The right saddle pad for your horse: Tips and information
A saddle padprimarily serves a protective function. It is placed underneath the saddle and can evenly distribute the saddle's pressure on the rider'sback. A well-fitting saddle padcan also prevent uncomfortable pressure points. We have summarized what is important when buying and how to find the right saddle padfor you.
What is a saddle pad and what is its function?
Saddlecloth, saddle blanket, saddle pad: There are many different ways to protect the horse's back with optimal padding. Saddle padsare designed to equalize pressure so that the rider'sweight presses less on the animal's back muscles. Because back problems in horsesoften lead to further health problems. Therefore, saddle padsare often padded with thick foam or gel to help preventatively protect your horse.
Different types of saddle pads at a glance
The purpose of using a saddle padis always optimal pressure distribution. To achieve this goal, manufacturers take various approaches in the production of their saddle pads. In recent years, three common variations have become established.
Gel pads
Saddle padsfilled with gel are designed to relieve the sensitive wither area of the horseand protect it from pressure and chafing. The different gel zones optimize weight distribution. Unfortunately, gel is not very breathable, and it can easily happen that heat builds up under a gel pad. Our manufacturer ACAVALLOhas solved this problem by developing a soft gel pad with a honeycomb structure. In combination with an open-pored foam, a circulating air cushion is created, thus providing excellent breathability.
Lambskin pads
A pad lined with lambskin is particularly sweat and shock absorbent and can thus prevent friction and chafing. Many manufacturers use medically tanned lambskin, which is particularly suitable for sensitive horsesdue to its anti-allergenic properties.
Memory Foam Pads
Pads with a memory foam filling are highly shock-absorbing. Pressure is compressed at the particularly stressed points. This memory foam was originally developed for NASA to improve seating and impact protection in aircraft. Saddle pads with memory foam also react to ambient temperatures. As the temperature rises, the foam becomes more flexible and adapts even better to the horse'sanatomy.
Buy saddle pads: These are the top sellers from our shop
Are you currently looking for a high-quality saddle padthat optimally supports you and your horsewhile riding? Then you are cordially invited to browse our assortment and discover our bestsellers.
Our manufacturer ACAVALLOrelies on innovative materials in the development of saddle pads. Materials such as memory foam are used in the saddle pads, combined with gel inserts and lambskin. In addition, there are also special saddle padsfor horseswith atrophied back muscles and age-related swayback. For these problems, you will find saddle pads in our shop that are raised at the back or front to compensate for saddle problems.
Our manufacturer Kentucky Horsewearalso develops very high-quality saddle padsand correction pads. In addition to the well-known memory foam, the brand integrates the so-called 3D Spacer into the saddle pads. Its air-permeable properties ensure that enough air reaches the back. With these materials, Kentuckyhas created a half pad that is 20 to 30% lighter than most other pads on the market. However, the pad is not only lighter than others, but you also feel closer to the horse, thus improving communication between you and your horse. A classic from the Kentucky Horsewearcollection is the Saddle PadImpact Equalizer.
Are you looking for cheaper saddle pad alternatives?
Especially beginner riders don't want to invest too much money in their riding equipment at the beginning. We are therefore happy to offer you cheaper alternatives to our top brands. From our manufacturer Busse, we recommend the Comfort saddle pad at a good price. The pad has an anatomical back shape and is trimmed with a fluffy artificial fur. Imperial Ridingalso offers saddle padswith artificial fur in a very fair price range. The saddle padwith artificial lambskin is attached to the saddle with Velcro fasteners and thus offers a good hold.
