Choosing The Right Saddle Pad: What You Need To Know
With a myriad of options available, ranging from high-tech foams to traditional wool, choosing the right saddle pad can be a daunting task! Each material boasts unique properties, promising superior performance and comfort for your equine partner. The array of choices matches the diversity of needs in the equine community.
Whether you're seeking advanced shock absorption, moisture-wicking capabilities, or simply unparalleled comfort, understanding the distinct characteristics of each saddle pad is key to making an informed decision. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of saddle pad technology, exploring the features and benefits of various options to help you find the best saddle pad for your horse!
SaddleRight Saddle Pads
SaddleRight stands out in the realm of saddle pads, offering a unique blend of science and performance to support the partnership between horse and rider. With over 34 years of manufacturing and craftsmanship experience, SaddleRight has honed its expertise to create orthopedic pads that excel in function, craftsmanship, and aesthetics. This pad, developed by Dr. Mike and Janette Freeman, remains unrivaled in its ability to provide protection in the sleekest package.
After traveling the country working on horses with the same, repeating ailments (back soreness and lower limb lameness), Dr. Freeman and two other veterinarian friends developed the first prototype of the SaddleRight pad in 1979. After 3 years of testing and development, the very same SaddleRight pad you see today was introduced. Their shop is still located in Las Vegas, Nevada where each pad is made by hand from start to finish.
The best feature of SaddleRight pads is the difficult combination of superior protection and a non-bulky, close contact fit. The design of this pad allows for the most support with the highest level of horse comfort. Starting at the front, the open wither design allows for complete freedom of movement in the front-end of the horse. Along the topline, the pad design allows for a natural air channel lifting the pad off the spine. The pad is also split at the lower back area to eliminate binding and discomfort. These features make the SaddleRight pad especially ideal for horses diagnosed with Kissing Spine. SaddleRight's pads eliminate the need for shimming, promoting healthy muscle function and nerve regeneration.
The longevity of SaddleRight's pads is remarkable, with many still in heavy use after 20 years. Did we mention all SaddleRight pads are backed by a LIFETIME warranty against core compression? Fun fact – SaddleRight has NEVER had a failed core in a single saddle pad since they began production in 1984. Wow! Furthermore, they also have a “Trade Back” program that allows riders to exchange pads if their needs or style preferences change.
Standard Western pads come with a 5/8” thickness which is great for a lot of horses. If you have a horse with Kissing Spine or need some added protection, the Legacy upgrade is a fantastic option. This upgrade adds 1/8” bringing the total pad thickness up to ¾”. For team ropers, ranchers, or others spending extensive hours in the saddle, SaddleRight has just introduced the Phoenix pad. This pad is the thickest option they will ever make with the core lining built up to ¼”. Ultimately, SaddleRight has an option for just about every horse’s unique situation!
Classic Equine Saddle Pads
Classic Equine has a wide range of saddle pad options including the more traditional styles (Wool, Alpaca, Blended Felt) to those with newer technology added in (Zone, ESP, Shockguard). We will dive into the details of their more complex pads, but here is a little advice on pad fit from Classic themselves!
The pad size should allow for even distribution of material and protection all the way around the saddle. Too small of a pad can cause problems. If you ride a Martin BTR for example, you will lean towards a 28”x30”, 30×30”, or 30”x34” in a blanket top. For larger skirted saddles like the Stingray, go for more surface area.
Classic Equine pad thicknesses range from ½” total thickness to 1”. One of the most common pad thicknesses amongst barrel racers being ¾”. Depending on your saddle fit, a good rule of thumb is less is more. If the saddle fits great, or maybe on the tight side, less thickness is more. Classic Equine recommends a ½” or ¾”, and if your saddle fit is a little roomier, or your horse has some growing to do, opt for a 7/8” or 1”.
BioFit
BioFit® pads offer a unique solution to common saddle fit issues by featuring a strategically placed "buildup" designed to address missing muscle mass behind the horse's shoulder. This buildup helps level the saddle, preventing it from running downhill and collapsing on the spine at the withers. By effectively filling in the muscle gap, BioFit® pads ensure comfort and improve the horse's overall performance, particularly benefiting narrow-shouldered or high-withered horses, as well as those with muscle atrophy due to ill-fitting saddles.
These pads are constructed using dense orthopedic-grade felt, which absorbs shock and disperses pressure, ensuring optimal comfort for the horse. Additionally, memory foam is utilized to fill the void behind the shoulder, providing comfortable correction while offering spine relief. The inclusion of a cutout over the withers enhances clearance, further alleviating pressure points and promoting a more comfortable riding experience.
