Method of manufacturing an equine protective covering

A method of manufacturing an equine protective covering comprising a cushion assembly extending from a cushion interior side, which contacts the equine body when mounted, to a cushion exterior side, facing away from the equine body when mounted, wherein the cushion assembly comprises:

• a synthetic fabric layer at the cushion interior side;
• and
• a neoprene layer extending from the synthetic fabric layer towards the exterior side,
• wherein the method comprises the steps of:
• providing the neoprene layer;
• perforating the neoprene layer such that a plurality of perforations extend completely through the neoprene layer in a direction from the interior side to the exterior side;
• providing the synthetic fabric layer at the interior side of the cushion assembly to the neoprene layer;
• applying a stamp comprising a profiled shape with a predetermined temperature and pressure to the interior side of the cushion assembly such that concurrently:
• the synthetic fabric layer and the neoprene layer are permanently bonded;
• the neoprene layer is plastically deformed such that the profiled shape of the stamp is permanently transferred to the neoprene layer;
• and
• the plastic deformation of the neoprene layer is such that the perforations remain open.