Next Generation Gel Pad
By EQUES
Why we love it…
When this pad came on the market we were very excited to try it and so far it has met all of our expectations. The underside of the pad is lined with a velvety cloth material so that it is flat and soft against the horse’s hair and skin. The top of the pad is made with the traditional gel pad material helping keep the saddle firmly in place. In between the gel and the underlining is thick memory foam for optimal comfort of the horse. The unique wither release design prevents pressure points where the horses spine curves up into the withers (similar to a saddle gullet).
The traditional gel pad has been a topic of discussion in our horse community over the past couple of years. Although gel pads have been extensively used in our industry, many trainers and equine therapists have come across issues using gel pads. Gel can stick and does not slide on the horse’s hair and skin when the horse and saddle move, the rubbing can begin to tear the fascia covering the muscles in the back. Myofascial damage due to gel pads can cause pain and discomfort for the horse and long term back issues. In some cases gel pads have been found to leave white hair in the exact pattern of the pad. This seems to particularly occur in cases where a front riser or badly fitted saddle were involved. Here at Taktur we never had an issue with white hair or obvious pain from the gel pads. However, we have noticed some horses show signs of discomfort when using the geld pad vs. our wool pad. This frustrated us because gel pads help keep the saddle in place and stable especially when riding at high speeds or on steep trails. This next generation gel pad has all the benefits of the traditional gel pad while eliminating the risk of harming the horse.
Consider this…
When using this pad lift up the strap connecting the two front halves after setting the saddle on the horses back. This releases any pressure of the front of the spine and withers.
By EQUES
Why we love it…
When this pad came on the market we were very excited to try it and so far it has met all of our expectations. The underside of the pad is lined with a velvety cloth material so that it is flat and soft against the horse’s hair and skin. The top of the pad is made with the traditional gel pad material helping keep the saddle firmly in place. In between the gel and the underlining is thick memory foam for optimal comfort of the horse. The unique wither release design prevents pressure points where the horses spine curves up into the withers (similar to a saddle gullet).
The traditional gel pad has been a topic of discussion in our horse community over the past couple of years. Although gel pads have been extensively used in our industry, many trainers and equine therapists have come across issues using gel pads. Gel can stick and does not slide on the horse’s hair and skin when the horse and saddle move, the rubbing can begin to tear the fascia covering the muscles in the back. Myofascial damage due to gel pads can cause pain and discomfort for the horse and long term back issues. In some cases gel pads have been found to leave white hair in the exact pattern of the pad. This seems to particularly occur in cases where a front riser or badly fitted saddle were involved. Here at Taktur we never had an issue with white hair or obvious pain from the gel pads. However, we have noticed some horses show signs of discomfort when using the geld pad vs. our wool pad. This frustrated us because gel pads help keep the saddle in place and stable especially when riding at high speeds or on steep trails. This next generation gel pad has all the benefits of the traditional gel pad while eliminating the risk of harming the horse.
Consider this…
When using this pad lift up the strap connecting the two front halves after setting the saddle on the horses back. This releases any pressure of the front of the spine and withers.
By EQUES
Why we love it…
When this pad came on the market we were very excited to try it and so far it has met all of our expectations. The underside of the pad is lined with a velvety cloth material so that it is flat and soft against the horse’s hair and skin. The top of the pad is made with the traditional gel pad material helping keep the saddle firmly in place. In between the gel and the underlining is thick memory foam for optimal comfort of the horse. The unique wither release design prevents pressure points where the horses spine curves up into the withers (similar to a saddle gullet).
The traditional gel pad has been a topic of discussion in our horse community over the past couple of years. Although gel pads have been extensively used in our industry, many trainers and equine therapists have come across issues using gel pads. Gel can stick and does not slide on the horse’s hair and skin when the horse and saddle move, the rubbing can begin to tear the fascia covering the muscles in the back. Myofascial damage due to gel pads can cause pain and discomfort for the horse and long term back issues. In some cases gel pads have been found to leave white hair in the exact pattern of the pad. This seems to particularly occur in cases where a front riser or badly fitted saddle were involved. Here at Taktur we never had an issue with white hair or obvious pain from the gel pads. However, we have noticed some horses show signs of discomfort when using the geld pad vs. our wool pad. This frustrated us because gel pads help keep the saddle in place and stable especially when riding at high speeds or on steep trails. This next generation gel pad has all the benefits of the traditional gel pad while eliminating the risk of harming the horse.
Consider this…
When using this pad lift up the strap connecting the two front halves after setting the saddle on the horses back. This releases any pressure of the front of the spine and withers.