Should You Use A Gel Saddle Pad For Your Horse?

A good quality saddle pad is one of the most important pieces of tack to ensure your horse’s comfort. And with so many saddle pads available, it can often be tricky to choose which one is best for your horse. Gel saddle pads make for the perfect solution all round. They are useful if your horse has an existing injury that makes their back tender. Or if  you need extra support yourself as the rider. So, should you use a gel pad for your horse?

What are gel saddle pads?

Roughly the size of a short numnah, gel saddle pads fit securely over a regular saddle pad. Their main purpose being to prevent your horse from getting a sore back when they are being ridden. Gel pads are predominantly made from thermoplastic gel. When used they are naturally warmed up by body temperature and offer excellent pressure relief.

What makes gel saddle pads different?

Gel saddle pads are designed to absorb the impact of riding activity whilst helping to efficiently distribute the rider’s weight more evenly across your horse’s back. Gel saddle pads are ideal if you are looking for a truly resilient pad that you can rely on time and time again. Here at Country & Stable US, we stock a fantastic range of Acavallo gel saddle pads for your horse.  

Some of our favorite Acavallo gel saddle pads for 2018...

For horses with extremely sensitive skin...

If you’re looking for a gel half pad created by one of the most reputable names in the equestrian industry, then we recommend the Acavallo Gel Lambskin Half Pad. This is an ideal solution for those looking for a non-slip, shock absorbing gel pad. What’s more, this saddle pad is manufactured out of hypoallergenic and nontoxic materials. This won’t react with even the most sensitive of horses.  

For optimum all round comfort...

The Acavallo Shaped Gel Pad is ergonomically designed with therapeutic gel to ensure that both you and your horse are comfortable and supported when out riding. There's the option to apply this gel saddle pad straight onto the horse’s back. Alternatively it can be paired it with a numnah or saddle pad. If the pad is too big  you can easily cut it to the size you require.  

Related: How to choose the right saddle pad for your horse

 

For front risers...

Featuring a unique honeycomb design that effectively distributes your weight, the Acavallo Gel Front Riser is ideal for horses with high withers as it is specifically designed to prevent pressure build-up under the pommel. Also, this pad can be used with almost any square or numnah making it a truly versatile choice.  

For rear risers...

If you’re looking for a gel half pad that includes the saddle adjusting abilities of a rear riser, you’ll be sure to like the Acavallo Just Gel Lambskin Rear Riser Half Pad. This slip-resistant gel pad is super shock absorbing and is flexible enough to be paired with close contact saddles that require a lift at the back.  

We hope you enjoyed this introduction to gel saddle pads

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