LeMieux Loire Classic Saddle Pad AW26

Choose the Dressage version when you use the saddle pad under a dressage saddle, and the Jumping version for a jumping saddle. That way the shape of the pad matches the type of saddle you ride in. That is not a detail: a jumping shape under a dressage saddle falls short at the back and gets in the way at the front.

When you saddle up, pull the pad well up into the wither, so that the high wither cut genuinely leaves room and does not sit flat on the wither. Then check that the PU reinforcement at the girth area falls neatly under your girth.

The bamboo blend lining takes up moisture during work. So let the pad dry out properly after a sweaty session before you use it again, so the lining stays fresh to the touch.

The Loire Classic is a good choice when you want a pad that looks smart and is technically worked out at the same time: breathable lining, high wither cut, low-friction edge finish and a well-considered attachment. That makes it suitable for daily training and for the days when your kit has to look tidy, in dressage as well as jumping.

If you ride with both types of saddle, you will need two versions: the shape of the pad is discipline-specific. If what you want is a very simple pad without a satin finish or a technical lining, a basic model from our range makes more sense.

When you saddle up, pull the pad well up into the wither, so the high wither cut genuinely leaves room and does not sit flat on the wither. Then check that the PU leather reinforcement at the girth area falls neatly under your girth; the girth loops are hidden. The elastic D-ring straps are slim at the attachment point, leaving room for other accessories. After a sweaty session, let the pad dry out properly before you use it again. No washing instruction is given.

What is the lining made of?
Of 60% bamboo and 40% polyester. That blend is breathable, helps regulate heat and wicks sweat away.

What does the high wither cut do?
It has been developed to reduce pressure around the wither and at the same time supports a good lie of the pad under the saddle.

Do I take the Dressage or the Jumping version?
That depends on your saddle: the Dressage version for a dressage saddle, the Jumping version for a jumping saddle.

What are hidden girth loops?
They are the loops with which the pad is attached to the girth, tucked away so they are not on show. They are characteristic of LeMieux.

Why is there PU leather at the girth area?
That reinforcement in supple PU leather sits where the girth runs over the pad and strengthens that area.

Why are the D-ring straps made slimmer?
The elastic D-ring straps have a slimmer shape at the attachment point, so there is room left for other accessories.

Which colours is this saddle pad available in?
The model comes in several colours within the LeMieux AW26 collection.

How does this differ from a simple saddle pad?
In the satin outer, the bamboo blend lining, the high wither cut, the low-friction binding and the worked-out attachment with PU reinforcement and hidden girth loops.

• The LeMieux Loire Classic is a technical saddle pad from the AW26 collection.
• The outer is made of woven satin with a large square quilt pattern.
• The lining is a breathable blend of 60% bamboo and 40% polyester.
• The high wither cut helps reduce pressure around the wither.
• All round there is a soft, low-friction binding that preserves the shape of the pad.
• At the girth area there is a reinforcement in supple PU leather with hidden girth loops.
• The model is available as a Dressage and as a Jumping version, in several colours.