Our bareback pads will make you feel like you are glued to your horse, yet are thin enough to offer the feel of bareback riding.
Includes 2 D rings with latigos to fit a western style cinch.
Sturdy built-in handle.
Suede leaterh surface with medical felt underpad.
Note: CINCH NOT INCLUDED.
Unique in the world English AIRPAD: patented super-sensitive, auto-inflating baffled foam Inserts adjust & conform dynamically to horse’s body throughout your ride. Therapeutic function. Extraordinary wicking and cooling capacity. Choice of Cordura/TecFleece or TecGrip outer layers.
Fabric Choices:
Breeze/TecFleece: Quick dry, easy clean material with breathable top layer and moisture wicking, soft underside
Cordura/TecFleece: Easy clean material with super durable, long-lasting, water resistant top layer and moisture wicking, soft underside
TecGrip: ToughTech Mesh for non-slip, bonded with thin layer of felt. Center layer is felt. Layers of these fabrics promote cooling of the horse because sweat drains freely instead of collecting.
VALVE-CONTROLLED INNER AIR CHAMBERS: Two separate custom designed, patented self-inflating AIRCELLS (of the famous Thermarest technology) are housed inside the AIRPAD’S left and right side jacket pockets. They are shaped to support under the saddle tree bars, and leave the bottom section of the pad appropriately thin so you can have good leg communication with your horse. The easy-access valves that control air flow allow a fit adjustability range from 1/8” to 1-1/4”. They are remarkably durable and last for years.
MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS FIT under the saddle tree is achieved via a trapped air suspension system which allows freedom of motion shock absorption without “ballooning” too much in one area or another due to the unique baffled design of the foam within the aircells. This offers remarkable custom-accommodation of dynamic movement, asymmetry of physique of horse and rider balance variations in real time. The AIRPAD (as in all pads, it is best with at least 1 shim) can greatly improve the fit of a poorly constructed saddle with bar angle or “rock” issues.
OPEN CENTER CHANNEL SPINE RELIEF: AIRPAD’s two distinct side panels are integrally connected by two well located reinforced cross links and offer freedom of movement without pressure in the critical area of the horse’s spinal ligaments.
BREATHABILITY and WICKING POWER: Whether you choose our cozy, soft TECFLEECE or powerful GRIP jacket for your AIRPAD, you can be confident that the base structural material is a felt with non-absorptive fibers which has extraordinary strength and crush recovery, exceptional breathability and evaporative drying capability. We have grown confident via research that the advantages of engineered fibers are significant: the fibers themselves (unlike wool, for instance) do not absorb moisture (and bacteria) and clog up the space between each other. Therefore, there is more room for air to flow through freely to keep your horse cool and dry.
The AIRPAD is an orthopedic, anti-slip, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, easily washable saddle pad crafted in the USA.
Our unique shimming concept provides a simple way to offer dynamic custom fit. The welcoming “hug” of our saddles’ undersides provides for a physically and mentally un-restricted equine athlete capable of enjoying full physical potential under saddle.
PAD MEASUREMENTS: All English Air Pads are 25.5″ // 65 cm along the spine. The Flaps are 16.75″ // 42.5 cm long. Most riders prefer good leg contact with their horses and do not favor long pad flaps.
AIR PAD USAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
AIRPADs are shipped with air valves CLOSED. On receipt, OPEN both valves and store with them OPEN. They inflate automatically. If necessary, blow in them to accelerate filling.
Before use, make sure both valves are OPEN and the air cells are filled.
CAUTION: Familiarize your horse to the sound of air escaping from the valves so that it is not an unwelcome surprise when saddling or riding.
INSERT appropriate SHIMS (ON TOP OF THE AIRCELLS inside the pad’s chambers) to accommodate your horse’s back shape (Please request your free Saddle Fit Evaluation if help is needed)
Leave the valves open, position pad on horse (be sure the cinch wear strips are on the outside, and that shims are on top of the aircells inside the pad’s chambers). NOTE: if using the AIRPAD GRIP, place the pad forward of where it will eventually belong and slide it backward into position so that movement does not grip/grab your horse’s hair.
Place saddle so that it is centered front to back and left to right on top of pad air cell inserts. PULL UP ON THE STRAP so that valves and pad’s “wings” are elevated at the same height with one another up in the gullet area of the saddle fork.
Tighten your cinch in STAGES (NOT TOO TIGHT before walking your horse around a little bit) and feel under front of saddle while horse walks to make certain the horse’s shoulders can move unrestricted by tight pressure. (Reach back under as far as stirrup bar area).
TWIST THE AIR VALVES CLOSED before tightening cinch for the last time and mounting. This should leave just enough air to maintain a lovely customizing, auto-adjusting cushion as your horse travels.
