LeMieux Merino+ Half-Lined Saddle Pads: The Unsung Hero of Pads

White quilted dressage saddle pad (left) and close contact saddle pad (right) with natural color wool and a black LeMieux logo.

While most horses can wear any saddle pad their rider places on their backs, some horses aren’t so lucky. They experience the agonies of extra-sensitive skin, seasonal hives, allergies to manmade textiles, seasonal or year-round hair rubs, abrasions from friction, thin hair, excessive sweating under a saddle or a host of other challenges, including collagen bumps and fungal issues in follicles.

If you ride one of these horses, a Merino+ Half-Lined Dressage Square or Close Contact Square could be the solution to your horse’s troubles. Merino+ pads have proven so beneficial to horses that we’ve come to think of them as the Unsung Hero of pads.

A Thoughtful Approach to Wool Fleece
Across disciplines, natural wool is known to be the best option for a horse’s back. It offers softness and cushioning, superior breathability, helps maintain temperature and regulates moisture. It also naturally controls the breeding of bacteria and viruses and helps prevent bruising, scarring, chaffing and pressure sores.

The problem with traditional wool fleece pads is the hide hidden inside them. Even with the best care, the hide eventually becomes warped, misshapen or brittle. LeMieux took a thoughtful approach to solving longevity issues experienced with traditional sheepskin fleece pads; with the Merino+ line, no hides are involved. The pads use top-quality WoolMark accredited Australian merino wool and beautifully engineered fabrics. The resulting saddle pads remain soft and withstand daily wear and machine washing.

With Merino+ pads, lambswool is removed from skin and integrated with a unique backing fabric that expands and contracts while retaining its inherent stretch. This fabric aids wicking and moisture control, with each fiber holding up to 30% its weight. The effect of this fabric alone helps keep a horse’s back cooler and drier, and temperature variations are minimized. Add to this all the natural benefits of merino wool, and you’ve got an amazing saddle pad.

Cushioning & Shock Absorption

The consistent density of springy Merino+ wool fleece provides a perfect fit against a horse’s back in every ride. Its soft surface and resilient nature let the fleece mold to a horse’s contours without adding bulk. The fibers help absorb impact, distribute pressure and provide cushioning.

Hypoallergenic & Gentle on Skin
The lambswool, dyes and fabrics used in Merino+ pads are tested to human medical standards by a Swiss laboratory, so they work in harmony with even sensitive skin and are far more stable. The fluffy fibers free the horse from saddle-pad friction, naturally resist static and naturally resist odors.

Thermoregulating & Moisture-Wicking
Some folks look at the wool panels and think, “That’s going to be hot against my horse.” Nothing is further from the truth. Merino wool naturally wicks moisture and promotes airflow. Whether the weather is hot or cold, the wool helps maintain a comfortable climate under the saddle. (Try wearing merino wool socks in summer to prove this point. Your feet won’t sweat, and they won’t stink at the end of a long day.)

Close Contact Feel
Merino+ fleece is placed in panels only under the saddle. The flaps of the pad aren’t lined with fleece, so they feel to a rider just like a “standard” quilted saddle pad. With the fleece panels at the top, most riders with an appropriately fitting saddle have no need to use a half pad.

Quick Drying
The fleece panels dry quickly between rides and after washing. Dirt, hair and dried sweat brushes away. Usually, a freshly laundered pad is ready to use next day.

Other Points to Note

Now that we’ve covered all the irresistible problem-solving benefits of Merino+ Half-Lined Saddle Pads, we must point out a few more must-have features.

  • Finer and shorter wool lines the pathway of the spine, providing comfort for spinal processes and allowing airflow. A swept-up wither cut relieves pressure over the shoulders and base of the neck.
  • LeMieux’s signature layered girth-loop system ensures a perfect fit adjustment with every girth on every horse. The top layer acts as a normal girth loop. The inter-locking layer underneath can be used to secure either or both saddle billets in an ideal position.
  • Timeless style, a classic quilted top, conservative colors and fleece-trimmed withers mean this pad is always appropriate in any ring.
  • The pads generally require less laundering when used on a groomed horse. Simply brush hair away from the fleece fibers!

LeMieux’s Merino+ Half-Lined Dressage Square fits most dressage saddles perfectly and creates an elegant look worthy of competition. The Half-Lined Close Contact Square suits most jump saddles and includes the iconic, swept-up back to avoid interference with the rider’s legs over fences.

Shop the LeMieux Merino+ Half-Lined Close Contact Square

Shop the LeMieux Merino+ Half-Lined Dressage Square

Already have a LeMieux Merino+ Pad? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

Our Dream Fly Sheet: Why & How We Made It

A dark brown horse is running in a grassy field. The horse is wearing a brown leather halter and a white fly sheet with black front and belly buckles.

