sweat-cloth

sweat-cloth

A rider places a sweat-cloth under the saddle.

Definition

Noun: A sweat-cloth is a piece of cloth or material placed under a horse's saddle to absorb sweat and protect the horse's back from chafing or pressure. It is also known as a saddle pad or saddle cloth in equestrian contexts.

Usage Examples
  • (A protective pad to absorb moisture.)
  • (The cloth used under the saddle became wet from the horse's perspiration.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to use a sweat-cloth": to employ this cloth for its intended purpose in horse riding.

    • Always use a sweat-cloth to prevent saddle sores on the horse. (Employ the cloth for protection.)
  • "to change the sweat-cloth": to replace the cloth with a dry one during or after riding.

    • The groom changed the sweat-cloth after the horse had been exercised. (Replaced the damp cloth with a fresh one.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Sweat (noun/verb): perspiration; to produce sweat.
    • The horse's sweat soaked through the cloth. (The perspiration from the horse.)
  • Cloth (noun): fabric or material.
    • The cloth was made of thick cotton. (The material used for the sweat-cloth.)
  • Saddle cloth (noun): another term for sweat-cloth.
    • He bought a new saddle cloth for his horse. (A synonym for sweat-cloth.)
Synonyms
  • Saddle pad: a cushion placed under a saddle for comfort and protection.
  • Numnah (chiefly British): a sheepskin or felt pad used under a saddle.
Related Idioms
  • "To sweat like a horse": to perspire heavily (though not directly related to sweat-cloth, it involves the same concept of horse sweat).
    • After the race, the horse was sweating like a horse, so the rider checked the sweat-cloth. (The horse was perspiring heavily.)