Check your cinch again. These pads do not tend to slip. This gives you the opportunity to give your horse relief from an over-tight cinch.
When mounted, if you feel like you’re riding on too much air (air can be hard, and you can feel underneath the back of your saddle to make sure the pad feels spongy/protective, not hard)…just “fine tune” the cushion by opening both valves SLIGHTLY and releasing some air. We recommend dismounting before making these adjustments if you and/or your horse are not well familiar with this pad. If you notice right/left imbalance, open one valve at a time slightly to release what you need. DON’T LET ALL THE AIR OUT, or the AIRPAD cannot serve your horse well.
AIR PAD WASHING CARE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSURE A LONG LIFE: Follow this LINK to access detailed instructions.
The one and only instantly adjustable air-cushion saddle pad now in halfpad form for use with decorative blankets. Thinner pad and shorter along the spine than our other Airpads. Same patented, auto-inflating air cells conform dynamically to horse’s body throughout your ride. Durable baffled chambers for uniform distribution and support under the saddle bars. Full panel shim pockets with easy top and front access – use with VersaFit™ Shims for ultimate custom contoured saddle fit. Top layer is innovative, light and airy 3D Spacermesh, bottom is breathable, moisture wicking TecFleece™. Easy clean, made in USA.
Made in USA
VALVE-CONTROLLED INNER AIR CHAMBERS: Two separate custom designed, patented self-inflating AIRCELLS (of the famous Thermarest technology) are housed inside the AIRPAD’S left and right side jacket pockets. They are shaped to support under the saddle tree bars, and leave the bottom section of the pad appropriately thin so you can have good leg communication with your horse. The easy-access valves that control air flow allow a fit adjustability range from 1/8” to 1-1/4”. They are remarkably durable and last for years.
MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS FIT under the saddle tree is achieved via a trapped air suspension system which allows freedom of motion shock absorption without “ballooning” too much in one area or another due to the unique baffled design of the foam within the aircells. This offers remarkable custom-accommodation of dynamic movement, asymmetry of physique of horse and rider balance variations in real time. The AIRPAD (as in all pads, it is best with at least 1 shim) can greatly improve the fit of a poorly constructed saddle with bar angle or “rock” issues.
OPEN CENTER CHANNEL SPINE RELIEF: AIRPAD’s two distinct side panels are integrally connected by two well located reinforced cross links and offer freedom of movement without pressure in the critical area of the horse’s spinal ligaments.
BREATHABILITY and WICKING POWER: The top layer of this pad is durable lightweight techno-fabric promoting natural ventilation and temperature regulation. Think of it as a durable tri-layer weave “miracle sandwich”. A grip-enhancer strip secures pad to saddle. The bottom layer consists of our TecFleece™ material – anti-microbial non-slip felt, greater wicking & cooling vs. wool. Breathable, easy clean with hose, quick dry. We have grown confident via research that the advantages of engineered fibers are significant: the fibers themselves (unlike wool, for instance) do not absorb moisture (and bacteria) and clog up the space between each other. Therefore, there is more room for air to flow through freely to keep your horse cool and dry.
The AIRPAD is an orthopedic, anti-slip, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, easily washable saddle pad crafted in the USA.
Our unique shimming concept provides a simple way to offer dynamic custom fit. The welcoming “hug” of our saddles’ undersides provides for a physically and mentally un-restricted equine athlete capable of enjoying full physical potential under saddle.
PAD MEASUREMENTS: 23″ // 58 cm along spine
HALFPAD AIR USAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Use with a decorative saddle blanket underneath
· Open the valves to auto-inflate the air cells
· Place quilted pad on your horse, then Halfpad centered on top
· Place saddle on Halfpad centered front to back
· Pull up on the front strap to position Halfpad sides evenly (nozzles at same level), and make sure to pull up center of quilt into saddle gullet to keep pressure off withers
· Politely tighten cinch a little at a time, alternating sides
· PRIOR to final tightening, close the air valves
· When finished riding, store with valves OPEN
We recommend using VersaFit™ Shims in your pad to create a custom-contoured ideal saddle fit. Even if your current saddle fits well, the addition of our specially shaped shoulder shim behind the furthest backswing point of the scapula will give your horse greater freedom of movement and improve comfort and performance. NOTE– Shims should be installed prior to placing pad on your horse. Click HERE for further information on shimming.
AIRPADs are shipped with air valves CLOSED. On receipt, OPEN both valves and store with them OPEN. They inflate automatically. If necessary, blow in them to accelerate filling.
Before use, make sure both valves are OPEN and the air cells are filled.
