Test before purchase
Try the PADDLE® in practice to ensure it is the ideal fit for you and your horse.
Flexible rental period
The rental duration can be chosen flexibly to suit individual needs, allowing extensive testing in different situations.
Try without worries
Renting allows you to find out without risk whether this PADDLE® is the right choice, without committing long-term.
Credit toward purchase
After your rental period, you may apply the rental fee toward the purchase of a product from the Riding Pads & Paddle category.
Benefits of Riding Pad & Western saddle combined
Combines the possibility of using stirrups with the riding feel of a Riding Pad.
Fully adaptable thanks to infinitely adjustable fork with gullet plate
Can be adjusted in the chamber width in seconds using a size 12 wrench. It can be adapted at any time to a wide variety of horse types.
Test before purchase
Try the PADDLE® in practice to ensure it is the ideal fit for you and your horse.
Flexible rental period
The rental duration can be chosen flexibly to suit individual needs, allowing extensive testing in different situations.
Try without worries
Renting allows you to find out without risk whether this PADDLE® is the right choice, without committing long-term.
Credit toward purchase
After your rental period, you may apply the rental fee toward the purchase of a product from the Riding Pads & Paddle category.
Benefits of Riding Pad & Western saddle combined
Combines the possibility of using stirrups with the riding feel of a Riding Pad.
Fully adaptable thanks to infinitely adjustable fork with gullet plate
Can be adjusted in the chamber width in seconds using a size 12 wrench. It can be adapted at any time to a wide variety of horse types.
Try the PADDLE® with no obligation
With this rental offer, the PADDLE® can be tried out in practice over a defined period of time, making it easy to determine whether it is the perfect fit for rider and horse — with no obligation to purchase immediately. The flexible rental period allows comprehensive testing in a variety of situations. A further advantage: the rental fee is credited towards a later purchase, so the product can be tested completely risk-free. *
Minimum period: 2 weeks
Rental is only available within Germany.
The PADDLE® Revolution for Western Riders
Attention Western riders! At last there is a solution that combines the best of both worlds: the comfort and closeness of a Riding Pad with the functionality and safety of a Western saddle — complete with fenders and stirrups. The Western PADDLE® offers the familiar seating feeling of a classic Western saddle, but with significantly less weight and the unique advantages of our innovative PADDLE® technology. The combination of high-quality Smooth Leather and grippy suede provides optimal grip, a balanced seating position and a natural riding experience.
Idea
Many riders expressed the wish to use our popular Riding Pads with stirrups. After the success of our PADDLE®, the call for a Western variant was particularly loud in the Western and leisure rider community. A major challenge that required a great deal of ingenuity and quite a few grey hairs — but the result is well worth seeing!
Our developer Stefan Baumgartner succeeded in combining the closeness to the horse and the comfort of our PADDLE® with the key elements of a Western saddle — without restricting the comfort of the horse. The result is the Western PADDLE®, which sets entirely new standards in equestrian equipment.
Instead of an adjustable gullet plate, we developed an adjustable fork to which our innovative pressure distribution element is attached. This prevents pressure peaks and ensures optimal pressure distribution. Safety stirrup bars are located on the pressure distribution element, enabling the fenders to be attached without uncomfortable pressure points and giving the PADDLE® the versatility of a Western saddle.
Horse
The PADDLE® is made from high-quality natural felt, which not only provides stability but also conforms perfectly to the horse’s back over time. The careful construction and the natural properties of the felt make the PADDLE® long-lasting and particularly comfortable — for horse and rider alike.
The infinitely adjustable fork, inspired by our Custom Made Saddles, allows effortless adaptation to different horse types. With a simple 12 mm key, the gullet width can be adjusted precisely and as often as needed.
Velcro cushions made from flexible felt (included in delivery) provide a large contact surface for even pressure distribution, offer a shock-absorbing effect and ensure true spinal clearance. The rider’s weight is thus distributed gently, pressure points are avoided, and the horse can move freely and relaxed without restriction.
The traditional girthing with a standard Western girth gives the horse freedom of movement, and the additional D-ring at the rear allows the use of a rear girth for versatile applications.
