Fur saddles are equally comfortable for horse and rider. They allow optimal freedom of movement and train the rider's independent seat and balance. Fur saddles for horses are therefore an excellent change from riding with classic saddles.
Fur saddles are lined with a plush fur. Fur saddles with real sheepskin are also called sheepskin saddles, but often an animal-friendly artificial sheepskin is used. The fur used in these saddles is very strong and durable, and has a shock-absorbing effect. Most fur saddles have fur in the area of the horse's back as well as in the rider's seat. The main difference to the English saddle or Western saddle is that the fur saddle has no gullet and no saddle tree. Like the bareback pads, the fur saddle falls into the category of treeless saddles. Therefore, if possible, fur saddles should not be used with stirrups. The stirrup leathers can cause uneven pressure distribution. Even though some fur saddles are equipped with stirrups, it is not advisable to use them permanently when riding with a fur saddle.
In order to provide additional protection for the horse's back and ensure a better distribution of pressure from the fur saddle and the rider's weight, some fur saddles have insertion pockets with Velcro fastenings. This allows for optimal padding. Even if the classic fur saddle does not restrict the horse's spine, a fur saddle with spine clearance can be formed with appropriate padding. This is particularly useful when using a bareback saddle on horses with high withers. The Bareback Iberica Plus sheepskin saddle from Christ is very popular and has these practical insertion pockets. For all Shetland pony owners, this stylish black fur saddle is even available in Shetty size.
No matter which type of saddle you look at, there are advantages and disadvantages to all of them. However, experience with fur saddles shows one clear advantage: they fit almost all horses. Of course, there are exceptions, and even a fur saddle cannot simply be put on every horse. But no matter whether you are looking for a fur saddle for your cold-blooded horse or a fur saddle for your Icelandic horse - taking into account the back line and the back muscles of your horse - a suitable model can be found for almost all of them. The fur saddle also has advantages in terms of fine aids and hygiene. Because of the closeness to the horse you can feel every movement and you can control your weight more precisely, while the saddle still offers sufficient pressure protection. Sheepskin saddles are also breathable, washable and generally easy to care for.
However, as the fur saddle should be used without stirrups, it is best not to dispense with a conventional treed saddle. This is because even a fur saddle has its limits. It is not suitable for jumping and cross-country riding, and fur saddles for dressage can only be recommended to a limited extent. Since they follow the horse's belly curves, you sit very wide-legged, especially with strong horses. The correct dressage seat with the leg tucked in is hardly possible. In western riding, however, fur saddles are often used. Western fur saddles are specially developed for Western riders, they correspond to the shape of a conventional Western saddle and have been adapted to the individual needs of Western riders.
In addition to the classic fur saddles and sheepskin saddles from brands such as Christ, you will also find imitation leather bareback pads, practical sheepskin pads for putting under the saddle, but also classic saddles with matching accessories such as stirrup leathers, stirrups and girths.