CAUTION: Familiarize your horse to the sound of air escaping from the valves so that it is not an unwelcome surprise when saddling or riding.
INSERT appropriate SHIMS (ON TOP OF THE AIRCELLS inside the pad’s chambers) to accommodate your horse’s back shape (Please request your free Saddle Fit Evaluation if help is needed)
Leave the valves open, position pad on horse (be sure the cinch wear strips are on the outside, and that shims are on top of the aircells inside the pad’s chambers).
Place saddle so that it is centered front to back and left to right on top of pad air cell inserts. PULL UP ON THE STRAP so that valves and pad’s “wings” are elevated at the same height with one another up in the gullet area of the saddle fork.
Tighten your cinch in STAGES (NOT TOO TIGHT before walking your horse around a little bit) and feel under front of saddle while horse walks to make certain the horse’s shoulders can move unrestricted by tight pressure. (Reach back under as far as stirrup bar area).
TWIST THE AIR VALVES CLOSED before tightening cinch for the last time and mounting. This should leave just enough air to maintain a lovely customizing, auto-adjusting cushion as your horse travels.
Check your cinch again. These pads do not tend to slip. This gives you the opportunity to give your horse relief from an over-tight cinch.
When mounted, if you feel like you’re riding on too much air (air can be hard, and you can feel underneath the back of your saddle to make sure the pad feels spongy/protective, not hard)…just “fine tune” the cushion by opening both valves SLIGHTLY and releasing some air. We recommend dismounting before making these adjustments if you and/or your horse are not well familiar with this pad. If you notice right/left imbalance, open one valve at a time slightly to release what you need. DON’T LET ALL THE AIR OUT, or the AIRPAD cannot serve your horse well.
AIR PAD WASHING CARE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSURE A LONG LIFE: Remove air cells, then hose clean, drip dry. Use small amount of horse shampoo or baking soda solution if desired. Flush til water runs clear. Excess hair can be easily removed with simple rubber scraper prior to washing. Follow this LINK to access detailed instructions.
Therapeutic shimmable half-pad. SmartFoam™ core provides superior shock absorption and pressure-point protection, yet compresses to less than 1/4” to bring rider and horse close together. Full panel shim pockets with easy top access – use with VersaFit™ Shims for the ultimate custom contoured saddle fit. Light yet durable 3D Spacer mesh on top, breathable TecFleece™ on bottom. Easy clean, quick dry, made in USA.
HOW TO USE
Position Half-Pad on top of your standard English pad, centering front to back and left to right. Place saddle on top. Pull upward at the front of your standard pad to remove any pressure on the withers.
We recommend using VersaFit™ Shims in your Half-Pad to create a custom-contoured ideal saddle fit. Even if your current saddle fits well, the addition of our specially shaped shoulder shim behind the furthest backswing point of the scapula will give your horse greater freedom of movement and improve comfort and performance. NOTE– Shims should be installed prior to placing the Half-Pad on your horse. (Click HERE for shimming information.)
NOTE: The SmartFoam™ inserts are temperature sensitive. They will be firmer if it’s colder, and softer when warmer. During cooler weather, your horse’s body heat will warm the inserts, allowing them to soften and conform. Tighten your girth in stages, going up one hole at a time on each side. This will reduce potential lateral imbalance. When temperatures are low, allow the pad to sit on your horse for a few minutes, or move your horse on the ground a bit before mounting. Due to the unique compression qualities of the SmartFoam™, you may need to tighten your girth an extra time or two.
FURTHER INFO
The HALFPAD works great under ENGLISH saddles. Easy-access pockets to hold your SHIMS for successful MANAGEMENT OF THE INTERFACE.
Best value in combination with SMARTFLX™ saddle trees. 100% breathable, orthopedic, anti-slip, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, easily to clean. Currently available in black. Crafted in the USA.
Our unique shimming concept provides a simple way to offer dynamic custom fit. The welcoming “hug” of our saddles’ undersides provides for an un-restricted equine athlete capable of enjoying full physical potential under saddle. The original HALFPAD™ inserts – housed inside the sculpted pockets of the pad – are designed to support the Horse´s back under the saddle tree bars, leaving the bottom section of the pad appropriately thin so you can have a good leg communication with your horse. This SMART FOAM is the most advanced impact reduction material in the world of MEMORY FOAMS which are manufactured with many different consistencies, impact deflection and compression capacities and are not as effective as SMART FOAM.
The original SMART FOAM has a compression factor that allows it to conform/compress to less ¼ of its original thickness where needed to accommodate pressure points, yet it loses no more than 2% of its impact deflection properties.
A FUN EXPERIMENT
Check the amazing characteristics of the HALFPAD™ by putting your hand underneath the pad (even on a very hard surface) and having someone stand on the pad: You will feel weight impact, but you will not feel any pain.
