Q: Hi, as a show horse competitor, I use numnahs often. Do the TACKTILITY™ saddle cloths (dressage saddle) have any problems with slipping, as sometimes numnahs do, especially on round ponies?

A: There are many problems connected with traditional numnahs - especially regarding horse comfort and welfare.  As you have found, they don't always do the job in presentation and reliability for the show horse rider either.

TACKTILITY™ cloths are different.   Because they are not backed with tanned hide - they are double sided, pure premium fleece - they 'hug' the horse's shape far more effectively and work with the movement of the horse and rider.

We have never had any feedback that isn't very complimentary.  From personal experience they 'stay put' really well.  At the moment I am teaching a 5 year old family member to ride on an 8 hand, very round pony.  The pony is young too and doesn't as yet have a well defined wither.  So on a flat back and keg shaped barrel, I'm using the all purpose shape with no problems at all.

Q: Will I see any benefits for my horse by using a TACKTILITY™ saddle cloth, and how do I know that this isn't just another saddle cloth?

A: From the moment you receive your saddle cloth you will see and feel the difference. There is simply nothing like our range on the market. One customer recently remarked "other saddle cloths feel like steel wool in comparison". Your horse is even more sensitive to stimuli on the skin than we are - TACKTILITY™ feels good but works in other ways too which keep your horse comfortable even after very long periods under saddle.

Q: With ongoing use, how long can I expect my saddle cloth to keep its luxury appearance?

A: Because of the inherent properties of natural wool fleece fibre, they are incredibly durable. You can expect many years of “presentation” quality. We are aware of riders who have purchased our products over 15 years ago, still riding and showing in their TACKTILITY™ saddle cloths. Simply follow our care instructions.

Q: What about other colours?

A: We use only natural highest quality fleece. Our fibre is pale cream. We do not use dyed wool which rarely looks attractive against the natural colours of the horse. Pure Alpaca fibre is however available in a range of authentic colours. The richness and lustre compliments your horse and unlike man made dyes - the colour is life long UV resistant, and can never fade.

As your TACKTILITY™ saddle cloth is an investment in your horse's well being and in your presentation, only classic natural fibres will continue to protect your horse long term while always looking good.

Q: How is TACKTILITY™ different from other saddle cloths which look like fleece?

A: The short answer is that our products ARE fine fleece. Those manufactures using advertising to suggest their products are fleece cannot substantiate their claims. The imitation products confer no benefit to your horse and will not stand the test of time in the looks department either.

Q: Why have you introduced Alpaca saddle cloths?

A: Alpaca is a luxury fibre. Alpacas produce fleece in a range of colours. The fibre has qualities to support the welfare of your horse while giving you a sensational looking saddle cloth. We have used this fibre to give our customers a choice of colour in their 'show look' to fully compliment their horse while not compromising on comfort.

Q: Will my horse get hot/cold wearing a wool fibre saddle cloth?

A: No. Pure fine fleece is a natural insulator - perfect in hot and cold conditions - and the full range in between. This is why the uniforms of fire-fighters and defence force personnel are made of this. It breathes, working to keep the body dry and comfortable while also being naturally fire retardant and anti static.

Q: Do you make saddle cloths to customers' specifications?

A: The TACKTILITY™ range is quite broad, so that in most cases there will be a saddle cloth to suit. However if you require a special item, please contact us and we will do our best to help you!

Q: How is it different to a numnah?

A: Our range is vastly different to the old fashioned concept of the numnah, which was an animal’s hide, fleece side down to the horse, with the fleece rolled back with a heavy seam to give the picture of fleece around the saddle. These generally create pressure rather than relieving it! TACKTILITY™ cloths do not contain animal hide, only the cream of the Australian wool clip. The fleece fibres are fabricated into a soft yielding material - which is also strong wearing. The only seams on any of our products are the outer edges. These seams are stitched using two different sewing methods and are designed to stay put without creating a hard seam. These outer seams do not come into contact with your horse. Additionally, unlike numnahs, our range is fully reversible - extra value for our customers.