I tried the EquineLux Saddle Pad… and I Liked it! This is an excellent pad.

THIS JUST IN!… After reading this blogpost, the EquineLux people said that anyone who orders using Discount Code ‘horseandman’ would get a 10% discount! So, if you order, use this discount code and get 10% off!: Discount Code: horseandman

Wahoo!

A while ago, I told you that a rep from EquineLux contacted me and asked if I would demo one of their saddle pads.

Sure!

So, he sent to me a mid-range Dressage model, the Sweat Wicking Dressage Pad.

It arrived very quickly from Canada – nice.

This is pad shown is the Jumper version of the Dressage pad I was sent. Same idea, just shaped differently. You can see the high wither clearance and the insert of sticky in the seat area. Also, the keeper is leather!

ARRIVAL

Upon arrival, I was pleased to note the packaging was not over done. The pad was shipped in its wrapper in another wrapper. Easy peasy. Lightweight.

A good start.

And there, on my office floor, it sat for about 6 weeks… First I was too busy, then I got really sick, then I had to make up work for being sick, then we went away… You know how it goes…

Finally, I had the time to try it on Gwen.

It arrived in a very simple plastic wrapper. I liked that. Simple. No huge fuss or a mess to throw away.

This is what my Dressage pad looked like in the wrapper. I could tell it was quality. It felt right…

WHAT I LIKE IN A PAD

First off, let me tell you what I like in a pad…

1) lightweight

2) sticky without being itchy or hot for the horse

3) shaped correctly

4) vented

5) fits well

6) wither clearance in a big way

7) washable

8) natural fibers

9) able to be cushioned if needed (inserts)

I’ve dated a lot of saddle pads…

This is how the pad I received was described on the website. Click image to read more.

The tag

TRIAL

As I unwrapped the pad, my first impression was good. It felt substantial but not heavy. I could tell the workmanship was good. It smelled fresh. It felt soft. I could see a honeycomb pattern, quilting on the underside and white leather as a girth keeper. Nice.

It fit her perfectly. I loved the pooch at the wither. There is a leather keeper under the green tag. Nice. The sticky seat is part of the pad – integrated. It isn’t on top of or in addition to… very nice. lightweight and structured.

It fit Bodhi, too! I quickly put it on him to see if it would still pooch at the wither and it did!

But, what I really, really liked was the sticky seat that was sewn in and part of the pad – not on top of the pad or in addition to the pad… it was part of the pad at the top where you sit.So, it wasn’t thick or bulky. I loved this part. The sticky was integrated really well, it was only in the seat area so the horse didn’t have to suffer the heat all over and the underside was not sticky – only the top next to the saddle.

Yes!

–I threw it up on Gwen who is a fairly flat backed, small, Morgan mare.

It fit perfectly. I swear. And, my favorite part, it pooched up by her wither. Total air channel. Nice.

–Saddling was easy. The leather girth keepers were in the correct spot (I hate it when they aren’t… or when they are too long or too wide).

–The saddle didn’t move.

–It looked really pretty. I liked the pattern of the exterior quilting.

–Riding was easy. The pad didn’t slip at all. Gwen was very comfortable. I could put my fingers on her wither easily and the pad stayed where it was – poochey. I had an even sweat mark but it was really only under the saddle. Nice! She was cool on the sides.

Close-up of the wither clearance.

You can barely see the sticky part peeking out from under the saddle. Note the leather keeper.

It stayed in this position throughout the ride.

The back of the pad.

AFTER THE RIDE

I was quite pleased with the pad but I had gotten it dirty. And, without reading the instructions, I put it in the washer on delicate.

Out is came… perfectly fine. I hung it over the bannister to dry.

The pad retained its shape, integrity and color.

This is a very well made and well thought out pad.

Gwen was happy. The sweat mark was even and only under the seat! It was not hot today but we did ride for a half hour.

The underside… no tacky pad on the horse side.

After going through the wash, it looked and felt the same. I hung it on the bannister to dry.

MY WISHLIST – IF I WAS GOING TO ORDER ONE

For me, I trail ride way more than I ride Dressage.

I need a pad that is more endurance shaped that is cool, wicking and cushioned. I also would like cutouts so I could adjust the padding where needed.

When I looked on the website, I did see a few models that had the foam insert areas for corrective padding. So, that’s good.

And, when on the website, I saw that they offered SPECIAL ORDERS.

So, for me, when I have a few extra dollars, I am going to special order a pad with inserts inside the small footprint sticky material. I’d want a shorter and shaped pad to fit under my endurance saddle.

I’d also like one to fit under my Boz Bareback Saddle. This is a perfect replacement pad for the Boz Bareback! Just add the inserts where needed and sit on the sticky seat! The all natural fibers would keep me and my horse very comfy.

Also… they will put your logo on the pad. Hmmmmm. I’m smiling here. I’d love a H&M logo’d pad. Hmmmmm.

Yup, I’d like two Special Order pads, please! ;)