Saddlery Series Part 6: Heavy Elastic

Welcome to our final Saddlery Series.

Throughout this series, we have showcased the very best materials and supplies, hand-picked by us. We have spotlighted the highest quality fittings in the production of saddles and side-saddles, allowing you to create beautifully finished products.

Abbey England is proud to have been supplying the international saddlery trade since 1982. Recognised by the Society of Master Saddlers. Our saddlery has become synonymous with equestrian style and saddle sophistication.

We previously covered saddle trees, welting, foams, leather and flocking, and the sixth and final instalment in this series explores heavy elastic.

At Abbey England, we supply a vast range of quality sourced heavy elastics to some of the world’s leading saddle manufacturers.

Elastic was first invented and used for clothing in 1820, and it can be assumed that using elastic in the production of saddles and tack wasn’t far behind.

Our heavy elastic is commonly used on the saddle girth straps, with elastic on one or both sides attaching the girth buckles to the girth strap. This prevents the saddle slipping and ensures a snugger fit around the horse’s middle.

It is also used for creating the looping breast girth or the Y-fit breastplate; securing the saddle further and preventing it from slipping back when competing or moving at fast speeds, such as in show jumping, cross-country or horse racing. It offers the added benefit of an additional strap for the rider to hold onto.

For any of these uses, our elastic material allows flexibility with the horse’s movement and doesn’t restrict them or place pressure on their chest through the girth strap – or on the shoulders, windpipe or saddle tree, through the breast girth or breastplate.

Our range of colours and widths enable our customers to find the right materials to fulfil their saddle design criteria. These include:
 

Black

Available in sizes 16mm, 25mm, 32mm, 38mm, 50mm.
 

Brown/black

Available in sizes 16mm, 19mm, 22mm, 25mm, 32mm, 38mm, 50mm, 76mm and 80mm.
 

Beige with maroon red or blue stripes

Available in sizes 16mm, 19mm, 22mm, 25mm, 32mm, 38mm, 50mm and 76mm.

 

Green with red or yellow stripes

Available in sizes 16mm, 19mm, 25mm, 32mm, 38mm, 50mm and 80mm.
 

Black with red or gold

Available in sizes 19mm, 25mm, and 38mm.
 

Wine or gold

Available in sizes 19mm and 38mm.
 

Green or yellow

Available in sizes 32mm, 38mm, 50mm and 80mm.

 

Navy and silver stripes or navy and gold stripes 

Available in size 38mm.

White with a blue stripe

Available in size 76mm.

Shop our heavy elastic webbing here.

Whether you choose the more traditional black or brown heavy elastics, or select a more contrasting colour for a touch of flare, any of our heavy elastics will look amazing when paired with our girth strap leathers, available in buffalo, rawhide, vegetable tanned or English chrome.

Please note that colour availability will vary with the size and specifications. Our elastic is priced by the metre. If you require a full roll, please order 40 metres.