Good for: Deflecting shock in performance events, adding comfort in everyday rides, and helping with minor saddle-fit problems.
Other Materials
You'll also find unique brand-name materials inside saddle pads. Supracor honeycomb is made from elastomers formed into a matrix of six-sided cells, which scrunch under pressure and then bounce back. Air moves through the cells, allowing the pad to breathe. Firmness and other characteristics are determined by factors such as cell diameter and thickness of the cell walls.
The Air Ride material used in Professional's Choice pads combines characteristics of closed-cell and open-cell foam. It's made of tiny, flexible polyethylene beads that are bonded together with an elastic adhesive. They're not so tightly packed that air can't pass between them, so the material breathes. But the beads themselves are air-filled closed cells that absorb impact without bottoming out.
More Options
While some shock-absorbing materials are available as underpads or liners, most can be found in complete pads with layers that serve other purposes. Top layers are mostly designed for looks and wear. You'll find felt and woven wool, Cordura nylon, and other traditional materials, as well as several novel solutions to reduce saddle slip and increase breathability.
For the layer closest to the horse, you can choose from materials that wick (draw moisture away from the skin) or grip--but you can't have both. Wicking materials include traditional wool fleece and felt, as well as synthetics. Some pads also incorporate an inner layer of vinyl-loop material or three-dimensional mesh for ventilation, to help heat and moisture escape.
Base layers that prevent saddle slip include Neoprene (a synthetic rubber) and closed-cell foams. These materials block moisture; thus they're often textured or perforated so they don't trap much heat and sweat next to the horse's skin. What's right for you will depend on the riding you do. Neoprene's grip may be great for running barrels, for example, while wicking properties may suit your everyday rides.
Many of these pads also come in several styles--Western straight back, contour, or barrel, for example. They don't look very different from the ones you're used to, but many are thicker, so you may trade some leg contact and saddle stability for shock absorption. In many thick pads, the inner layers are cut out through the leg area for better leg contact.
This article originally appeared in the August 2005 issue of Horse & Rider magazine.
