Customizable Mattès Sheepskin Shock Absorber

The model follows the cut of your saddle, not the horse’s conformation.

• Dressage — long, straight flaps.
• General-purpose — the everyday saddle, with moderately forward flaps.
• Jumping — short, forward flaps, for a show-jumping or cross-country saddle.

Choose the size based on your saddle; this is the configurator’s first selection. Measure the length of your saddle panels, from front to back: add 6 cm, then choose the size whose back length is at least that measurement. The size guide provides all the measurements.

Not sure? Contact us before ordering: we will confirm your configuration with you before production begins.

• Hexagon — cotton, honeycomb quilting. The classic Mattès.
• Quilt Sheen — the same cotton, slightly shinier and smoother.
• Velvet — a different material with a velvety feel.

Velvet is available in fewer colors than cotton: the configurator displays only the shades actually available in the selected material. So if you change the quilting, your color may change — this is normal and prevents you from placing an order that cannot be made.

The ribbon is the band along the upper edge, while the trim is the piping that runs all the way around. Both can be chosen freely, and they are what give the piece its most personal touch.

Spine-Free® — Mattès’ standard channel. It clears the spine: the saddle pad sits properly under the saddle and air can circulate. EWWA adds a wither cutout, without sheepskin, to provide more clearance—for horses with prominent withers.

Straps — the long strap fastens with Velcro; the “short” straps are available in one fixed color, black or white. PM is Mattès’ own system: an opening in the saddle pad through which the pad’s straps pass, so everything can be fastened at once.

The correction system — shim pockets for correcting a saddle that tips forward or backward. There are always two pockets, one on each side: at the front, at the back, or both. Three shims are supplied for each position, to be inserted as needed.

Saddle Fix — a removable strap that fits into the gullet, between the saddle and the top of the saddle pad, to prevent it from slipping.

Daily care — let the saddle pad dry, then brush the sheepskin with a stiff brush to remove dried sweat. This is the essential maintenance.

From time to time, or as soon as it gets dirty, machine-wash it with a special sheepskin detergent. These detergents clean and replenish the skin's oils, just as you oil a leather saddle: this is what gives the sheepskin its longevity.

Never use regular detergent or fabric softener. Standard detergent dries out the skin: it cracks, and the sheepskin eventually tears away. This is the only real way to damage a Mattès product.

Your saddle pad comes with a care booklet and a sample of detergent. We also sell the appropriate detergent — feel free to order it with your saddle pad.