Material For Padded Lining

[Open Sky]

First off, hi to everyone. This is my first post here in the forums, though I've been lurking and reading for quite some time. I would like to add that this may be in the completely wrong section and if so, please feel free to move it. I've been dealt a challenge that I'm having a hard time figuring out, on top of already being new to leatherwork. My project is to make a new leather halter for my horse. I'm using his current very nice, and very expensive one as a template...as I will not be spending that kind of money a second time so that he can chew and slobber all over it.

For starters, I've attached a couple of pictures of what I'm trying to accomplish. I'm trying to attach padding to the halter, which I think I understand how to do, but the issue is the material. I'm using neoprene as the padding, and then I ordered in some Kidskin from Springfield Leather which I thought I really liked. It seems like nice enough quality, and I like the fact that there is an array of color options, all of which are vibrant. However, when I cut my piece to add to the noseband, it was really stiff, and started buckling and creasing when I started to stitch it. For being 1-2oz. and considered a lining leather, it seems very unfriendly and has taken on the look of vinyl when tacked down...yuck. Also not a huge fan of the shine, which also cannot be removed (learned this the hard way.) I called Springfield and discussed with them, my issues. They agreed it probably isn't the best option to use as a lining, and when I went to our local store to get a feel of different liners, I figured sheepskin would be my best bet; very soft and flexible, also not shiny, and seems like it would stitch well. BUT, it doesn't come in a rainbow of colors, which in the longrun, is important to me. I'd like to be able to sell them down the road. One person recommended painting the sheepskin to get the vibrant array of colors, but I feel like it won't hold up worth a darn because it will be in direct contact with the animal...certainly it would rub off in no time?? Or am I missing something, and the padding isn't real leather at all?? I know my the padding on my current halter IS leather...but it's also brown and not a "color"...

I'm just curious if anyone has any input on what type of material to use, or how to go about getting a good selection of colors, because I'm at a loss. Thank you in advance!!

[horseplay]

Try contacting The Hide & Leather House (hidehouse.com). I order from them regularly and love the quality I get. A while back I ordered a very thin (1oz?) hide from them and it should be what you are looking for. Sorry, but for the life of me I can't remember if it was lamb or something else but it comes in a lot of great colors, is soft and pliable, and should work great for that application.

[Chavez]

You'd use leather for padding - perhaps good quality 2-3mm chrome tan? You'd have to try a few pieces to see which one gives you the best padding.