When beaming hot sun and insects team up, time outside can become uncomfortable for horses. Flies buzz at them almost nonstop, and ultraviolet rays burn skin and bleach hair. That’s why our product developers, also horse owners, got together to create a fly sheet ensemble of their horses’ dreams. The result? Our new, multitasking Dover Saddlery® Fly Combo Sheet complete with removable neck cover and matching fly mask! And it’s arrived just in time for fly season!

A brown horse is standing in a grassy field wearing a white fly sheet, neck cover and fly mask with black trim and black buckles.

With this lightweight and breathable mesh sheet, two-tier construction protects against both insects landing on your horse and ultraviolet rays. A top mesh panel has an ultraviolet fabric treatment to block UV rays. The silver color also helps deflect the sun to keep your horse cooler. The bottom mesh portion, including the belly band, is treated with 12% permethrin to repel insects before they can even think about landing on your horse.

A dark brown horse is wearing a white fly mask with black trim. The fly mask covers the horses ears and nose.

For versatile coverage, the UV-blocking neck cover is easily removed on milder days. Similarly, the UV-blocking fly mask can be used alone or attached to the neck cover for complete protection all day.

We added deep shoulder gussets to ensure a horse’s natural abilities to move. We lined key areas with smooth fabric to protect hair and padded the withers with fleece. We extended the tail flap to help protect tail hair from sun damage and create a deep barrier to keep flies out.

Our horses are currently enjoying the benefits of our dream Fly Combo Sheet—and we expect yours will, too!

Shop the Dover Saddlery® Fly Combo Sheet here.

Is your horse already sporting our latest design? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

WeatherBeeta® Therapy-Tec Makes Lives Better for Horses & Dogs

A YellowLabrador is facing forwards and lying on top of a black dog bed with red trim. The dog and bed are set against a white background.

At Dover Saddlery, we always look for ways to make our animals comfortable, healthy, and happy. When we discovered WeatherBeeta® Therapy-Tec products for horses and dogs, we had to add them to our product lineup!

Therapy-Tec involves powerful ceramic powder blended into technical fabrics that are then applied to a variety of products for horses and dogs. The ceramic fabrics in these products reflect the animal’s body heat through infrared waves, creating a soothing thermal heat. These infrared waves produce multiple beneficial effects on the animal’s body.

  • Increases circulation: By boosting blood flow, it promotes efficient oxygen delivery to tissues. Used before exercise, increased circulation helps warm muscles and prepare them to function well during exertion. It may help reduce the risk of muscle injury during warmup.
  • Supports muscle function: It eases muscle strain, stiffness and soreness. It also supports the body’s natural abilities to reduce swelling and promote healing.
  • Speeds recovery: By reducing lactic acid buildup in muscles after exercise, it decreases the time it takes for muscles to recover from exertion. It also helps support speedier healing of prior injuries.
     
  • Enhances relaxation: The gentle thermal heat soothes the body’s tissues and eases pain associated with arthritis. The reduction in discomfort and tension promotes well-being and calmness.
A brown horse with a white stripe on it's face is shown wearing a WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec Sheet. The sheet is black with red and white trim, it also covers the horse's neck. There are four key features pointed out on the sheet:

Ceramic Fabric Technology: A ceramic powder with long lasting properties blended within the fabric lining that will not wash out. This technology reflects the horse's own body heat via infrared waves (thermal heat). Fleece outer fabric wicks away moisture.

Increases Circulation:
Boosts the horse's blood circulation and encourages oxygen supply to the tissues assisting to warm up the muscles and improve muscle function.

Muscle Function:
Eases muscle strain and soreness enhancing the horse's own ability to reduce swelling and heat.

Recovery:
Speeds up recovery and enhances relaxation.

Because ceramic powder is integrated into WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec material, it provides ongoing therapy when the product is used, and it never washes away. Each product in the Therapy-Tec collection comes with specific care instructions; we recommend you follow the instructions carefully to ensure the longevity of your item. 

Note: As wonderful as Therapy-Tec products are, they are NOT recommended for use with pregnant mares or pregnant dogs.

