FAQ

How do I return a product to Vahana?

To return a Vahana product, follow these three steps:

  1. Check that the product is new and complete, with its packaging and QR code label.
  2. Return it to the following address : Vahana chez Boost, 99 impasse de la Station, 30900 Nîmes, France.
  3. We recommend shipping with a tracking number to ensure secure delivery.

    How to return a Vahana product? Check it is new and complete, send it back to our returns address in Nîmes, ideally with tracked shipping.

Which bareback pad is best for swimming?

For swimming with your horse, choose a bareback pad designed for use in water. Vahana’s FlyPad® Aqua is built for this: made of Airmesh fabric, it simply rinses off with water and dries quickly. It keeps the same features as the classic FlyPad®, with its channel that frees the spine and its adjustable Wings. It is available in Horse and Pony sizes, so you can swim safely and as close as possible to the horse.

Is there a bareback pad for ponies?

es, there are bareback pads suited to ponies. At Vahana, the FlyPad® Pony is designed for B ponies up to small horses, and for riders weighing 55 kg or less, to protect the back. For the smallest ones, the FlyPad® Mini suits children, miniature horses, shetland ponies and A ponies. Like the horse model, these versions feature a channel that frees the spine and adjustable Wings that adapt to the pony’s build.

Which bareback pad protects the horse’s back?

To protect the horse’s back, choose a bareback pad with a channel. The channel is a central groove that frees the spine and withers, avoiding any direct pressure on the topline. Most bareback pads on the market do not have one and spread pressure across the entire surface of the back. A pad with adjustable Wings, which adapt to the horse’s build, adds further to this protection. Vahana’s FlyPad® combines these two elements, its channel and its adjustable Wings, to protect the horse’s back and withers.

How do I choose a bareback pad?

To choose the right bareback pad, check four key points. First, back protection: a good pad should feature a spine channel, a central channel that relieves pressure on the horse’s spine and withers rather than pressing on them. Next, the fit to the horse’s individual conformation, ideally with adjustable elements that adapt to each horse’s back. Then, comfort and stability for the rider, who should be able to let their leg fall naturally into a balanced position. Finally, the quality of the materials and craftsmanship, which are essential for durability. The Vahana FlyPad® combines all these criteria with its spine channel, adjustable Wings, and handcrafted Franco-Italian production.

What is the difference between a bareback pad and a saddle?

A saddle is a rigid structure, built on a tree, that spreads the rider’s weight over a wide area of the back and raises the rider above the horse. A bareback pad is a flexible piece of equipment, without a tree, that places the rider as close as possible to the horse’s back for a freer and more connected ride. A saddle remains essential for certain disciplines and for long hours of work. A bareback pad, on the other hand, favours feel, lightness and closeness to the horse. A well-designed model such as Vahana’s FlyPad® still protects the back and withers thanks to its channel, whereas riding fully bareback offers no protection at all.

What is a bareback pad?

A bareback pad is a flexible piece of equipment placed on the horse’s back to ride without a saddle. It gives the rider a more comfortable and more stable seat than riding fully bareback, while protecting the horse’s back and withers when it is well designed.
The most advanced models, such as Vahana’s FlyPad®, feature a channel that frees the spine and adjustable Wings that adapt to the horse’s build. It is an alternative to the saddle for a ride that is closer to the horse, freer and more connected.

How to choose your FlyPad?

  • The FlyPad® is suitable for all types of horses, from pony D to draft horse.
  • For small and large ponies ponies or small horses, and for riders weighing up to 55 kg (≈ 120 lbs), choose the Pony version.
  • If you want to go into the water with the FlyPad, choose the FlyPad Aqua

How do I choose the right size for my Vahana halter?

Vahana halters tend to run slightly large. Here’s our size guide:

  • M (Mini) – Mini-shetlands, mini horses
  • S (Shetland) – Classic shetlands
  • P (Pony) – small ponies (B and C)
  • A (Arab) – Large ponies (D) with fine head and arabian horses
  • C (Cob) – Horses up to 1.60 m (15.3 hh) (Spanish, Quarter, etc.)
  • F (Full) – Horses from 1.60 m to 1.68 m (from 15.3 hh to 16,2 hh)
  • W (Warmblood) – Tall horses over 1.68 m (16,2 hh)
  • D (Draft) – Draft horses

When in doubt, send us a message with your horse’s breed, height, and a side photo, we’ll guide you.

What are Vahana’s delivery times?

Les commandes Vahana sont préparées et expédiées sous 24 heures, hors week-end et jours fériés.

Vahana orders are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours, excluding weekends and public holidays. Delivery times then vary depending on the chosen carrier and the destination. Orders are generally delivered within 24 to 72 hours in mainland France and within 6 to 8 days in Europe. Outside Europe, delivery times vary depending on the destination. Once your parcel has been dispatched, you will receive an e-mail with a tracking link.

Which countries do you deliver to?

Vahana ships worldwide.
Shipping costs are automatically calculated based on the destination and the weight of the parcel.

What’s the difference between the Soft and Pro halters?

The Pro halter is made from semi-rigid rope, allowing for very fine communication with the horse, but it requires solid experience in groundwork and excellent timing.

