About | BARTL Heritage & Craftsmanship

Since 1988

A Legacy of Excellence

BARTL was founded in the heart of Germany's Harz Mountains, in the picturesque town of Bad Lauterberg. What began as a small family workshop dedicated to traditional sheepskin craftsmanship has grown into an internationally recognized brand, while never losing sight of our roots.

Our founder, Kai-Uwe Bartl, developed a unique combination tanning process that revolutionized the durability and sweat-resistance of natural hide products. This proprietary technique, developed through years of research and testing, remains the foundation of our exceptional quality to this day.

Every BARTL product that leaves our workshop carries with it over three decades of expertise, countless hours of meticulous handcrafting, and an unwavering commitment to the comfort and well-being of horses worldwide.

Our Materials

Only the Finest

At BARTL, we believe that exceptional products begin with exceptional materials. That's why we use only AAA-grade winter hides, carefully selected for their density, durability, and luxurious feel. Each hide is inspected by hand before it ever reaches our workshop.

Our sheepskin comes from carefully selected sources, ensuring that every fiber meets our exacting standards. The natural medicinal properties of genuine sheepskin – its ability to regulate temperature, wick moisture, and distribute pressure – make it the ideal material for equestrian equipment.

For our reindeer products, we use only winter hides, which offer superior density and hair strength. The unique hollow structure of reindeer hair creates a natural cushion that never mats, providing unparalleled comfort and breathability.

What We Stand For

Our Values

These core principles guide everything we do at BARTL, from material selection to the final stitch.

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No Patchwork

Every seam creates pressure. That's why each BARTL product is crafted from single-piece hides, ensuring no pressure points on your horse's back.

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Special Tanning

Our proprietary combination tanning process ensures sweat-resistance and durability, while remaining environmentally friendly and safe for your horse.

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Sustainability

No reindeer are hunted for their hides. We source responsibly and give new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded.

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Handcrafted

Every BARTL product is made by skilled artisans in our German workshop, ensuring attention to detail that machines cannot replicate.

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Horse First

Every design decision is made with your horse's comfort in mind. From anatomical shapes to spine channels, we prioritize equine well-being.

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Quality Promise

We stand behind every product we make. Our commitment to quality means you can trust BARTL equipment for years of reliable performance.

The Process

Artisan Craftsmanship

Creating a BARTL product is a labor of love that spans multiple stages, each requiring skill, patience, and an eye for detail. From the moment a hide arrives at our workshop to the final quality check, every step is performed with meticulous care.

Our artisans begin by carefully inspecting each hide, selecting only those that meet our rigorous standards. The hides are then prepared using our special tanning process, a technique developed in-house that ensures the leather remains soft and supple while gaining exceptional durability and sweat-resistance.

The cutting process is done by hand, with each piece carefully positioned to ensure the hair lies in the correct direction. This attention to detail is what sets BARTL apart – we never use patchwork, as every seam has the potential to create pressure on your horse's back.

Finally, each product is assembled using high-quality materials – durable twill fabric, 500g needle felt filling, and reinforced stitching – before undergoing a thorough quality inspection. Only products that meet our exacting standards receive the BARTL name.

Our Commitment

Environmental Responsibility

At BARTL, we believe in creating products that are not only exceptional in quality but also responsible in their impact on the world around us. Our commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of our business.

🦌 Ethical Sourcing

No reindeer are hunted for their hides. We work with nomadic herders who maintain traditional, sustainable practices. Our reindeer hides are a byproduct of existing herds, giving value to what would otherwise be waste.

🌍 Reducing Waste

Without our intervention, these premium hides would be environmentally harmful waste. By transforming them into exceptional equestrian products, we give them new purpose and prevent unnecessary environmental impact.

🌱 Eco-Friendly Tanning

Our proprietary tanning process uses environmentally safe compounds. Unlike aluminum tanning used for decorative hides, our method is safe for both the environment and your horse.

What Riders Say

Customer Stories

"I've been using BARTL sheepskin pads for over 10 years. The quality is unmatched, and my horses have never had a single pressure sore. The investment is worth every penny."

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Sarah M.

Dressage Competitor, Germany

"The reindeer pad is a game-changer. My sensitive thoroughbred used to get rub marks from every other pad. With the AERIAL, those problems are history."

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Michael T.

Eventing Rider, Netherlands

"As a professional trainer, I recommend BARTL to all my clients. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail, and the durability means they last for years."

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Elena K.

Professional Trainer, Austria

Experience BARTL Quality

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Heritage & Craftsmanship