What type of saddle pad keeps a horse the coolest?
by admin on August 31, 2010
Hi! I am wondering on what material keeps a horse at the coolest temp? Over all, what material works best do you think.... felt, neoprene, wool, or cotton? Do you think it might be cotton or wool, because they are natural and breathable, and then neoprene? (not sure about felt, never had a felt saddle pad). thanks, guys!
5 comments
im not sure on materials but one that are the shape of a saddle but don’t have fluffy stuff on the outside work well.
by Greta on August 31, 2010 at 3:52 am. #
i like my wool pads…ive noticed they wick away moister really well.
i have never used a neoprene pad, but i did have a girth (wich killed neoprene for me)- to me it seems like it would be comparable to wearing a wet suit- not comfy….
by pepper on August 31, 2010 at 4:12 am. #
cotton for summer its breathable wool for winter
by Debbie on August 31, 2010 at 5:02 am. #
Anything absorbant, such as cotton, will wick sweat away from your horse and thus aid in keeping it cooler. I also have a nice pad with a felt lining that really sucks up the sweat.
Neoprene on the other hand, builds up a lot of heat. In fact, it is used in neck sweats because it builds up so much heat. A benefit of neoprene, however is its non slip affect and also its great cushioning. What some companies have done to get the best of both worlds is make neoprene type pads with lots of ventilation holes or weaves. While these are not nearly as good as absorbent materials for preventing sweat, they do help some.
by Mel on August 31, 2010 at 5:14 am. #
If you’re riding western then your best bet is wool felt, followed by wool. If you’re riding english, a cotton pad is best. I would never used neoprene against a horses skin. While it does have good shock absorption and doesn’t slip, it doesn’t regulate temperature well and tends to get too hot, sometimes hot enough to burn a horses skin. Natural fibers are always better!
by Kim on August 31, 2010 at 6:04 am. #