Saddle pads: What's new in the realm of low profile non-corrective saddle pads?

[Renn_aissance]

I’ve used EcoGold’s product for just about 15 years, been very happy with it, and now need to find something else as the Coolfit pad I have now isn’t a good shape for my new saddle. Before I either get their half pad or get their regular material forward-flap pad, I figured I’d look at what’s new on the market.

On the one hand, I just need a saddle pad. The saddle fits, so I need something that won’t complicate that fit (so I am not looking for a thick plush fleece or wool Mattes pad, for instance.) I don’t care if it’s a half-pad or a shaped pad as my 25-year-old is not exactly going to Devon in the A/Os next year.

On the other hand, I think EcoGold does a dynamite job providing a shock-absorbing, pressure-diffusing pad, and I like the Coolfit material for dispersing heat and moisture. So if I’m going to switch it up I want to move to something comparable.

On my short list is the ThinLine Trifecta pad, which I’m using now as I have it and it fits the saddle. I’m a fan of ThinLine’s product for a lot of the same reasons I like EcoGold and it seems like a natural transition, if I’m going to make one.

Has anyone come up with something really innovative that I should be considering?

[Redlei44]

Equfit has a thin half pad as well that you could check out.

[greysfordays]

I really love the invictus pad. My saddle fitter took apart all the current half pads on the market and this is the one she liked best for breathability and impact protection.

[fourfillies]

Love my Invictus.

[173north]

I love my ThinLine, I just use that and a baby pad. I have the ‘basic’ version and it is nice that it’s about $100 when many half pads run closer to $250! When I want to upgrade I will get an Invictus, I saw a demo of the technology at a trade show and was super impressed.

[Renn_aissance]

@Redlei44

Equfit has a thin half pad as well that you could check out.

Do you have it, and how do you like it? Equifit is interesting to me because in Invictus’s own testing the Equifit product performed better than the Invictus pad at some gaits, and it also has a non-slip surface, which I like about my EcoGold. Also, it comes in ostrich trim, which would match the field boots I wear once every two years. :lol:

Those of you who use the Invictus pad- @graysfordays and @fourfillies - how is the sizing? Some of the reviews say that the “one size fits all” seems to top out with larger saddles, or that the pad is shallower than the bearing surface of their saddles’ panels. My saddle is an 18" and has a broad panel, so that did make me wonder. Also, is this pad fairly flexible or does it start out feeling more rigid?

[fourfillies]

I use mine with a 17.5 Tad Coffin. Fits great. I’d say would be fine for 18”.

It’s very flexible new and has stayed that way. Kind of like a gel pad without the weight if that makes sense.

[add_leg]

I use an Invictus with an 18" Devoucoux Chiberta without problems, but I don’t think it would work for anything bigger than that.

[Renn_aissance]

@add leg

I use an Invictus with an 18" Devoucoux Chiberta without problems, but I don’t think it would work for anything bigger than that.

This is an 18” Socoa. Thanks for your feedback, it is highly relevant!

Can I ask about the panels on yours- I asked about the flexibility of the pad because I’m looking at a 4+ panel and I don’t want the pad to get in the way of the contour. What’s yours?

[foursocks]

Not sure if this helps, but: the only pad I use with my Voltaire Stuttgart on my jumper (aka The Tube) is a Contender II, which is a Back on Track pad with a Ultra Thinline sewn in. His saddle fits very well and the little bit of extra from the Thinline doesn’t alter it, but provides the shock absorbing part I want for him.

I asked if they would consider making them in different colors than white and black and got the big thumbs down, but otherwise I love them. My saddle NEVER moves, even when I forget to tighten the girth and we jump big jumps. I don’t know if it’s just that it fits him so well or it’s the pad, but whatever- it works! I have a whole pile of them and they wear really well.

[StormyDay]

I am the half pad queen. :lol:
If the saddle is fitted, I’d do thin line. I like my equifit a lot too, but it does add some bulk (not as much as something like the ogilvy does though) And I do think the bulk is less than the eco gold is.
I haven’t been thrilled with the invictus pads, mainly because I think the cost is way too high for the tech being used in it. But, maybe I’ll have to pull mine out again to try it another time since so many people like theirs!

[add_leg]

@Renn/aissance

This is an 18” Socoa. Thanks for your feedback, it is highly relevant!

Can I ask about the panels on yours- I asked about the flexibility of the pad because I’m looking at a 4+ panel and I don’t want the pad to get in the way of the contour. What’s yours?

Don’t have it in front of me, but I’m pretty sure it’s a fairly common PX 415 310. It’s pretty flexible, I’m able to pull it up in front without problems and the spine seam is thinner so it has some give. I bought mine directly from Invictus and I have to say, I was able to talk directly with the owner and it was one of the best customer service experiences I’ve ever had. Highly recommend. I had just sent a FB message through their page and was blown away.

[Renn_aissance]

Thanks, @add leg !

[IPEsq]

After trying a million things, my horse really likes the new CWD shimmable half pad. We do not use the shims, but unlike their regular one which is more similar to something like the Equifit, the gullet is totally open. Great for his high withers and not being too tight under the saddle. It’s a mesh like material and very stable. It also isn’t too wide in front so it doesn’t get down in their shoulders much, especially if you lift it up into the gullet.

I prefer no half pads despite having a decent collection of them. This one seemed the best at giving my horse a little something extra that he wanted for withers support without altering the shoulder fit or saddle balance like most of the others do. The other one I use is an Ultra Thinline though I wish it had more either relief without having to go thicker with the double material Trifecta. The full pads that have the Thinline sewn in are good, just more of a pain to care for.