Handmade in Germany

L'Evoine: the alpaca difference

Hand-sewn in small batches from untreated alpaca fleece, cotton and linen. Every L'Evoine piece is cut and finished by hand, so no two are exactly alike. Think of them less as saddle pads and more as wearable art for your horse: timeless designs in natural tones, made to be treasured for years.

Shop the collection

Made in Germany

100% natural fibres

Limited edition releases

Made with horse welfare & comfort in mind

Underside of an L'Evoine alpaca fleece half pad

Why alpaca fleece?

Even pressure

The natural padding spreads pressure evenly across your horse's back, helping to ease pressure points.

Breathable

Air keeps circulating under the saddle, so heat and sweat don't build up.

Stays dry

Alpaca wicks moisture away from the skin to keep the saddle area drier.

Lanolin-free

Unlike sheepskin, alpaca contains no lanolin, making it a gentle choice for sensitive horses.

Naturally antibacterial

Stays fresher for longer and needs washing less often than synthetic pads.

Close contact

Adds far less height than sheepskin, so you sit closer to your horse and the saddle fit isn't affected.

Our story

Riding forward, the simple way

The name comes from avoine, French for oats: the simplest, most trusted feed horses have had for centuries. L'Evoine applies the same thinking to tack. Every piece is hand-sewn with traditional craft workshops in Germany, pairing time-tested techniques with new materials like alpaca fleece.

Luxury, to L'Evoine, is something you repair rather than replace. These are pieces made to be loved for years.

Caring for alpaca

How often should I wash an alpaca pad?

Less often than synthetic pads. Alpaca fleece is naturally antibacterial, so between washes simply brush off loose hair with a soft natural-bristle brush.

How do I wash it?

Before the first wash, soak the pad in cold water for 48 hours so the cotton doesn't shrink. Then fold it with the fleece on the inside, place it in a wash bag and wash at 30°C on a wool cycle with a mild wool detergent. It comes out nearly dry: fluff the fleece up with your fingers.

Anything to avoid?

Never use a brush with hooked pins on the fleece, as it can catch the woven structure. You can steam-iron the cotton side, but keep the iron off the alpaca.

Will it suit a horse that reacts to sheepskin?

Alpaca fleece contains no lanolin, the wool grease some horses react to, which is why many owners of sensitive horses choose it. If your horse has a known skin condition, check with your vet.