Horses are known to be strong and pretty fast, which has seen them be a part of some of the most monumental moments in history. But nobody really thinks about the welfare of these magnificent creatures. Have you ever thought about their needs? Well, it’s a common sign to see your horse’s back sweat beneath the saddle while riding. As a result of the rigorous movements the horse makes, a lot of heat is given off. Additionally, arena lights or the hot sun assist in raising the temperature.
It is integral that you dispel excess heat from the horse to assist them to do their thing optimally and decrease the duration required to achieve homeostasis. You really have to think about the welfare of the horse at the end of the day. Furthermore, there’s a tremendous amount of pressure exerted on the most integral part of the horse—the spine. To address this issue, you’ll have to consider using the ideal saddle pads to make your horse as comfy as possible.
To safeguard your saddle and horse, a suitably-fitted saddle pad is integral. Other than the comfort aspect of things, a good saddle pad will offer optimal shock absorption while at the same time allowing the flow of heat. However, there are a lot of factors you need to consider when picking the ideal saddle pad for your horse, particularly one that addresses fit and heat problems, to ascertain that the horse is performing uninhibited.
Here are some tips for picking the right saddle pad to meet the needs of your horse:
Know the Curvatures of the Horse
The whole reason for acquiring saddle pads is to safeguard the backside of your horse. So, it’s integral that you match the curvatures of the backside of the horse in addition to the contours underneath the horse. This will ensure that pressure isn’t exerted on the withers or spine. Some pads have been specifically made for horses that are mutton-withered or high-withered. This is why you need to consider the horse’s contours before choosing a saddle pad best-suited for your horse.
Get the Right Style
There are essentially three kinds of saddle pad styles that are common: square, half and shaped pads. Performing Dressage in the show are often square pads, whereas the Jumper/Hunter shows are shaped pads. Eventers are frequently seen in either style pad personalized to align with their color. Half pads are frequently used over all disciplines and can be utilized separately or coupled with the shaped or square pad. This implies that regardless if you ride Jumper/Hunter, Dressage or Eventing shows, you can utilize an English half pad from a reputable supplier to offer good back protection for your horse, whilst ascertaining the best style that fits your horse.
Get the Right Size
You have to ensure that the saddle pad you select is the right fit for your saddle. Pads are generally made for a wide selection of saddle styles. The dressage saddle is made with a lengthened cut and has a broader flap, while close contact pads will come with a forward cut along with a smaller length. Multi-purpose pads consider the two styles, and are likely to contrast somewhat when it comes to size. Pads suited for a pony or children are also provided for saddles that are below 16 inches, which means ensuring the pad extends past the edge of the saddle but not past the last rib of the horse.
Get the Right Material
There’s a wide selection of saddle pads available on the market. Fleece and cotton are among the common choices as a result of their wicking characteristics. The fleece pads can either be artificial or made from sheepskin or genuine wool. Sheepskin pads and wool pads are expensive and need special maintenance and care, but they can take in as much as three times their mass when plunged into the water, while the cotton will simply take in its mass. Batting, gel and foam are usually applied in the inner parts of the pad to improve cushion shock and comfort. Keep in mind that when your saddle is a perfect fit, you may not have sufficient space to make use of a thick pad without altering how the saddle is placed on your horse.
Final Word
If you are a horse rider, you need to understand how integral a saddle pad is for your horse and your success in your rides. At the end of the day, it’s integral that you consider the needs of the horse to guarantee maximum comfort and prevent irritation. Other than your stability and comfort, it’s important that you consider the welfare of your horse. Choosing the right pad that matches your horse is key to achieving this endeavor. By taking into account the above-provided points, you’ll have a guide map you can use to make the process faster.