Each BioFit® Pad is contoured for a close fit, ensuring excellent protection while effectively addressing saddle fit issues. One of our favorite aspects of the BioFit pad is the perfect level of cushion in the build-up. You won’t have to worry about this pad causing more shoulder atrophy because of a rigid build-up. Whether the horse has narrow shoulders, high withers, or muscle atrophy, these pads provide a tailored solution to enhance comfort and performance, ultimately allowing riders to enjoy a more enjoyable and productive riding experience.
ESP & Shockguard®
ShockGuard® and ESP pads stand out for their innovative use of XPF energy-absorbing technology, setting them apart from conventional saddle pads. This advanced foam material is not only incredibly dense but also remarkably breathable, ensuring heavy-duty performance without adding unnecessary weight. Designed with the horse's well-being in mind, these pads provide unparalleled protection for the horse's back during fast turns, hard stops, and bursts of speed.
The XPF foam featured in the ShockGuard® and ESP pads creates an optimal shock-absorption scenario by conforming to the horse's every move. This feature not only prevents injuries but also helps alleviate soreness, ensuring the horse remains comfortable and performing at its best. With its origins in protective sports and military equipment, as well as orthotic-prosthetic medical devices, XPF foam offers superior impact protection, surpassing conventional foam materials by more than six times.
Key attributes of ShockGuard® and ESP pads include their lightweight construction, energy-absorbing technology, and back-conforming design. The open-cell technology employed in these pads ensures better bounceback after each maneuver, maintaining consistent performance throughout the ride. Ultimately, these saddle pads provide shock-absorbing relief, allowing riders to confidently push the limits while prioritizing the well-being and comfort of their equine partners.
Zone
The Zone Saddle Pads are another great option for providing protection for your horse. Featuring a specialized insert filled with Zoombang™, an advanced polymer renowned for its impact-absorbing properties, these pads provide exceptional protection against pressure and impact. Developed using cutting-edge innovations in science, Zoombang™ technology instantly reacts to impact by becoming rigid, effectively dissipating pressure and safeguarding the horse's back. Despite its rigidity upon impact, Zoombang™ remains soft and conformal at rest, ensuring optimal comfort and support for the horse during movement.
Designed to absorb up to 80% of impact forces, the Zone Saddle Pads offer lightweight protection trusted by hundreds of professional athletes across various sports disciplines. The science-based engineering behind these pads ensures they effectively manage, dissipate, and transfer energy, thereby reducing the risk of injury and stress on the equine athlete. Furthermore, Zoombang™ is non-toxic and resistant to wear and tear, guaranteeing long-lasting performance even after hundreds of rides.
These pads are great for people who like a closer feel as they are not as thick as some other protection providing saddle pads.
Best Ever Saddle Pads
Best Ever Pads, led by founders Ryan and Tammy White, embodies a commitment to producing top-quality, aesthetically pleasing saddle pads while prioritizing unparalleled customer service and public relations in the western market. With over 40 years of combined experience in the rodeo industry, Ryan and Tammy bring a deep understanding of the sport's demands and a passion for enhancing the rider's experience. Raised on a working cattle ranch in Hawaii, Ryan's extensive rodeo background, coupled with Tammy's success as a rodeo competitor, form the foundation of Best Ever Pads' ethos.
The OG Collection saddle pad, a cornerstone of the company since 2002, boasts top-notch quality with its 100% needle-punched wool construction. This pad, weighing 112 ounces per square yard, offers firmness, durability, and breathability. Available in dark gray and multiple thickness options, including 1" and 3/4", it ensures versatility to cater to various needs, making it a reliable choice for riders seeking a dependable and customizable saddle pad.
For those looking for a blend of durability, flexibility, and moisture absorption, the Kush Collection saddle pad fits the bill. Crafted from 100% high-quality washed and pressed wool, weighing 136 ounces per square yard, this pad excels in resilience and softness. Its ability to absorb moisture aids in heat dissipation from the horse's back. Available in light gray and thickness options of 1.25", 1", or 3/4", it offers riders a comfortable and adaptable option for diverse riding conditions.
The Cadillac Series saddle pad, part of the CEO Collection, introduces additional support features, including a 3/8" closed-cell foam insert throughout the saddle's bars and an extra 1/4" insert strategically placed over the shoulders. Designed to prevent collapsing behind the shoulders, this pad is ideal for roping and performance horses, as well as seniors and those with high withers. Its thoughtful design ensures optimal support and comfort, making it a valuable asset for riders seeking enhanced performance and protection for their horses.
