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A Journey into Saddle Pads

Last post 11-17-2011 12:01 PM by ccnzona. 6 replies.
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  • 11-16-2011 9:27 AM

    A Journey into Saddle Pads

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    Well I have to say, since my mare received her back injections, et al, I have been diligently researching the saddle pad industry for the best choice of pad.  There are so many different pads, I have read about closed cell, open cell, impact resistance, saddle fit until I am blue in the face.  However, I have gleaned some information that is helpful, but I still have not come to a conclusion.  So your input can help immensely, including that of the "experts" if they don't mind tossing in a few comments.

    I ride lower level dressage and hope to aspire to Working Equitation (not familiar, watch youtube, beja 2008 speed trial in Portugal).  And most probably, in the end I will retire my 16 year old mare in the next couple of years because of her arthritis development and bone spurs.  Okay, if you have gotten this far, here is what I have determined.

    The saddle pad must breathe, well of course.  (wool F10 or F11, and layered, not needled, no foam breathes)
    The saddle pad must distribute weight, or adjust to weight distribution, no back is symetric. (memory foam seems to last longer than gels as I understand it because after a short period of time, the gel moves away from the contact points due to vibration, and thus, dissipates from the area of impact, leaving hard contact)
    The saddle pad must reduce impact. (wool, sorbothane)
    Healing properties in a saddle pad (use of Celliant) ...this is just an extra perc.

    This leaves me with several questions:
    1.  A good quality wool breathes, but if it is layered with one or two of the other products, does this not reduce or negate its' breathing capability?
    2.  Does wool distribute weight?
    3.  Since the synthetics, by themselves do not breathe, I assume they are only a short term (1/2 hour riding pad) and probably would not even consider using them for that long in hot arizona climates.
    4.  Assuming thus far, that wool has the best protection factor, and based on a recent study wherein I read that it also has a higher impact resistance level than any synthetic (assuming that is absolutely correct); wool is the first choice for saddle pad.  However, that being said, I also read that there are differences of opinion on thickness of the wool required to obtain the protections.  For dressage purposes I tested a nice western wool 1" thick pad and it was too thick. I could not feel the horse.  However, if I choose a wool pad with lesser thickness, 1/2" or even 3/4", would the thickness negate the impact resistance?

    If you have braved the world of saddle pad confusion and answered any of these questions, I would sure like to hear your input.

    Thanks to all !

  • 11-16-2011 11:13 AM In reply to

    Re: A Journey into Saddle Pads

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     Ah, the saddle pad journey.  I have traveled this one as well --  a few points:

    (1) Some synthetics are very breathable.  We have lots of new, techincal fibers out there which work great.

    (2) Foam can be breathable as well.  There are about a zillion different kinds and grades and designs.

    (3)  All materials have a limit to their life spans.  Fabrics break down with sweat and time, foams lose their cushioning and rebound over time, etc.  Easiest to accept this off the bat and then move along.

     

    I came up with my priorities as (1) shock absorption for high maintenance back and (2) very breathable and does not trap heat.  The more I learn about equine tissues, the more I learn that heat is bad.

    I concluded my search with an Ecogold pad as they best met my criteria and were phenomenal to work with.  They custom built me my own size for no extra charge.  This pad has completely outperformed my old ThinLine and I am thrilled with it.  Eliminates pressure spots and breathes far better than anything I have tried.



    Solaris -- 16 hh Appendix Quarter Horse = MY DREAM COME TRUE!
    We Are Flying Solo

  • 11-16-2011 2:47 PM In reply to

    Re: A Journey into Saddle Pads

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    I watched their video, I thought it was a bit tweaked in that as a clinical study, it does not fairly account for the first layer of padding that one would use on the other products.  I did not like the fact that they cut the video in several places which made me wonder a bit at their reasons for doing so.  Not that I can vouch for it one way or another but just some observations.

    They indicate that the foams are breatheable.  I have yet to research any synthetic foam that breathes. Some foams are mfg. with holes in them, but the foam itself does not breathe. Cotton breathes, wool breathes.  I think it's fair to say that even these natural fibers are an insulation factor just as the synthetics and no matter what you put on a horses back, you will create heat because of thermal qualities.  I think reduction of heat is important, I think sweating is going to occur no matter what depending on how long you ride.  I would like to see studies of the material they use by universities also.  They may already be out there, but they don't say what they use.  Let me know if you have anymore info on them.  They are expensive but if they are true to their own testimony, might be worth it.  In the meantime, I have decided to try the EquiPedic pad system.  I called the manufactures of the products they use and also there are several studies by 4 major universities on some of their foams, Celliant and Outlast technologies.  Additionally, they use a layer of wool felt which makes sense because it would be helpful to have a substance to wick away any moisture.  

    I do find all of this interesting.  Again, let me know if you have any information filed away that explains the product used in your EcoGold.  I would love to explore that.

  • 11-17-2011 6:50 AM In reply to

    Re: A Journey into Saddle Pads

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     I had a long email conversation with the owner (I'm a science nerd), but what mattered most was my results -- I have a ThinLine pad I used to use, also cotton pads and the Roma wicking pads.  None of those were very breathable, I would peel them off my horse's back like tape, he would get so sweaty.  The Ecogold wicks moisture AND breathes, staying light on his back and keeping it much cooler than any of the others.  Proof in the pudding, so to say.

    My best friend rides endurance with an Equipedic pad.  It does cushion very well.  It does not wick or breathe as well as the Ecogold when we ride together as it is very thick.  It is stiff and bulky before it warms up, so you do have to tighten your girth in stages, LOL, especially when it's cold out.  But it deals with pressure over 50 miles very well.  If you ride a lot, you have to take the foam out and wash it often to keep it alive as long as possible.  Her foam wore out in about a year, pressure behind the withers compressed it and wore through it, as she rides a LOT of miles.  

    ETA -- sorry, not trying to "sell" you anything, just sharing my experiences in this convoluted world of saddle pads.  



    Solaris -- 16 hh Appendix Quarter Horse = MY DREAM COME TRUE!
    We Are Flying Solo

  • 11-17-2011 7:58 AM In reply to

    Re: A Journey into Saddle Pads

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    Great information, I don't ride endurance.  My mare is 16 and is having arthritis crop up in her back, so we stick to a few trail rides per year and arena work and just hang out time.  Hopefully I won't have the wear and tear an endurance rider will endure (nyuk nyuk).  As for warming up, I live in the Phoenix area so the pads are usually warm before I put them on, except in winter. LOL   Once I put her into retirement I hope for a younger ride and I will certainly be ready for a different pad with a different horse.  The gentleman at Equipedic told me also I have 30 days with which to return it.  Haven't seen that in writing though.  We'll see.  Great information, like this site.

  • 11-17-2011 11:42 AM In reply to

    Re: A Journey into Saddle Pads

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     Very cool -- Phoenix should be plenty warm, ROFL!  I do like return guarantees -- actually the first pad I bought from Ecogold was too big, so even though I had used it, I could send it back and they sent me a new one.  Isn't it great when manufacturers are reasonable??



    Solaris -- 16 hh Appendix Quarter Horse = MY DREAM COME TRUE!
    We Are Flying Solo

  • 11-17-2011 12:01 PM In reply to

    Re: A Journey into Saddle Pads

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    To me it means they believe in their product, as warrantys imply also.  

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