{"product_id":"km-elite-distinction-merino-close-contact-saddle-pad","title":"KM Elite Distinction Merino Close Contact Saddle Pad","description":"KM Elite Close Contact Pad With 100% Merino Sheepskin \u003cp\u003eThe KM Elite Close Contact Pad is a saddle pad lined with 100% Merino sheepskin and finished with a quilted KM Elite outer, designed to cushion the horse's back while keeping the rider's contact close and responsive. It is best for riders using a close contact or general purpose saddle who want natural fleece protection under the saddle for schooling, hacking and competition, without the bulk of a thick numnah.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePart of the KM ELITE Distinction range, the pad fastens with a Velcro girth strap and D-Ring Velcro attachments so it stays put through transitions and turns. You can browse more options in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/saddle-pads\"\u003esaddle pads collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100% Merino sheepskin lining\u003c\/strong\u003e — soft, breathable padding that cushions without bulk\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature regulation\u003c\/strong\u003e — natural fleece helps manage heat and wick moisture under the saddle\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFriction reduction\u003c\/strong\u003e — smooth fleece pile helps limit rubbing where the saddle panels sit\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClose contact shape\u003c\/strong\u003e — preserves rider feel through the seat and leg\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSecure attachment\u003c\/strong\u003e — Velcro girth fastening plus D-Ring Velcro tabs for quick, stable fitting\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuilted KM Elite outer\u003c\/strong\u003e — durable fabric with a refined, professional finish\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKM ELITE Distinction range\u003c\/strong\u003e — consistent construction across the collection\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKM Elite\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClose contact saddle pad\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLining\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Merino sheepskin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOuter fabric\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKM Elite quilted fabric\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFastening\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVelcro girth fastening and D-Ring Velcro attachments\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRange\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKM ELITE Distinction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSchooling, flatwork, hacking and competition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCountry of origin\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChina\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cli\u003ePlace the pad on the horse's back slightly forward of the saddle position, then slide it back along the lie of the coat.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSet the saddle on top and lift the pad up into the gullet so the fleece is not pressing down onto the withers or spine.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePass the Velcro girth tab around the girth strap and press it flat, then secure the D-Ring Velcro attachments to the saddle's D-rings.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eGirth up gradually and re-check the gullet clearance before mounting.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAfter work, allow the fleece to dry naturally, then brush the pile through to lift and separate the fibre.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ol\u003e \u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this pad fit my saddle?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is cut for close contact and general purpose saddles. Lay the pad under your saddle before riding and check the flaps sit within the pad's outline, with the pad clear of the spine along its full length.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes sheepskin make the horse hotter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMerino fleece is breathable and helps regulate temperature, wicking moisture away from the skin rather than trapping it against the back.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use it for competition?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the quilted outer gives a clean, professional look under the saddle and the Velcro fit system keeps the pad stable during a test or round. Always check your discipline's current turnout rules before you compete.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I wash a Merino sheepskin pad?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFollow the care label. As a rule, use a wool-safe detergent, wash cool, avoid fabric conditioner and biological powders, and dry naturally away from direct heat. Brush the fleece once dry to restore the pile.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the pad slip when I ride?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Velcro girth fastening and D-Ring Velcro tabs anchor the pad to the saddle and girth, keeping movement to a minimum, including through spirited turns.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this suitable for a horse that is sensitive over the back?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe natural cushioning and friction-reducing fleece can help make the saddle more comfortable, but a pad is not a substitute for saddle fit. Have your saddle checked by a qualified saddle fitter if your horse shows discomfort.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eAbout KM Elite\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eKM Elite makes saddlery accessories and horse care products for everyday yard use and the competition arena. The KM ELITE Distinction range focuses on natural materials and considered construction, with sheepskin and quilted fabrics used across matching pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e { \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [ { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Will this pad fit my saddle?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It is cut for close contact and general purpose saddles. Lay the pad under your saddle before riding and check the flaps sit within the pad's outline, with the pad clear of the spine along its full length.\" } }, { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does sheepskin make the horse hotter?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Merino fleece is breathable and helps regulate temperature, wicking moisture away from the skin rather than trapping it against the back.\" } }, { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I use it for competition?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, the quilted outer gives a clean, professional look under the saddle and the Velcro fit system keeps the pad stable during a test or round. Always check your discipline's current turnout rules before you compete.\" } }, { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How do I wash a Merino sheepskin pad?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Follow the care label. As a rule, use a wool-safe detergent, wash cool, avoid fabric conditioner and biological powders, and dry naturally away from direct heat. Brush the fleece once dry to restore the pile.\" } }, { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Will the pad slip when I ride?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The Velcro girth fastening and D-Ring Velcro tabs anchor the pad to the saddle and girth, keeping movement to a minimum, including through spirited turns.\" } }, { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is this suitable for a horse that is sensitive over the back?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The natural cushioning and friction-reducing fleece can help make the saddle more comfortable, but a pad is not a substitute for saddle fit. Have your saddle checked by a qualified saddle fitter if your horse shows discomfort.\" } } ] } \u003c\/script\u003e]]\u0026gt;","brand":"KM Elite","offers":[{"title":"One Size \/ Black\/Natural","offer_id":58455984275839,"sku":"KM10005SPR1CCPHLB","price":85.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/6786\/6023\/files\/7dea3a00-5484-48af-bc07-210b20a1d09b.jpg?v=1789658340","url":"https:\/\/www.justhorseriders.co.uk\/products\/km-elite-distinction-merino-close-contact-saddle-pad","provider":"Just Horse Riders","version":"1.0","type":"link"}