We recommend use exclusively with Velcro Pads in the correct size.
Rider
The Western PADDLE® opens up an entirely new dimension of riding experience. Through the comfortable padding and Seating Profile, the rider feels particularly close to the horse. At the same time, the option of using fenders and stirrups provides additional safety and versatility.
The combination of Smooth Leather, grippy suede and natural felt ensures optimal grip and a secure seating feeling — whether in classic breeches or jeans. The all-around seat shape supports the seating position and gives the rider great freedom of movement. The suspension of the fenders beneath the rider’s centre of gravity further supports the correct leg position.
The closeness to the horse makes the rider feel even more connected and enables particularly refined aids.
Premium, comfortable, functional — the Western PADDLE® unites the advantages of a Riding Pad with the riding feeling of a Western saddle. For all those who want to feel right at home.
The fender length is suitable for riders of heights 1.50 m – 1.90 m. The Western PADDLE® with fenders weighs 12 kg.
We would be happy to come to your stable for an on-site appointment to test and try out our PADDLE® with you and your horse. This way, you can test our different models in a relaxed atmosphere at home on your horse, and our saddle experts will also be there to assist you in choosing the right PADDLE®. You can conveniently sign up through our online form. "Registration for Saddle Fitting". There is also the opportunity to try out the different PADDLE® products and receive advice at all trade shows where we are exhibitors.
The rental of a riding pad or PADDLE® for a longer test period is possible for various models. Under the menu item Rental products find all products that can be conveniently tested at home for an extended period. The rental fees can be credited towards the purchase with an amount of up to €350. More detailed information and the terms and conditions can be found in the respective rental product.
Of course, when purchasing through our online shop, you have the right to withdraw within 14 days. This means you may carefully test the riding pad or PADDLE® on your horse. We ask that you protect the item from horse hair or dirt during the fitting. If you are unable to return the product we sent you in whole or in part, or only in a deteriorated condition, you may be required to provide compensation for the value. This does not apply if the deterioration of the item is solely due to its examination, as you would have been able to do in a retail store. Furthermore, you can avoid the obligation to compensate for value by not using the items as if they were your own and by refraining from anything that would impair their value.
Note: When purchasing a custom Paddle, it is a product specifically made according to customer specifications. As a result, the statutory 14-day right of withdrawal for contracts concluded online is void. This applies even if the ordered product has not yet been produced. The product will be sent to you by mail after completion and does not include on-site adjustment service. We recommend using our Paddle fitting system in combination with our video tutorials for easy adjustment directly on the horse.
For optimal pressure distribution on the horse's back, we recommend using our PADDLE® in combination with our Velcro pads and a suitable saddle pad. For the Western-PADDLE®, the use of a Western pad as a saddle pad is explicitly recommended.
The Western-PADDLE® includes flexible Velcro cushions made of high-quality natural felt. Please note that the Velcro cushions from the standard PADDLE versions cannot be used for the Western-PADDLE®.
The adjustment of the Velcroable felt cushions is fundamentally in line with that of our standard Velcro cushions.
Here you will find a video tutorial for adjusting the Western-PADDLE® including the correct positioning of the Velcro cushions.
When adjusting the PADDLE®, the Velcro pads and especially the headpiece should be correctly fitted to the horse.
As assistance, we have created a step-by-step guide for you. Here is the magazine article "Adjusting the PADDLE® with the Help of the Fitting System," which will help you make the adjustments on-site with just a few simple steps.
For an even easier adjustment of your paddle, we have created video tutorials for you. In these, we show you the individual steps for adjusting the PADDLE® with the fitting system directly on the horse.
Our PADDLE® can be easily adjusted with just a few hand movements to fit a variety of horse types. The headpiece built into the PADDLE® can be positioned nearly horizontally in its widest setting. The Velcro cushions are also adjustable in position, so there is nothing preventing adaptation for particularly wide horses.
For an even easier adjustment of your PADDLE®, we have created video instructions for you. In these, we show you the individual steps for adjusting the PADDLE® with the fitting system directly on the horse. What you need to consider when adjusting the PADDLE® for particularly wide, narrow, or short horses has been compiled in another video titled "Adjusting the PADDLE® for Wide, Narrow, or Short Horses."
