When you choose high-quality products for yourself and your horse, you're not just playing the role of a rider but also that of a responsible consumer. Especially in equestrian sports, the choice of materials is crucial – for your well-being, your horse's comfort, and the environment. But do you actually know the difference between natural and synthetic textiles? And how these materials affect our world?
Natural Textiles – Grown, Harvested, Woven
Natural textiles such as wool, cotton, linen, or silk come directly from nature. Wool is obtained from sheep (or alpacas, goats, etc.), cotton is harvested from the cotton plant, and linen is made from flax fibers. These fibers are processed mechanically or with gentle chemistry, spun into yarns, and then woven or knitted into fabrics.
Advantages of natural fibers:
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Breathability: Especially wool regulates temperature – warming in winter, cooling in summer.
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Biodegradability: Natural fibers decompose naturally without leaving behind microplastics.
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Skin- and animal-friendly: Especially in horse textiles, wool pads help create a dry, balanced climate on the horse’s back.
Synthetic Textiles – From the Laboratory
Synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic are industrially produced from petroleum-based products. These synthetic fibers are chemically created, melted, spun into fine filaments, and then further processed. They are particularly popular in the sports and outdoor industry – and are also widely used in equestrian sports.
Advantages of synthetic fibers:
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Easy-care and tear-resistant: Synthetics dry quickly, are easy to clean, and often very durable.
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Affordable: They can be produced inexpensively in large quantities.
But – and this is a big but – their environmental footprint is problematic.
Environmental Footprint Compared
While natural textiles leave little residue during washing and are biodegradable, synthetic fabrics release microplastics that enter rivers and oceans through wastewater. Additionally, the production of synthetic fibers is energy-intensive and based on fossil resources, whose extraction and processing release large amounts of CO₂.
Natural fibers do require water and agricultural land, especially in the case of cotton, but ecological farming or animal-friendly sheep husbandry can significantly reduce the environmental impact – especially if you buy long-lasting products.
What Does This Mean for You as a Rider?
If you choose natural materials, you’re investing in quality, comfort, and sustainability – for both you and your horse. A real wool sheepskin pad might require more care, but it provides a healthy climate under the saddle and lasts for many years when properly maintained. A saddle pad made of organic cotton not only feels better but also has a lower environmental impact than synthetic alternatives.
Conclusion
You don’t have to be perfectly sustainable – but you can make conscious decisions. Next time you buy a riding outfit or accessories for your horse, take a look at the label. And ask yourself:
“What am I actually wearing – and how was it made?”
Because true quality is not just something you feel – it’s something you live.
