Choosing the Right Saddle Pads to Ensure Your Horse's Comfort

Saddle pads are essential for your horse's comfort since they reduce pressure and friction. They can also assist with modifications to saddle fit brought on by muscle increase or loss in horses. Before you ride, make sure your saddle pad is comfortable to the touch on your back. Selecting the ideal pad and maintaining it correctly are essential to guaranteeing your horse's comfort and preventing long-term harm.

Content

Saddle pad material can significantly affect how comfortable a horse is. Overly thick pads can distort the way a saddle fits and pressure the delicate parts of a horse's back, while undersized pads might not offer enough support. Clayton thinks sheepskin is a smart choice because it helps balance out little variations in pressure beneath a well fitting saddle. She does, however, note that the gel pads she examined for her study caused more discomfort at the canter and gallop. Further shock absorption is achieved by the soft feel that is produced when wool felt and fleece lining are combined. Unfortunately, sweat and debris can easily clog these pads, shortening their lifespan. A less permeable and more resilient choice that might keep its "bounce" for years is closing cell foam.

Form

The distribution of saddle forces is influenced by the form of the pad. While some pads ease pressure points, others may exacerbate them. While there are many variables that determine how much padding a horse needs, such as discipline, conformation, saddle fit, and conditioning level, the following general principles may be useful: For instance, a shaped pad with a little raised front may be necessary for horses with extremely high withers. However, when a riser pad is added to an unfit saddle, it may result in pressure points or bridges where the pad meets the girth. Another common choice is gel pads, although Powell says there is doubt about their capacity to soften and distribute impact. Dehydration may result from the material's tendency to retain heat and the horse's increased sweating.

Supporting

Cushioning is one of the most crucial aspects of saddle pad performance. It lessens the force of every ride and shields your equine from discomfort, strain, and long-term harm. Go for neoprene and gel pads that offer the best shock absorption, as well as breathable materials like fleece and wool that aid in pressure distribution. Additionally, by wicking away moisture, these materials can stop bacteria and fungi from forming beneath the saddle. The frequency, intensity, and discipline of your horse's riding should all be taken into consideration when choosing the thickness of the saddle pad. A smaller pad can be needed for a tight-fitting saddle, and a thicker one for a loose-fitting one. In either scenario, it's a good idea to take into account features like shims and detachable inserts that allow you to modify the saddle and pad's fit to suit your horse's evolving demands.

Changes

Saddle fit is important for both the horse and the rider, as we all know. Both partners will experience rubbing and discomfort from a saddle that is excessively big or tiny. Still, it's not possible to consistently have a flawless saddle fit. Thankfully, saddle pads offer assistance. For Western riding, felt pads are a common option since they provide comfort for the horse and the rider. Usually, they have a fleece lining on the underside for added comfort and stress absorption. Felt pads are made of synthetic lambskin, which does not wick moisture well and tends to heat up quickly when used. A better choice would be a pad made of a moisture-wicking fabric that pulls sweat away from the back to keep the muscles in the back from overheating.

Disposable Technology

The kind of saddle pad your horse needs will depend on the discipline in which you ride. To help with saddle fit, some saddle pads have technologies like shims and inserts incorporated right in. These can assist with conformation concerns that call for extra support under the saddle, such as unequal muscle mass, high withers, or other problems. These saddle pads include ECOGOLD's ThinLine material, which reduces impact and shock and fosters a calm, gentle connection with your horse for maximum performance in every discipline. Sheepskin pads absorb moisture, spread weight uniformly, improve air circulation, and conform to your horse's back. Sheepskin also has exceptional shock-absorbing qualities and can naturally tolerate repeated strain to guarantee longevity. The elevated front of contour saddle pads reduces pressure on the spine and withers. For horses who are highly withered, tailored saddle cushions and sheepskin are suitable choices.