Our PADDLE® can be easily adjusted with just a few simple adjustments to fit a variety of horse types. The head iron built into the PADDLE® can be set as narrow as any horse's body would require. The Velcro pads are also positionable in any way, so there is nothing preventing adjustments for narrow horses or horses with a high withers.
If the spinal freedom provided by the included Velcro cushions over the withers does not create sufficient wither freedom, we recommend additional padding with a sheepskin saddle pad or a sheepskin saddle pad with extra insert options.
For an even easier adjustment of your PADDLE®, we have created video instructions for you. In these, we show you the individual steps for "adjusting the PADDLE® with the Fitting System" directly on the horse. What you need to consider when adjusting the PADDLE® for particularly wide, narrow, or short horses has been compiled in another video titled "Adjusting the PADDLE® for Wide, Narrow, or Short Horses."
Suede is a unique and versatile material that changes over time with use and develops a characteristic patina. Here are some important points to consider when caring for and using suede:
Change of optics:
Patina:
- With regular use, suede develops a natural patina. This age-related change gives the material an individual and authentic look. The patina can make the leather softer and more supple, giving it a shiny, smooth, or matte surface. Color changes and signs of wear may occur, making the leather unique and personal.
Sensitivity to water and dirt:
Staining:
- Suede is susceptible to water and oil stains. To prevent stains, you should avoid contact with liquids and greasy substances as much as possible.
Rain and moisture:
- When wet, suede can change its structure and become stiff. If it gets wet, let the material dry slowly in the air and avoid direct heat sources.
Care Instructions:
Cleaning:
- Use a special suede brush to gently remove dirt and dust or to revive the leather. For more stubborn stains, a specialized suede cleaner is recommended.
Storage:
- Store suede products in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent mold growth. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Wear of suede:
- By properly caring for and consciously handling suede, you can preserve the longevity and beauty of the material and enjoy your suede product for a long time. The development of a patina is a natural process that gives your suede a special depth and character, making it even more unique over time. These changes are not defects in quality, but rather the natural characteristics of the natural product suede.
The size of our riding pads & PADDLE® is based on the rider's clothing size. The seat profile allows the rider to have a relaxed and centrally positioned seat when the size is appropriate.
- The size M is recommended for a clothing size of 38-40
- The size L is recommended for a dress size of 42-46
If the seat area is too small, the rider would not only sit uncomfortably but also exert unnecessary pressure on the rising seat profile and cantle, thereby unnecessarily increasing the pressure in the rear area of the horse's back.
The recommended Velcro cushions for the riding pad and the Velcro cushions included with the PADDLE® are designed in terms of size, length, and shape to provide an optimal and even pressure distribution on the horse's back for the seat size. The Velcro cushions are intentionally made slightly longer than the actual seating area of the riding pad or PADDLE® to allow for a gentle pressure distribution without pressure peaks, especially in the edge areas and at the rear end of the padding.
The pressure on the horse's back is primarily transmitted to the horse in the seat area. Since our riding pads and the PADDLE® do not have a fixed saddle tree that stabilizes the Velcro cushions in the rear area all the way to the end, the effect of the Velcro cushions in the rear area can be compared to that of a padded saddle blanket. With the size of the Velcro cushions we recommend, uncomfortable pressure peaks in the sensitive lumbar region of the horse's back are avoided even on particularly short horses. However, if too short Velcro cushions are used, the well-intentioned and desired effect of relieving the horse's back in the rear area can be reversed - if the cushions are shorter than the seat itself, the leverage of the rider's weight on the cantle of the riding pad/PADDLE® transmits pressure much more pointwise to the end of the Velcro cushion, unnecessarily stressing the horse's back.
For the Western-PADDLE®, we recommend using a regular Western pad or a sheepskin Western pad. These provide optimal cushioning and protect the horse's back as best as possible.
Please note: A regular saddle pad does not fit under the Western-PADDLE®. Therefore, make sure to use a suitable Western pad to ensure optimal comfort and functionality.
