If you own a Thoroughbred or a sensitive-skinned horse, you know the “Winter Rub Struggle” all too well. The LeMieux Chest Protection Pad might just be a game changer for you as well. This year, my horse managed to get a rub from his stable sheet, and I was honestly at my wits’ end.
Leaving him without a rug isn’t an option in this weather, but every time I buckled him up, I knew it was irritating his skin. After some frantic research, I decided to try the LeMieux Chest Protection Pad. It’s a remarkably simple concept, but after testing it out, I’m genuinely impressed.
Putting it to the Test
The design is straightforward but clever. One side features a luxurious, plush faux fur that sits directly against the horse’s skin. I was a little worried about it slipping, especially since it was a warmer evening and he only had a light stable sheet on, but I needn’t have worried.
I checked him the next morning and everything was perfectly in place. No sliding, no bunching, and most importantly—no further irritation to his chest.
Why It’s a Tack Room Essential
There are a few reasons why I think this is a must-have piece of kit:
Easy Maintenance: It’s a convenient size that doesn’t require a trip to a heavy-duty industrial washer. It fits easily in a standard domestic washing machine, which is a lifesaver for keeping the faux fur fresh.
Ultimate Comfort: The faux fur is incredibly soft, providing a massive amount of protection between those heavy metal rug fastenings and the horse’s delicate chest area.
Surprising Versatility: While it’s sold as a chest protector, it’s actually a multi-tasker. If your horse suffers from wither rubs instead, you can simply fold this over the wither under the rug. It stays put just as effectively.
The Verdict
For £24.95, this is arguably one of the best value-for-money items I’ve bought this season. It’s effective, versatile, and gives me peace of mind that my horse is comfortable in his rugs all day and night.
If you’re battling the winter rubs, I can’t recommend this enough. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