The Soft halter, made from supple rope, is more forgiving and still very effective as a training tool. It’s ideal for beginners, sensitive horses, or young ones in early training.

All our rope halters are educational tools that should be used with skill or professional guidance.

How can I track my Vahana order?

As soon as your order is dispatched, you’ll receive an email with a tracking link to follow your parcel in real time.

Can I modify an order after payment?

For logistical reasons, orders cannot be modified once payment is confirmed.

If you made a mistake, contact us quickly. If the order hasn’t been shipped yet, we’ll do our best to help.

Can I exchange a product if it doesn’t fit?

Yes, as long as the product is unused, in its original packaging, and with the QR-code label still attached.

Return address:

VAHANA – chez BOOST
99 impasse de la Station
30900 Nîmes – France

How much time do I have to request a return?

You have 14 days from the delivery date to request a return or exchange.
Beyond that, we unfortunately cannot accept returns.

What payment methods do you accept?

Vahana accepts credit card (Visa, Mastercard), PayPal, bank transfer and payment in instalments via Klarna. All payments are secure.

Q: Can I use a discount code or store credit?

es. You can enter your discount code or store credit in the “Coupon code” field when placing your order.

Is payment in installments available?

es, payment in instalments is available through PayPal.

Interest-free payment in 4 instalments is offered automatically to eligible customers at checkout.

Klarna is not available outside France.

Q: Why use a rope halter instead of a classic halter?

The rope halter, also called an ethological halter, allows for more precise and subtle communication with the horse than a classic halter.

The lead rope transmits clear signals to the rope halter, whereas a flat halter spreads pressure over a wide surface. It is a powerful educational tool, to be used with accuracy, skill and kindness.

Are Vahana halters and lead ropes suitable for young or sensitive horses?

Yes — especially the Soft halter, which is gentle enough for young or sensitive horses.
That said, even a soft rope halter is a training tool that must be used with kindness, experience, and, ideally, professional guidance.

How do I care for my suede FlyPad® and my FlyPad® Aqua?

Care depends on the material of your FlyPad®. The suede model and the Aqua model in Airmesh are not cleaned the same way.

Suede FlyPad®:

  • Before first use, apply a colourless waterproofing spray.

  • If the suede gets dusty, brush it gently when dry.
  • For a stain, use a suede eraser, then waterproof it again.
  • To clean the surface in contact with the horse, use a damp sponge.
  • For storage, use the Cocoon cover to protect the FlyPad® between sessions, or to ride in wet weather.

FlyPad® Aqua (Airmesh fabric):

  • Simply wipe it with a damp sponge or even rinse it with water: the FlyPad® Aqua is designed for swimming.
  • The handle is made of natural leather, so grease it from time to time.

How do you take care of your FlyPad®?

To preserve the quality of your suede FlyPad® over time:

  • Avoid trousers with rivets or abrasive materials, which could mark the suede.

  • Before first use, waterproof the suede with a suitable spray, then repeat regularly.
  • To clean it, use a soft brush and a suede eraser for stains.
  • Store it away from moisture and direct sunlight.

  • Protect it with the Cocoon cover, which can also be used while riding in the rain.

The FlyPad® is handcrafted with natural materials, selected for their technicality and comfort. Suede is a living material: slight nuances or irregularities may appear depending on the handling, from cutting to delivery. They do not affect the strength or comfort of the product, and cannot constitute a cause for complaint.

Does the FlyPad replace a saddle?

No, the FlyPad® is not meant to replace a well-fitted saddle. It is a bareback pad used alongside or as an alternative to the saddle, for a more connected and freer ride.

It is ideal in several situations:

  • for riding “naturally”, as close as possible to the horse
  • during a transition away from the saddle
  • for seat-building exercices
  • for swimming

Do you need any accessories to ride with the FlyPad?

  • The FlyPad® comes with the Wings.
  • It comes without a girth. Choose the short Comfy girth (45, 55 and 65 cm) or a short dressage-style girth.

Which FlyPad to choose for my horse?

Choosing the right FlyPad® depends on your horse’s build and the rider’s weight. Vahana offers three models to cover every build.

The FlyPad® Horse suits the vast majority of horses, from a D pony to a draft horse, and every rider whatever their level.

The FlyPad® Pony is designed for B ponies up to small horses, and for riders weighing 55 kg or less, to protect the horse’s back.

The FlyPad® Mini is made for children and miniature horses, shetland ponies and A ponies.

If you also ride for swimming, choose the FlyPad® Aqua version, available in Horse and Pony sizes. It has the same features while being built for use in water.

f you are unsure, send us a photo of your horse along with your own size and weight, and we will be glad to guide you.

What makes the Vahana FlyPad different from other riding pads?

Vahana’s FlyPad® stands out thanks to three features that the vast majority of bareback pads do not offer: its dorsal channel, its adjustable Wings and its premium craftsmanship.

The channel is a central groove that frees the horse’s spine and withers, removing all pressure along the topline. This is a feature missing from most bareback pads on the market.

The Wings are two adjustable side cushions that adapt to each horse’s build. They let the rider’s leg fall freely and ensure an aligned, stable and secure seat.

The FlyPad® also includes 5 rings to attach an airbag, a bag or accessories, and it is made in France and Italy with premium materials.