Reindeer hide is a little different from a conventional saddle pad, so naturally we receive plenty of questions about using and caring for it.
Does it shed? Is it hot? How do you clean it? Which direction should the hair run? And is caring for a whole reindeer hide different from caring for a purpose-made BARTL reindeer saddle pad?
Here are the answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Why use reindeer hide under a saddle?
Reindeer hair has a unique hollow structure, with each hair containing air. This creates a remarkably lightweight, resilient layer beneath the saddle with excellent cushioning and pressure-distributing properties.
Reindeer hide is also wonderfully soft against the horse, helps reduce friction and does not require a thick or heavy pad to provide substantial cushioning.
Published research comparing saddle pad materials has also found reindeer fur particularly effective at reducing peak forces and improving pressure distribution beneath the saddle.
We go into the science and benefits in much more detail in our article The Benefits of Reindeer Hide as a Saddle Pad. This FAQ is all about the practical side of using and caring for it.
Can I use a whole reindeer hide as a saddle pad?
Absolutely.
A whole reindeer hide can be used beneath the saddle without being incorporated into a conventional saddle pad. It is a beautifully simple option and can be positioned to suit the individual saddle and horse.
The important thing is that the hide is large enough to extend beyond the entire weight-bearing area of the saddle. You don’t want the edge of the hide sitting underneath a load-bearing portion of the saddle.
Alternatively, purpose-made BARTL reindeer saddle pads incorporate genuine reindeer hide into an anatomically shaped saddle pad, with a clear spinal channel and additional features depending on the model.
Both options provide the natural properties of reindeer hide — they simply offer them in different formats.
Which direction should the reindeer hair run?
When using a whole reindeer hide, pay attention to the natural direction of the hair.
The reindeer hair should lie in the same direction as the horse’s coat beneath the saddle. You don’t want the reindeer hair running against the direction of the horse’s hair, as the two coats can work against each other as the horse moves and create unnecessary friction.
Simply run your hand over the reindeer hide to find the direction in which the hair naturally lies smooth, and position the hide so it follows the direction of your horse’s coat.
With a purpose-made BARTL reindeer saddle pad, the hide is already positioned correctly within the pad.
Does reindeer hide shed?
Yes — a small amount of shedding is completely normal, but it really isn’t much.
This is probably the question we are asked most often.
You may occasionally find a few reindeer hairs on your horse, saddle or clothing, particularly when the hide is new. Some loose hairs can remain within the coat following processing and tanning and gradually work their way out with use.
Reindeer hairs are hollow, which is one of the characteristics that gives the hide its exceptional insulating and cushioning properties. The downside of this unusual structure is that the individual hairs are more susceptible to breakage than solid hair or wool fibres.
This is why reindeer hide should be treated gently. Rough brushing, scrubbing, combing, crushing or standing on the hide can break the hollow hairs and cause unnecessary hair loss.
Some natural shedding can occur throughout the life of a genuine reindeer hide, but in our experience with good-quality reindeer hides and BARTL pads, the amount is generally very small.
The occasional hair is normal. Large amounts of continuous hair loss or rapidly developing bald areas are not what we would consider normal shedding.
Is reindeer hide hot under the saddle?
This is an understandable question. Reindeer live in Arctic conditions, so at first glance their incredibly insulating coat might sound like the last thing you would want beneath a saddle in an Australian summer!
The interesting thing about insulation, however, is that it helps regulate the transfer of heat rather than simply creating heat.
The hollow reindeer hairs trap air, while the structure of the coat allows moisture and air to move between the hairs. Reindeer hair is also naturally moisture repellent rather than behaving like a highly absorbent wool fibre.
BARTL specifically recommends its reindeer saddle pads for year-round use, including summer, and notes that sweat moves between the tubular hairs rather than being absorbed into the hair itself.
After riding, simply remove the hide or pad and allow it to dry thoroughly before storing it.
Does reindeer hide need much maintenance?
Very little.
For normal everyday use, reindeer hide generally doesn’t need constant washing or complicated maintenance.
A gentle shake after riding and allowing it to air and dry thoroughly will take care of most day-to-day maintenance.
How you care for it from there depends on whether you have a whole reindeer hide or a BARTL reindeer saddle pad, as the tanning and manufacturer’s care instructions are different.
Caring for a Whole Reindeer Hide
Our whole reindeer hides are Nordic hides intended for outdoor use and can withstand normal equestrian conditions.
After riding
Remove the hide from and give it a gentle shake to remove dirt, dust and loose hairs.
If it is damp or sweaty, allow it to dry naturally before storing it.
If brushing is needed, use a soft brush and work gently in the natural direction of the hair. Avoid aggressive brushing, scrubbing or combing, which can damage the hollow hairs.
Most of the time, shaking it out and allowing it to air is all that is required.
If your hide gets wet
Allow it to dry slowly indoors at a low temperature.
Don’t try to speed up the process by placing it beside a heater or another strong source of heat. Slow, natural drying is kinder to the hide.
Can I wash a whole reindeer hide?
We don’t recommend routinely washing a whole hide.
Tanning methods vary between suppliers, so washing instructions for one reindeer product shouldn’t automatically be applied to another.
For our Nordic whole reindeer hides, normal care consists primarily of shaking, airing, gentle brushing when required and slow drying if the hide becomes wet.
How should I store it?
Make sure the hide is completely dry before putting it away.
For long-term storage, keep it somewhere cool and dry, such as a tack room, stable, garage, house or similar cool environment.
Avoid storing it damp, tightly compressed or for extended periods in a warm, heated room.
Caring for a BARTL Reindeer Saddle Pad
BARTL reindeer saddle pads have their own specific care instructions.
BARTL uses selected AAA-grade winter reindeer hide and a specialised tanning process developed to make the leather resistant to horse sweat. Because of this specialised processing, BARTL reindeer products can also be hand washed when necessary.
After riding
BARTL recommends:
- Shake off loose dirt after use.
- Allow the pad to dry in a well-ventilated area with the reindeer fur facing upwards.
- Give the hide a gentle shake regularly.
- If brushing is required, use a soft brush and always brush in the direction of the hair.
- Do not use coarse brushes or combs.
- Avoid standing or walking on the reindeer hide, as crushing the hollow hairs can cause them to break.
The hide can also occasionally be vacuumed very gently using a household vacuum cleaner on its lowest setting, working carefully in the direction of the coat.
Can I wash my BARTL reindeer saddle pad?
Yes.
BARTL reindeer products can be hand washed in warm water up to a maximum of 30°C.
Use a detergent specifically designed for hides or skins. Do not use ordinary laundry detergent.
Importantly, these washing instructions apply specifically to BARTL’s specially tanned reindeer products and shouldn’t automatically be applied to other reindeer hides.
Can I put a BARTL reindeer pad in the washing machine?
No.
BARTL’s instructions for its reindeer hide products are hand wash only.
How should I dry a BARTL pad after washing?
Allow it to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.
BARTL specifically advises not to dry reindeer hide in direct sunlight or over a heat source.
Don’t place it over a heater or use excessive heat to speed up the drying process.
Whole Hide or BARTL Pad – Which Should I Choose?
Both are lovely options, and neither is inherently better.
A whole reindeer hide is simple and versatile. It can be positioned to suit different saddles and gives you the benefits of reindeer hide without adding a conventional textile saddle pad.
A BARTL reindeer saddle pad incorporates premium reindeer hide into a purpose-made pad with anatomical shaping, spinal clearance and additional features depending on the model.
The best choice really comes down to your horse, your saddle and the type of riding you do.
If you’re unsure which style or size would work best with your saddle, please get in touch — we’re always happy to help.