Here : The Geometric Jungle GP Saddle Pad
Give us a bit of background on you as a rider ?
I ’ ve been riding my whole life – when I was about 6 years old , I actually worked at a friend ’ s livery stable in the village in exchange for rides – I ’ m pretty sure I wasn ’ t much help at that age but my love for horses just continued from there ! I got my first pony age 16 – Paladin – he had such an impact on my life I then named my company after him 20 years later ! He was truly a wonderful pony and I spent many happy years exploring the beautiful English countryside with him . I haven ’ t owned since him but I continue to ride and loan horses wherever I can !
Tell us a bit about your choice of sustainable fabrics for these pads ?
The outer fabric is made from a fabric called Rpet – Rpet is made by melting down existing plastic bottles and re-spinning them into a new fibre which can then be used to create different items of clothing , t-shirts , swimwear and most importantly - the very hardy outer layer of your Paladin saddle pad ! We also wanted to make sure that we used an ecofriendly padding and came across bamboo fibre – which is not only eco-friendly but also one of the most wicking fabrics around – making it absolutely perfect for soaking up the sweat from your horses back while you ride ! It was really important to me that not only do they look great and are made using sustainable fabrics – but also that the fabrics contribute to the outstanding quality and usability of the pad !
What are your next plans for Paladin ?
We have so many exciting plans in the works ! I ’ m looking at creating our own matching sets with ear bonnets and bandages to some of our saddle pads , we ’ re designing some pony pads and even looking at a Paladin Petite range – for those super trendy younger riders out there .
Who do you see wearing a Paladin Saddle Pad ?
Oh goodness , everyone ! Paladin is an inclusive brand , and I really do think we have designed a pad for every rider at the yard . The flamingos are just so fantastic and out there for the more extroverted riders that want to make sure they stand out – then the peacock feather and the banana leaf prints are just effortlessly chic – and the geometric jungle print really is the pad for everyone !
What ’ s your favourite design ?
Gosh , I don ’ t think I could pick – different pads look completely different on different coloured horses so they ’ re really versatile . It ’ s hard to choose but I do have to say the flamingo on white was my very first design and I still absolutely adore it – I use it all the time in my own rides !
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs who are wanting to start an equestrian business ?
Passion and dedication ! But also importantly , never settle for something that ' s less than you want it to be ! It has taken me two years to get these pads just right , I ’ ve been through many different samples and with each one the quality has continually improved ! As much as aesthetics and design was a priority , I was adamant that the pads must also be of amazing , premium quality - and there were literally hundreds of obstacles thrown at me on the way . There are so many inspiring equestrians out there doing interesting things so find your passion , think of something you would want to wear / use / feed your horse and go for it !! Be bold !
What tips could you give to horse owners to improve sustainability habits ?
It ’ s all about your consumer choices – do a little bit of research and find a few companies that do good quality and sustainably friendly products and stick with them . You don ’ t have to change everything in your yard but if you can find a few companies that you love , who make products that you love , who have a sustainable ethos then you ’ re on the right track ! It ’ s always rewarding to know you are contributing positively .
To view the range of Paladin Saddle Pads , visit www . paladin-equestrian . com •
EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE : JULY 2021 • 57