Saddle Pads for Horses

Anyone who rides a horse knows how important a saddle pad is and how they add to the flair of the horses' overall look. Saddle pads come in a variety of colors and materials, but which is best? Is one material better than another ? Is one better for riding on than another? Here is a guide to the materials and will help all riders decide which is best for them.

Neoprene saddle pads are a waterproof rubber pad that is easy to clean. These pads have a waffle style pattern on the layer that is closest to the horse, which works to keep the horse cooler during a long ride. Neoprene has a sticky feel to it which will help keep it in place during the ride and will help make the ride a smoother ride and less of an impact.

If riders are looking for a pad that allows for good distribution of weight and shock, they should consider a closed- cell foam. This is usually a foam pad wrapped in a nylon cover and molds to the horse's back for a custom fit. This pad also allows for the horse to stay cooler during a ride as it allows airflow through the pad , but it doesn't provide any moisture protection. A closed-cell pad is a good therapeutic pad that helps in softening the ride for both the rider and the horse.

Some riders feel that a gel insert pad is better for riding, but they actually can be heavy and add weight to the load that the horse is carrying. These pads have a solid substance in them which feels like a liquid and they will help with the impact of the ride, but will regain it's shape easily. Usually these have a material added in with them that acts as a shock absorber around the saddle bars to that the load between the saddle and the horse is lighter, but will still overall add weight to the load that the horse is carrying.

Wool pads are fairly common saddle pads as it is a natural and will last over time. These absorb pressure well and keeps moisture from the horse. Wool pads usually last longer than other pads and overtime can be recycled as a dog's pet or a rug for several years after using them for the horse. The versatility that these have make them one of the top selling pads that can be bought on the market today.

Fleece-bottomed pads are fairly common as well and are well cushioned, but if they are made of synthetic materials then they will not last long because they break down over time. Although these are the most affordable pads and so replacing them more often is not an expensive option, it is important when using these that you know when they should be changed to properly work correctly.

Whichever pad material a rider chooses, it needs to be one that fits for the rider and the horse. It needs to keep the horse as comfortable and cool as possible and riders need to be sure that the pad that they choose comes in a pattern or color scheme that will work with their choice of show clothes or riding clothes in order to put the best look forward.

Source: personal knowledge