Finishing out this section is a quote from Best Ever themselves!
“Best Ever Pads is uniquely designed to create the best fitting pad that will fit each individual horse’s conformation, riders’ discipline, and their preference for design. Owned and operated by true western industry riders that know horses and their needs is what sets the bar high for Best Ever. From high withered horses to no withers, or wide shoulders to narrow built, we have a pad that can fit your needs. If we don't then we will build it for you with the experts in the shop. The guarantee sets us apart as we want to ensure your horse is comfortable and your pad is properly fitting. In our opinion, we believe that the 1” Kush is the most versatile and as well as the most popular pad that we offer. We feel every horse deserves to ride with the Best.”
Impact Gel Saddle Pads
Impact Gel has a rich history rooted in innovation and safety, originating from the expertise of Matthew Kriesel, co-founder of the Mattec Corporation renowned for developing the Hutchens Device, a pioneering head and neck restraint system in racing. Kriesel's venture into the creation of Impact Gel came after a pivotal moment in NASCAR history when driver Geoff Bodine credited the gel for saving him from severe injury in a Daytona 500 crash. Formally established in 2002, Impact Gel has since honed its craft in the small town of Ettrick, Wisconsin, crafting environmentally friendly products with a patented gel blend.
At the heart of Impact Gel's saddle pads lies a unique blend of interconnected energy dissipating molecules that excel in relieving pressure points and dissipating energy transferred onto the horse, outperforming competitors. These pads are meticulously designed to deliver unmatched comfort and performance to both horse and rider, benefiting from ongoing research and rigorous testing by industry-leading equestrians. Moreover, Impact Gel's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its manufacturing process, utilizing non-toxic materials derived from soybeans and boasting antimicrobial properties to inhibit bacteria and fungi growth.
What sets Impact Gel apart is not only its performance but also its versatility in various conditions. Temperature-resistant and shock-absorbing, Impact Gel pads offer unparalleled comfort and protection, dispersing heat energy horizontally and retaining energy-absorbing properties even in extreme temperatures. With a belief in making a difference one ride at a time, Impact Gel remains dedicated to improving the quality of every equestrian experience through its innovative saddle pad solutions.
Their 3/4” pad is the most universal choice and will fit most horses. However, the 1” option is generally better for those who have higher impact disciplines (roping, steer wrestling, etc) or who ride for extended periods. They are also an excellent choice for someone struggling with saddle fit. Their longevity is fantastic, as we have customers who are still using the same pad after 10 plus years. Any discipline where back protection is paramount – Impact Gel saddle pards are an excellent choice.
5 Star Saddle Pads
5 Star Equine Products, Inc. distinguishes itself as a family-owned and operated manufacturer of top-quality, all-natural saddle pads and mohair cinches. Founded in 1998 by Vern and Laurel Wells and now led by Terry Moore and his family, 5 Star has evolved into a symbol of excellence in the equine industry. Despite its humble beginnings, the company has grown into a testament to dedication and craftsmanship, with a team of hardworking individuals committed to producing superior products. With a focus on using 100% virgin wool, 5 Star saddle pads are crafted to deliver optimal function, safety, and benefits for horses and riders alike.
Despite the appeal of modern materials, such as foams and high-tech fibers, wool remains a tried-and-true choice, hailed for its natural properties. Wool, a traditional material utilized for years in the tack world, still holds its ground against modern alternatives. Its intricate cellular structure enables it to regulate temperature, wick away moisture, and resist buildup, making it extremely comfortable. Wool can dissipate heat and pressure, prevent blisters, and limit compression-related injuries.
5 Star saddle pads are among the highest quaily, 100% wool pads on the market. They are also beautifully made with unique designs and wear leathers, making them a popular choice among barrel racers. If you have specific style preferences, 5 Star is one of the best options for creating exactly what you are looking for!
In conclusion, the world of saddle pads offers a wide variety of options, each tailored to meet the diverse needs of riders and their equine companions. Whether you prioritize shock absorption, breathability, or therapeutic support, there's a saddle pad out there designed to exceed your expectations.
By understanding the unique characteristics of each pad and considering factors such as fit, function, and durability, you can confidently select the ideal saddle pad to enhance your horse's comfort and performance. So saddle up with confidence, knowing that you've equipped your equine partner with the best in protective gear!
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