Saddle pad

[colorfan]

I have recently heard someone discuss gel pads and totally dismiss them. Among other things
she said they have to be kept at room temperature or they degrade. Is this true for new gel pads?
How would you know if they degrade?

Aside from that what’s good about them, what’s bad about them?

[Montanas_Girl]

@colorfan

Aside from that what’s good about them, what’s bad about them?

Gel pads magnify uneven pressure under the saddle. The material shifts away from an area of high pressure, making pressure points worse than they would otherwise be.

I only use high-quality wool saddle pads (5 Star is my top choice) for everyday riding. I do use a ThinLine liner under my show blanket, because show blankets are slicker and tend to slide around more, but the base of the liner is still wool.

[Warmblood1]

It really depends on the material used. The older gel pads were softer and could theoretically be compressed in an area that reduced its thickness. Most modern inserts and pads however do well under the weight of the saddle and the pressure is pretty evenly distributed with the flocking. The key is if using a pad, not using it with an overly tight tree that is going to cause pressure points to begin with.

Also, all of my pads have been at different temperatures. They are still very functional.

[beau159]

@colorfan

I have recently heard someone discuss gel pads and totally dismiss them. Among other things
she said they have to be kept at room temperature or they degrade. Is this true for new gel pads?
How would you know if they degrade?

Aside from that what’s good about them, what’s bad about them?

I had an Impact Gel pad years ago. The one thing I didn’t like about it is that if I were to go for a ride and it was winter and below freezing temps, that pad was HARD. The gel got HARD when it was cold.

I switched to 5 Star.