Saddle cloth is an essential piece of equipment for horses. It serves the main purpose of protecting the horse’s back from abrasions. It is made mostly of cotton or synthetic materials. Riding caps come in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on the type of saddle they will be used. How do you choose the right riding cap?
Caps can have different sizes depending on their manufacturer. Kingsland will often have Dressage/Dressage and Jumping/Jumping markings. Pony and Full-size markings may be found on models that are intended for a particular discipline. These markings are more common in Eskadron, which has a complicated size chart.
- P – The basic cap for small jumping or all-round saddles.
- PD – This profile is dedicated to small dressage saddles.
- DL – This is a common cap for dressage saddles.
- VSD – A dressage/all-rounder profile hat;
- VSS – A cap with a jumping/all round profile. This cap is used primarily for jumping saddles.
- SR – A variety of jumping caps, characterized with a unique shape and clearly rounded lines. It has a profile that resembles a “tear”, which is why it’s often called a tearpad. This profile is for versatile saddles. This profile is also known as general-purpose.
Also, it is worth mentioning the different size and cut designations for the Italian Equiline brand cap.
Jumping profiles
- N – This is the most common jump profile, suitable for jumping and all-round saddles.
- S – Jump profile in the shape of saddle;
- H – The so-called “teardrop equivalent” of SR at Eskadron.
Dressage profiles
- DN – Classic Dressage Profile
- DNX – A longer dressage cap
- DS – Dressage profile in the form of a saddle (so-called dressage profile – saddle cap).
Pony profiles:
- P- Jumping profile for small saddles
- PDN – Dressage profile for small saddles
We have thin cotton saddle pads (also known as cottons) and thicker saddle cloths that are filled with filling. While a thicker pad made of cottony padding with padding will provide better protection for the horse’s back, you will still have some contact. It will also feel more comfortable. This will be a benefit for some, while it may be a disadvantage for others. There are also fur caps, which provide additional cushioning and aesthetic appeal. Personal preference is the main determinant of which riding hat you choose. The primary purpose of a cap is to protect the horse’s skin.