LeMieux's different types of saddle pads

It was the production of Saddle Pads that really put LeMieux on the map. But how did the brand actually emerge? Robert Lemieux was an eventing rider who competed at Olympic level for Great Britain and later for Canada. Unfortunately, a serious injury forced him to stop competing in 2004. In 2003, Robert and his wife started Horse Health, a horse supplement company. In the year 2006, they eventually launched the LeMieux brand, when they noticed a need for quality lambskin saddle pads and started making their own range. Above all, they wanted to make quality products at an affordable price.  For instance, they use 100% natural bamboo for the liners. Which has proved very effective for dissipating heat and sweat. 

What makes the LeMieux brand stand out 
Nowadays, saddle pads are not only becoming more pleasing to the eye of the rider, but also more practical for your horse's back. Saddle pads should not slide under your saddle, moisture should be absorbed well and of course you also want it to look nice. LeMieux makes high-quality products, always using the latest innovations. 
 
Optimal positioning 
All saddle pads from Lemieux feature a gooseneck shape. This gooseneck shape is a high withers projection that follows the shape of the back. Because of this shape, the spine is always nicely free and the saddle pads will not pull on the withers.  

For the long Velcro loop, LeMieux has made a shorter loop that can be attached to the saddle's D-ring. This elastic loop reduces pressure points under the saddle and has an anatomical shape so it fits easily through the ring.   

The interlocking girth system gives you the choice of passing your girth leathers through a large loop or better positioning them by using one of three different loops. Lemieux's girth legs are also reinforced with PU leather to reduce wear and tear. Under this layer is also a shock-absorbing layer to optimally improve the pressure of the girth. 

Bamboo lining  
All LeMieux saddle pads have an inner lining made of an ultra soft and light bamboo lining. This lining is breathable and can absorb more moisture than cotton. This lining also dries faster and is antibacterial. In addition, a bamboo lining is very sustainable as a bamboo forest regenerates faster and replanting is not necessary. Little water is needed to grow bamboo and it yields a lot of raw material. 
 

Lemieux's different types of materials and saddle pads  

Carbon Mesh Air - Ultra Mesh - Self Cooling pad  
For the warmer days or when delivering higher exertion, the Carbon Mesh Air saddle pads, the Ultra Mesh saddle pads and the Self Cooling pads are perfect. This because they ventilate very well but do not become heavy with the drained moisture. 
 
The Carbon Mesh saddle pads are composed of three layers of fabric. Consisting of: 3D carbon mesh, blast foam and bamboo. The carbon mesh ensures air permeation so that sweat is well dispersed. Blast foam provides shock absorption and the bamboo lining of course provides the soft antibacterial inside.  

The ultra mesh saddle pad is the most breathable and lightweight saddle pad in the Lemieux range. This saddle pad is made of multi layered micro-mesh for optimal shock absorption. The extra layer of blast foam under the saddle eliminates the need for an extra half-pad which means even less heat builds up under the pad. 

The Self Cooling pad is the latest addition to Lemieux saddle pads. This saddle pad is made of the innovative FeelCool R Ice material which consists of cooling crystals. These cooling crystals are activated by sweat and give a cooling effect. The insert on the back consists of carbon mesh which allows the warm air to flow out better. 

Merino+   
The Merino+ saddle pads come in two different types: half lined and sensitive.  

The half lined saddle pads are, as the name suggests, half lined with merino + lambswool. This lambswool is only wool without the skin (leather). It is very breathable and offers optimal pressure distribution and shock absorption. The saddle pads are lined with a bamboo lining and a cotton top layer. The Merino+ is also available as a half pad.  

The sensitive saddle pads only have a Merino + lambswool edge. This prevents chafing and is ideal for horses with a sensitive skin. The saddle pads are lined with a bamboo lining and a suede top layer. 

X-Grip  
The X-grip saddle pad features an anti-slip pad that is integrated into the saddle pad. This is not only on the top but also on the bottom. This ensures a very stable position of the saddle. In addition, it also works very shock-absorbing which is extra comfortable for your horse. The X-grip also comes as a half pad.  

Pro-Sorb  
The pro-sorb system has the familiar system of inserts and offers flexibility for adjustment or just more cushioning under the saddle. The pro-sorb system also comes as a half pad. 

Memory Foam  
Lemieux has also made special memory foam half pads. The memory foam half pad is an excellent slow foam pad that distributes pressure and weight evenly. The saddle lies in the memory foam which molds to the horse's back due to its warmth, creating an optimal fit. This increases stability and reduces unwanted movements. The carbon mesh insert minimises pressure on the withers and ensures cool airflow. This pad does not need fastening loops.  

Cotton, suede and satin   
New collections of cotton, suede and satin saddle pads are released every summer and winter, the colours are carefully considered for all coat colours. These fabrics all also have the super soft bamboo lining that absorbs sweat and regulates temperature.