Classic and custom for discerning equestrians
*Custom orders will show as "Backordered"The as there is no way I can have every combination in stock. Custom orders take approximately 8 weeks to arrive.
top band and piping are available in almost 50 colors. The optional Velcro keepers on the sides come in more than a dozen different shades.
MATTES uses high quality cotton/polyester blend quilted fabric. Half-pads can also be made in hard-wearing velvet on request; special lustrous fibers are woven into the fabric to give a striking look while the thick layer of padding makes the quilted pattern really stand out. Both quilted fabric and velvet are available in a wide range of colors – you can design your pad yourself.
Our SPINEFREE® design reliably prevents any pressure around the withers and spine. The secure SADDLE-FIX® system allows the top seam of the half-pad to be attached comfortably in the gullet of the saddle.
The core of the half-pad is made of two layers: POLY-FLEX® (a deep-needled polyester felt) is used to maintain the shape and spread the pressure, while polyester wadding provides padding. We completely avoid foam, neoprene or gel, making the whole pad breathable.
The half-pad is available with the CORRECTION® System on request, with a choice of one or two pockets; we supply three 5 mm-thick felt shims (POLY-FLEX®) for each pocket, offering the same pressure relief as a good quality new saddle, padded with wool and horsehair. MATTES developed the CORRECTION® System to allow flexible and easy changes to saddle fit by up to 30 mm: to easily compensate for the rapid physical development of young horses in training, for horses that have been out of work for some time, or for trained horses which change shape a lot during the competition season, whenever quick alterations are needed. Simply add extra shims, or just as importantly, remove them, to suit the horse’s changing shape. It is crucial to balance out long-term irregularities in conformation. These should never be corrected by adjusting the saddle itself!