The description:
Dressage saddle pad with extra relief around withers :
1.The Dressage Saddle pad is 100%cottom outer with easy fox Velcro girth loops and saddle attachments.
2.The dressage saddle pad features moisture management lining to help keep the horse comfortable whilst wearing the saddle pad.
3.The wither shaped saddle pad features a soft highly absorbent lining with girth loops and retaining straps for a secure fit.
4.Great for everyday use.
5.Available in Paterns and colors
Saddle buying guide:
Saddle pads and blankets are placed under a saddle to protect a horse’s back, and absorb sweat. They also act as a cushion under the saddle for a more comfortable ride. Specially designed models that compensate for a horse’s body structure can help when a saddle doesn’t quite fit properly. Saddle pads are made from many natural and synthetic materials, each with its own benefits and purpose. Cloths and blankets were used to cover horses’ backs for riding long before saddles became popular, and they have since evolved to match various equestrian styles. To choose a suitable saddle pad, buyers will need to consider their horse and the saddle they ride with most often. Saddle pads and blankets can be purchased at tack and saddle shops, and they are also sold by many online equestrian retailers.
Selecting the Right Saddle Pad
A well-chosen saddle pad may lessen a horse’s muscle fatigue, allowing for longer rides without unnecessary strain or injury. Some saddle pads are designed for general use, while others are made for shows and competitions. Consumers will need to take the shape of a horse’s back and withers into consideration when choosing a saddle pad, along with the style of saddle used with the pad and the equine discipline practiced by the rider.
Types of Saddle Pads
There are several terms used to describe fabric and other materials placed between a saddle and horse. Saddle blankets and pads are two different types of saddle cushioning. A blanket generally refers to a piece of cotton orwool that is folded and placed under the saddle. Commonly used under western saddles and pack saddles, blankets originally served two purposes for the military: padding and warmth. On long marches, the thickness of the blanket could be adjusted as the horse got skinnier. Saddle pads, sometimes called numnahs, are thicker than blankets. They are made of multiple layers of material shaped to match the contours of the horse and saddle.
Saddle Pad Designs
Horse owners and riders can use this chart to find a Western or English saddle pad that will complement their horse’s body type. Using this information, buyers will be able to make an informed decision rather than just guessing as to which pad would be the best choice for a particular horse.
| SHAPE OF PADS | USAGE |
| Built up | With extra padding along the center, a pad that is built up is useful for high-withered horses because it raises the saddle up off the withers.
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| Contour | A contoured pad will help compensate for prominent withers or a swayed back. This type of pad can reduce pressure on the withers. |
| Horses with high, prominent withers might be more comfortable in a cutout pad. Instead of resting on the withers, there is a cutout at the top of the pad, which relieves pressure on this area. | |
| Sometimes called a contest saddle pad, these rounded pads are used under saddles that feature a round skirt, or for short-backed horses. | |
| With extra thickness at the center, a swayback pad is specially designed for horses with a dip in their back. This type of pad also corrects uneven saddle pressure on horses with extremely high withers. |
Just like a saddle, a pad must be properly fitted to a horse’s proportions. There should be at least an inch of padding visible around the edge of the saddle, and the pad should not rub or press on the withers. Care must be taken to ensure that none of the seams are positioned in a way that could chafe the horse during rides. By choosing a material that is suited to the rider’s discipline and the horse’s preferences, an equine saddle pad will absorb shock and enhance the riding experience.
Materials Used to Make Saddle Pads
Buyers can also choose a saddle pad based on the material used to make it. Each material has benefits and drawbacks, so riders should consider which would be the best option for their horse and saddle. Both natural and synthetic materials are used in the production of saddle pads.
1.Sheepskin and Synthetic Fleece
The most traditional saddle pad material is sheepskin. Sheepskin with the hide still attached reduces friction in a way that can’t be matched by man-made fleece. It’s used mainly because of its natural ability to wick moisture away from a horse’s skin, but it can be difficult to clean and dry. Over time, chemicals in a horse’s sweat can break down the fleece on a sheepskin pad, if it’s not properly cared for. Synthetic fleece is often used on the underside of saddle pads, and it holds up better than sheepskin. Real fleece often becomes flattened and matted by the weight of the saddle and rider. Synthetic materials are affordable and hold up over time, but are not as breathable as the real thing.
2.Felt
Felt is a common material in saddle pads designed for Western saddles, and is sometimes found in English pads, though less frequently. This compressed wool is absorbent and efficient at wicking moisture. Felt is a great insulator, and it can relieve pressure points caused by a saddle, so it’s often layered under other materials for maximum shock absorption.
3.Foam
Foam is used to alleviate pressure points on a horse’s back by absorbing shock and evenly distributing the weight of the saddle. There are two types of foam used to make saddle pads: open-cell foam and closed-cell foam. Closed - cell foam is more popular because it’s denser and can conform to body contours, but it’s less breathable than open-celled varieties. The main drawback to foam is that it lacks the wicking ability of natural fibers.
4.Gel
Some saddle pads come with gel inserts for additional cushioning. These are helpful when a horse has a tender spot that requires additional protection from impact. A layer of gel is placed between the padding, or embedded in the fabric. The addition of this material makes gel saddle pads heavier than other models, but they can make a horse much more comfortable by cushioning sore spots.
5.Neoprene
Neoprene is a waterproof material used in certain saddle pads. This type of rubber is also called waffle bottom, because of the distinct pattern imprinted on it, which allows the saddle pad to breathe. Pads made of neoprene are extremely durable and easy to clean. The chemical characteristics of this material help neoprene saddle pads stay put under the saddle rather than sliding around and causing the horse discomfort.
