How to Stop Saddle Damage: Fleece & Deluxe Stirrup-Pocket Covers for Australian Riders

How to Stop Saddle Damage: Fleece & Deluxe Stirrup-Pocket Covers for Australian Riders main image How to Stop Saddle Damage: Fleece & Deluxe Stirrup-Pocket Covers for Australian Riders image
Dust, sweat, stirrup scuffs and harsh Aussie sun ruin saddles faster than you think. Discover how Delzani’s fleece-lined and deluxe stirrup-pocket covers prevent cracking, wear and travel damage — saving you repair bills and keeping leather competition-re

Do You Really Need a Saddle Cover? Protecting Leather in Australian Conditions

Your saddle is the single most expensive and hardworking piece of tack you own. Whether it’s a dressage saddle, an all-purpose, or a close-contact, it represents hours of saving, careful fitting, and a big part of how you connect with your horse. Yet many riders still leave saddles sitting bare on racks, in dusty float bays, or under stirrups that dig into leather. Over time, that neglect shows as scuffs, scratches, fading, and even premature wear of stitching and panels. The truth is simple: if you want your saddle to last, it needs a cover. In Australia’s mix of dust, heat and humidity, that protection isn’t optional — it’s essential.

The Real Problems Riders Face

Everyday conditions do more damage to saddles than most riders realise. Dust settles into seams and girth points, grinding like sandpaper when you tack up. Sweat-stained stirrups swing against the flaps, leaving dark scuffs and worn patches. In summer, strong sunlight streaming into a tack shed or float bay dries leather, fading colour and cracking billets. Even at home, a quick rub from someone else’s stirrup or bridle can leave permanent scratches. Riders often notice the damage too late — when leather loses its suppleness or the saddle fitter points out uneven wear. A saddle cover prevents 90% of that slow, hidden damage.

Standard Fleece-Lined Saddle Covers: Everyday Protection

For daily use at home or in the float, the Delzani Fleece-Lined Saddle Cover is designed as a protective workhorse. The strong 480D outer shell blocks dust and grit, while the soft fleece lining cushions the leather from scuffs. An elasticated 360° hem stretches easily over your saddle, securing it snugly around panels and flaps. This makes it quick to fit, even if you’re covering tack in a rush after riding. Suitable for most English, all-purpose and dressage saddles up to 18”, it’s the cover you reach for every day to keep your investment safe between rides. Tough, simple, and affordable, it’s the first line of defence in any tack room.

Deluxe Saddle Covers with Stirrup Pockets: Protection for Shows and Travel

Show days and travel expose saddles to even more hazards — crowded tack rooms, floats full of gear, and long hours in storage. The Delzani Deluxe Saddle Cover with Stirrup Pockets is built for that next level of protection. Its 600D Oxford outer shell resists abrasion, while a soft 300gsm fleece lining cushions the saddle. What makes it different are the reinforced stirrup openings: they let stirrups sit outside the cover, secured in abrasion-protected sleeves, so they never press or rub against your leather. The result? Your saddle panels stay smooth, your flaps stay unmarked, and your show saddle looks its best. A 360° drawstring gives a customised fit, while the sizing suits most English and dressage saddles up to 18”.

Why the Details Matter

Not all saddle covers are created equal. Cheap, floppy covers offer little more than dust protection and often slide around, leaving gaps. Delzani’s covers are engineered for Australian riders who deal with real-world conditions: dust in the bush, sun in outdoor tie-ups, and long drives between events. Heavy-duty deniers ensure the cover itself doesn’t wear out before your saddle does. Fleece linings protect stitching and panels from pressure marks. Reinforced stirrup slots on the deluxe version mean the cover stays intact, even with regular use of sharp-edged irons. It’s design with foresight — because a saddle cover should protect, not create new problems.

Choosing the Right Cover for You

Think about when and how you use your saddle. If you want a cover for daily use — keeping dust off in the tack room or float, protecting from accidental scuffs — the Standard Fleece-Lined Saddle Cover is the right choice. If you travel often, attend competitions, or need your show saddle looking pristine, the Deluxe Stirrup-Pocket Saddle Cover is worth the upgrade. Many riders use both: a Standard for everyday training saddles and a Deluxe for competition saddles, ensuring each is protected for its purpose.

Care and Longevity

Keeping your saddle cover in good shape is as simple as caring for your saddle. Shake out dust, wipe the outer shell with a damp cloth, and let fleece linings dry in shade after humid days. Avoid baking covers in full sun or leaving them under heavy loads, which can compress fleece. With minimal care, Delzani covers last season after season — and the payoff is a saddle that looks and performs like new for years longer than one left unprotected.

Quick Specs

Standard Fleece-Lined Saddle Cover: 480D outer shell • 300gsm fleece lining • 360° elastic hem • Fits English/All Purpose/Dressage saddles up to 18” • ~700mm across crown

Deluxe Saddle Cover with Stirrup Pockets: 600D Oxford outer shell • 300gsm fleece lining • 360° drawstring fit • Reinforced stirrup openings with abrasion pads • Fits English/All Purpose/Dressage saddles up to 18” • ~630mm across crown × 640mm drop

Protect the gear you’ve invested in. Explore the Delzani Saddle Cover range and choose the cover that suits your riding life.