If you are looking for saddle pads that serve your horse perfectly, you are in the right place. Like any other thing you buy, diving deep into the internet is crucial to have a rough idea, at the very least, of what you are buying. Here you will discover the various saddle pads and their costs, among other factors. This would help you set a budget and compare prices which is excellent. Remember, there are numerous saddle pads in the market, meaning you should only buy them with a sense of direction; otherwise, it may be a bad buy. If you are not fond of saddle pads and don’t get the essence, Pink Equine can help you choose the right saddle pad for you. Perhaps it is time you gave it the benefit of the doubt. Also, believe the hype: they are as good as they come. The following are the different types of saddle pads.
Speciality Pads
These pads correct various problems, unlike the basic square or shaped pads, which reduce friction from the saddle. These problems include decreasing equine back pain, friction, trauma, and heat. As the name suggests, these pads are used for specific purposes, whether under, over, or as a conventional saddle pad replacement. Some examples of speciality pads include gel, lift back, wither back, correction, lift front, sheepskin, and half pads. The benefits you would experience from choosing some of these pads are excellent; for example, the gel pads have cutback withers, while the sheepskin pads are available in correction models with shims.
Square Saddle Pads
If you love options, you are lucky since these pads come in different colours and patterns. Moreover, they can be custom-made, which is much better. They cushion your horse since they are made with a thin layer of foam or batting inside, whereas others are lined with fabrics offering moisture-wicking properties. Square saddle pads are made with the horse rider in mind since they are shaped to accommodate jumping knee rolls, not forgetting all-purpose saddles. It is crucial to mention that they look rectangular and have straight sides. The latter accommodates longer saddle flaps belonging to dressage saddles. Also, dressage pads are available in varying widths and lengths, meaning you can get specific measurements as needed. If you are keen on its style, know that some offer contrasting piping or swallowtail detailing. However, note that for the shape in the wither area to be more comfortable, it should be contoured.
Shaped Saddle Pads
This type is shaped to copy a saddle’s shape and is available for jumping all-purpose and dressage saddles. Shaped saddle pads are made from either synthetic or genuine sheepskin. In addition, you can get them made of fleece with cotton inside and grippy panels to hinder slipping. If you don’t know how to determine the size, match the pad to the seat size and saddle type. The former can be measured by running a tape measure from one screw head on either side to the middle of the cantle.
Baby Pads
These pads are crucial since they are used underneath heavier saddle pads to ensure they remain tidy for long durations. Baby pads are ultra-thin sheets that reduce how frequently the larger pads are laundered; great, right? As you buy the larger and more cumbersome pads, ensure you invest in baby pads too. Please don’t make your work harder when there is an easier option.
Comfort or Pillow Pads
These are similar to the square pads for schooling. The difference is that they are stuffed with polyester batting and quilted to provide cushion comfort. If pillow or comfort pads are your top pick, ensure that your saddle fit can make room for the extra thickness. If the fitting for the saddle is perfect, this type of pad would be too thick. In other words, you may only have room to use these pads if you change how the saddle sits on the horse.
The above are some saddle pads you should know about if you are a horse owner or are into riding horses. If anything, saddles are not bad, but it could be the case if you did not pick those with top-tier quality. Note that this requires you to go deeper into your pockets, but it will be worth your while. Therefore, this is your sign to start window shopping to know how much they go for, not forgetting the different patterns in the market. Ensure you purchase saddle pads from renowned shops with great reviews and ratings to avoid regretting your purchase. Also, consider whether you want an all-purpose or speciality one. Remember how crucial the baby pads are and ascertain that you buy them; after all, they make your work easier. Also, remember that buying a saddle pad may be optional, but please do it for the horse. You would be surprised how things will change after the horse is fitted with a saddle pad. Of course, it won’t be immediate; thus, be patient.
