds its shape
Toklat - holds its shape really well but no girth reinforcement and I had to cut off the billet straps
Wilkers - can be customized with colors and to not have the billet straps, washes well, no girth reinforcement

I also have several Seams Right pads that are amazing, but she’s gone out of business. If you can get your hands on used ones that are in good shape, they wear like iron, wash well, and hold their shape, too. My one Harry’s Horse pad has lasted well and not lost any of the crystals after almost six years and several washes. The jury is still out on my Laura Garelli Sole Mio pad that I just bought since I haven’t used it yet. Hope that helps somewhat!

[ASBJumper]

It looks just as sensational on my mare as I thought it would!! (and yes, I got the black patent DSBs to go with it). I think (i hope?) i’m done collecting for a while… I now have 3 to rotate through plus a show pad, so i’m good. But OMG they’re like candy, I could have a room full of them in all sorts of colours, lol!!

[beowulf]

OK, I absolutely love this. Gorgeous horse too!

You guys are a bad influence. I have a bunch of Lemieux but I really want an XC pad in my custom colors…

And a dressage one. Lol.

[joiedevie99]

I’m getting pretty frustrated with them, and likely won’t order again despite the cost savings. I still don’t have my order promised for Christmas.

[enjoytheride]

Your issue doesn’t seem to have anything to do with Hufglocken though, they were pretty clear about the long wait times and your issue appears to be with US customs.

[joiedevie99]

Fair - they didn’t ship until February, but it has been a US Customs issue since then.

[ASBJumper]

DOOOO IT!!!

[enjoytheride]

Right, their time to ship has been consistently 3 months.