Rental conditions for rental products
We are pleased to offer you our rental products, which provide you with a flexible and cost-effective way to try out and thoroughly test high-quality products! Below, we have summarized the key information and benefits for you.
1. Selection and Order of the Rental Product
Our rental products are clearly marked as such and can be found in the "Rental Products" category in our online shop. Simply choose your desired product, the appropriate variant, and the desired rental period.
2. Rent Costs and Payment
The minimum rental period is 13 days. The cost for the first 2 weeks is €158, and the shipping costs for both the outbound and return are already included. Each additional week costs €79. Payment for all incurred costs is conveniently made in advance.
3. Advantage of rental credit when purchasing a riding pad or paddle
After we have received your rental product, it will be checked for completeness and proper condition. Once this inspection is complete, you will receive your personal voucher code via email. You can apply your paid rental price up to a maximum amount of €350 towards the purchase of a riding pad or paddle from our selection. The voucher code is valid for 30 days and can be redeemed in our online shop.
If damages or missing parts are found during the inspection, we reserve the right to adjust the applicable amount accordingly.
4. Start of the rental period
Your rental product will be shipped to you 2 days before the rental period begins, so it will be available to you by the first day of the rental period at the latest. The rental period starts with the delivery of the package by our shipping service provider. If there are any delivery delays, please inform our customer service immediately. We will, of course, adjust the rental period accordingly.
5. Returns and Deadlines
The rental period ends with the return of the rental product:
- Return: Please drop off the package with the shipping service provider by 12:00 PM on the first business day after the rental period ends. Please use only the shipping label provided by us and securely package the product for return transport.
Note: An early return does not exempt you from paying the full rental costs. Even if the product is not used, there is no entitlement to a rent reduction or refund.
6. Late Returns and Additional Fees
If the rental product is not returned on time, an additional fee of €50 will be charged for each extra day. If the product is still not returned after two weeks, we will charge you the full price of the item. Only after full payment will the product become your property.
7. Liability during the rental period
During the rental period, you are responsible for the rented item. Any damage or loss of the product is the responsibility of the renter. Damage to third parties must be insured independently.
We are pleased to offer you these flexible rental options! If you have any questions, our customer service team is happy to assist you.
8. Cancellation of Rental Products
Once a product has been rented, it is reserved for you for the agreed rental period and is not available to other customers during this time.
A cancellation is therefore only possible if it is communicated in writing in a timely manner, at least 10 business days before the start of the rental period.
If the cancellation occurs after this period, unfortunately, a cancellation is no longer possible.
All details about our rental terms and conditions can also be found here.
Videos & Blog Articles Relevant to This Product
Adjustment of the Western-PADDLE®
In this video, Gernot Weber explains how to optimally adjust your Western-PADDLE® to the back of your horse using the PADDLE® Fitting System. The new innovation of the adjustable fork based on the proven PADDLE® design: the chamber width can be easily adjusted to fit various horses or changes in the horse's back, making the PADDLE® a loyal companion for many years.
Care tips
Keep your suede gear in top condition with our easy step-by-step guide! Learn how to properly use the EquiXtreme saddle pad cleaner and Signum nubuck cleaner, effectively remove dirt, and raise the suede texture through targeted aftercare. Discover the best methods to keep your equipment well-maintained and functional.
The Fitting System
With the measuring instrument, the angle of the horse's back can be transferred to the Western-PADDLE®. The head iron can be optimally adjusted with just a few hand movements. This creates sufficient space over the withers and prevents the PADDLE® from resting on the spine or causing uncomfortable pressure points.
The proper care of suede and nubuck leather
By properly caring for and consciously handling suede, you can preserve the longevity and beauty of the material and enjoy your suede product for a long time. This unique and versatile material changes over time with use and develops a characteristic patina. Here are some important points to consider when caring for and using suede:
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If you have any questions or uncertainties, do not hesitate to contact customer service.
A detailed care guide for suede and nubuck leather can be found here:
Learn more
Im Lieferumfang enthalten ist:
- SIGNUM Western-PADDLE®
- Fender
- Bügel
- Filz-Klettkissen
- Fitting System