05/09/2026
Let's talk reindeer 😍
EDIT TO CLARIFY AVAILABILITY: The purpose of my post was to provide information to my customer-base about this new item I will be stocking, and to get a feel for the level of interest. This lets me know how much to bring into my inventory and which versions are most popular. Only the 4 pads/hides shown were in my first shipment. I am ordering more now in the versions you have shown interest in. If you want to order one, message me here or via my website, and I will put you on my list to receive one as they come in.
Reindeer hide is considered to be the world's best saddle pad with its outstanding features, voted Best in Test in a saddle pad test conducted by three researchers at the Movement Science Group in Vienna. It has superior impact-protection vs other natural fibers. It has been used by riders in the Nordic countries for centuries, and is still used by both recreational riders as well as top-level endurance riders.
https://eventingnation.com/best-saddle-pad-material-identified/
Reindeer fur is dense, the hairs are air-filled which creates an insulating and phenomenal pressure-relieving effect. Wonderfully soft against the horse, warming and protecting the horse's skin. Moisture repellent and prevents chafing, making reindeer hides particularly suitable for sensitive/thin-skinned horses, horses with difficult saddle positions, and unmuscled horses.
Emma Wold published an excellent, thorough FAQ article that will answer many common questions and familiarize you with reindeer as saddlepad material:
https://emmawold.com/2022/12/18/the-reindeer-saddle-pad-faq/
I will carry:
- BARTL reindeer halfpad, with full-length shim pocket and non-slip topside: $188 - limited availability until further notice. Expect 4-8 week lead-time for a while.
- 70x70 cm cut natural reindeer hide: $129
- Medium 60x75 cm minimum natural hide: $129
- Large 60x90 cm minimum natural hide: $200
(Please note I only have the 3 hides and 1 pad (just sold) shown in the photos currently here. My initial shipment was one of each for me to familiarize myself with them. I am ordering more, which will be sent along with my saddle-shipments. The BARTL halfpads are currently limited availability, please expect longer lead-times until further notice). Other style BARTL pads are available and shown on my website.
BARTL pads use premium-grade reindeer on the underside
NOTE regarding hides: these are not premium grade hides for indoor or decorative use. They have natural defects both on the hair-side and hide-side. There may be pinholes from insect-bites or thinner areas from scars. High-quality tanned skins with cosmetic blemishes (tears in the fur, holes, pink color markings, cut sizes, repairs, tanning stains and micro holes on the underside, etc.) These hides will perform perfectly against your horse, even if not without cosmetic flaws. Colors, shapes, sizes are all variable. No two skins are alike. The beautiful skins vary in shade and color from light beige/brown to gray-brown/white. Please note that all reindeer skins in the world shed regardless of tanning and quality.
How to use?
Hair-side down towards the horse. Neck-to-neck and tail-to-tail. Saddle goes on top. Ride.
Cleaning: Shake it off after the ride. From time to time, vacuum the hide - use a regular vacuum cleaner but select the lowest power and work carefully from top to bottom. Do not wash. Store in a cool dark place. In Winter, use snow to gently clean the hide and hairs.
Note: Avoid walking or standing on the skin to avoid the risk of hair loss.
Expect shedding. It's normal, especially if stored at elevated temperatures. The pad will still perform well.
SUSTAINABILITY
The northern Scandinavian Sami people have raised their reindeer herds for a thousand years or more. They are considered domesticated animals, and the families own their herds. They are no different than cattle-herds or sheep-flocks in other cultures. The reindeer roam freely between Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia, with their herders following them and caring for them. The hides are a product of the harvest of the animal, and putting these slightly imperfect hides to use ensures that no part of the animal goes to waste. It is a sustainable process for both herders, consumers, and nature.
