Tried & Tested
Absorbing the impact…
Saddle pads of varying material and construction have
been in vogue for some years now, and manufacturers
make ever-increasing claims about what their products can
actually achieve, from relieving back pain to preventing
saddle slippage.
Having only used very basic models in the past, I was
thrilled to be the tester for two of the latest from the
leading US company Thinline, who make top-of-the-range
performance-enhancing and therapeutic saddle pads.
Thinline products are different to other saddle pads in
that they have a unique, open-cell technology that moves
shock, weight and heat laterally without compression,
and mould to the horse’s back when warmed to body
temperature. The result is 95% shock absorption, which
encourages your horse to move through his back.
They were developed after a decade of research by
vets, equine chiropractors, massage therapists and master
saddlers, and have been proven to distribute saddle
and rider pressure further than any other product on
the market. They also ventilate to keep muscles from
overheating, and stabilise the saddle.
The shock-absorbing properties of Thinline are legendary
– you can literally drop a raw egg from a 3m height on to
them and it will not break! I had lots of fun testing this, but
eventually figured it was more important that my horses
gave their endorsement.
While I didn’t compete either boy during my trial, at
home they both worked beautifully with the contour pad
(below right). I didn’t use the shims that come with the
Saddle Fitters’ pad (above right), as my saddles fit well,
but can see they would be incredibly useful for young and
developing horses, for rehabbing bad backs, and for using
the same saddle on multiple horses.
The Thinline pads are treated with active anti-fungal and
anti-microbial agents, and are easy to keep looking smart
even after riding in the worst conditions.
Price: Contour pad, $159, Saddle Fitters’ pad, $280 (includes
two sets of four shims)
Contact: (09) 269 6518 or visit www.horsesports.co.nz