Therapy-Tec for Horses

Horses of any age or performance level, including retirees, benefit from Therapy-Tec horse clothing at home or during travel. Choose from:

  • Therapy-Tec Quarter Sheet to target your horse’s hindquarters during warmups, cool-downs or hacks in cool or cold weather. 
A dapple grey horse is shown standing in the hallway of a barn with it's face turned to the right. The horse is wearing a WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec sheet. The sheet is black with red and white trim.
Therapy-Tec Standard Neck Sheet
A dapple grey horse is shown standing on a paved road against a background of green trees. The horse is wearing a WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec Combo Neck Sheet that covers it's body and neck. The sheet is black with red and white trim.
Therapy-Tec Combo Neck Sheet
A dapple grey horse is shown facing away from the camera, standing on a paved road against a background of green trees and a stone wall. The horse is wearing a WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec Quarter Sheet that covers it's hindquarters. The sheet is black with red and white trim. The horse is also wearing a black bridle and saddle with a white saddle pad.
Therapy-Tec Quarter Sheet

All these items deliver Therapy-Tec benefits while also providing breathability and moisture wicking for an optimal inner climate.

Due to the profound effects of Therapy-Tec horse clothing, we advise gradually introducing these products to your horse. Increase wearing time from an initial two hours on the first day over the course of subsequent days to allow your horse to become accustomed to its effects. 

Therapy-Tec for Dogs

Whether your dog is young, active or senior, Therapy-Tec assists with pain management, inflammation and muscle recovery post-exercise.

The Therapy-Tec Dog Bed is shown. It is a square black bed with four sides and red trim. It is shown against a white background.

Choose the Therapy-Tec Dog Bed if your dog suffers from pain associated with arthritis and hip dysplasia, especially over cold winter months. This bed is also ideal for active dogs to warm up or relax and recover before or after they play. It features an all-around ceramic fleece lining inside a durable, washable outer, with plenty of plump cushioning for comfort.

A Yellow Labrador is shown standing in a grass field with a background of trees. The dog is wearing a black Therapy-Tec Dog Coat with red and white trim. The blanket has a single belly strap and a grey chest strap that fastens in the front.

When your dog is out and about, the Therapy-Tec Dog Coat makes the soothing thermal heat portable. It works to help reduce lactic acid buildup, aids with pain management and inflammation associated with arthritis, and can also be used to simply keep your companion warm and comfortable. It’s cozy, breathable, and moisture-wicking, too!

Browse our selection of WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec products for horses and dogs here.

Already enjoying the effects of Therapy-Tec? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

How to Dress the “Super-Sensitive” Horse for Fly Season

Most of us know a horse that absolutely hates bugs. Even the sight of a bug has him stomping, flinching, and swishing his tail all day long. Some horses, such as Thoroughbreds, have very sensitive skin and get easily irritated by flies and other insects in turnout. A susceptible horse like this may need the complete coverage of a fly sheet, fly mask, fly boots and fly spray, or any combination of these, to stay comfortable. Does this sound like your horse? Check out a few of our suggestions for products that go beyond your everyday fly spray and can help you and your horse beat the bugs this summer.

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The Inspiration Behind Kelly Herd Equestrian Jewelry: An Interview with Kelly Herd, Head Designer and Owner

Kelly Herd Stirrup Bracelet

With Mother’s Day fast approaching we sat down with Kelly Herd, Head Designer and Owner of Kelly Herd Jewelry to get some inside information on one of the leading brands of equestrian jewelry. A piece of Kelly Herd Jewelry perfectly captures the essence of the equestrian rider and the numerous designs that have been created easily translate from the barn and beyond making your next Kelly Herd purchase perfect for Mom.

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In the Saddle with Holly Andrews: An Inside Look at the Ariat® Divino

holly andrews ariatHolly Andrews, Senior Director of Global English Footwear, has been a manager of English Footwear at Ariat for the last 25 years. She was one of the first employees at the company and built the English category to be what it is today. Holly started riding when she was seven, competing on the A-circuit at age 11 and rode in hunter, jumpers and medal classes throughout her early riding career. As an amateur rider, she has primarily shown in the Hunters and has had the opportunity to ride with many top trainers. For the last several years, she has ridden with John French and competed at top shows including Capitol Challenge, Del Mar National, and HITS Coachella. She now predominantly competes on the West Coast. Continue reading

All About the New Ariat Vortex Tall Boot

ariat vortexTake a look at what Ariat has to say about their new Vortex tall boots.

Introducing Ariat Vortex

Ariat International is best known for their ability to blend performance and comfort into both conventional….and unconventional….English footwear. Ariat believes in riders as athletes and strives to create high performance products that keep up. Continue reading

Change the Way You Clean Stalls – Noble Outfitters Wave Fork

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Regardless of if you clean one stall, twenty or just your trailer, the Wave Fork from Noble Outfitters™ will change your mucking experience. The Wave Fork is made from a heavy-duty i-beam rail and flexible tines attached to a lightweight, aircraft grade, aluminum handle. This lightweight composition, which weighs only 2.1 pounds, combined with a signature basket design make using the Wave Fork extremely easy, comfortable and enjoyable. Continue reading