SIZE
23″ // 63.5″ along spine, Flap length 9.5” // 24 cm
HALFPAD™ CARE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSURE A LONG LIFE: Hose clean, drip dry. Follow this LINK to access detailed instructions.
Therapeutic shimmable all-in-one full riding pad. SmartFoam™ core provides superior shock absorption and pressure-point protection, yet compresses to less than 1/4” to bring rider and horse close together. Full panel shim pockets with easy top and front access – use with VersaFit™ Shims for the ultimate custom contoured saddle fit. Light 3D Spacer mesh or durable Cordura on top, breathable TecFleece™ on bottom. Made in USA.
Fabric Choices:
Breeze/TecFleece: Quick dry, easy clean material with breathable top layer and moisture wicking, soft underside
Cordura/TecFleece: Easy clean material with super durable, long-lasting, water resistant top layer and moisture wicking, soft underside
Replacement Aircell from Thermarest for the Airpad (Theraflex Pad) in two different sizes.
Price / piece
The Profile Smartpad: A Therapeutic All-in-One Western Pad
Features:
Core Functions:
Special Features:
Fabric Choices:
HOW TO USE
All-in-one pad for use directly between your horse and western, trail or endurance saddle.
We recommend using VersaFit™ Shims in your pad to create a custom-contoured ideal saddle fit. Even if your current saddle fits well, the addition of our specially shaped shoulder shim behind the furthest backswing point of the scapula will give your horse greater freedom of movement and improve comfort and performance. NOTE– Shims should be installed prior to placing pad on your horse. (Click HERE for shimming information.)
NOTE: The SmartFoam™ inserts are temperature sensitive. They will be firmer if it’s colder, and softer when warmer. During cooler weather, your horse’s body heat will warm the inserts, allowing them to soften and conform. Tighten your girth in stages, going up one hole at a time on each side. This will reduce potential lateral imbalance. When temperatures are low, allow the pad to sit on your horse for a few minutes, or move your horse on the ground a bit before mounting. Due to the unique compression qualities of the SmartFoam™, you may need to tighten your girth an extra time or two.
FURTHER INFO
The PROFILE SMARTPAD® works great under small profile WESTERN saddles. Easy-access pockets to hold your SHIMS for successful MANAGEMENT OF THE INTERFACE.
Best value in combination with SMARTFLX™ saddle trees. 100% breathable, orthopedic, anti-slip, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, easily to clean. Currently available in black. Crafted in the USA.
Our unique shimming concept provides a simple way to offer dynamic custom fit. The welcoming “hug” of our saddles’ undersides provides for an un-restricted equine athlete capable of enjoying full physical potential under saddle. The original SMARTPAD™ inserts – housed inside the sculpted pockets of the pad – are designed to support the Horse’s back under the saddle tree bars, leaving the bottom section of the pad appropriately thin so you can have a good leg communication with your horse. This SMART FOAM is the most advanced impact reduction material in the world of MEMORY FOAMS which are manufactured with many different consistencies, impact deflection and compression capacities and are not as effective as SMART FOAM.
The original SMART FOAM has a compression factor that allows it to conform/compress to less ¼ of its original thickness where needed to accommodate pressure points, yet it loses no more than 2% of its impact deflection properties.
A FUN EXPERIMENT
Check the amazing characteristics of the SMARTPAD® by putting your hand underneath the pad (even on a very hard surface) and having someone stand on the pad: You will feel weight impact, but you will not feel any pain.
SIZE
27″ (68.50 cm) along spine, Flap length 17” (43.18 cm)
SMARTPAD® CARE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSURE A LONG LIFE
Follow this LINK to access detailed instructions.
Our revolutionary shapes in original full thickness: one pair each – Shoulder, Long, and Rear Shims. Essential tools for shoulder clearance, center support, and/or lifting the rear of the saddle. All shims taper gradually to blend smoothly even if overlapped. Engineered with the perfect balance of “support” and “squish.” Save on this set of three pairs! Also available in Thin version.
There are 3 styles of tapered foam shims:
When you buy all 3 styles, you have valuable tools at hand and save money at the same time.
Unique in the world Western AIRPAD: patented super-sensitive, auto-inflating baffled foam Inserts adjust & conform dynamically to horse’s body throughout your ride. Therapeutic function. Extraordinary wicking and cooling capacity. Various sizes and shapes available. Choice of Cordura/TecFleece or TecGrip outer layers.
VALVE-CONTROLLED INNER AIR CHAMBERS: Two separate custom designed, patented self-inflating AIRCELLS (of the famous Thermarest technology) are housed inside the AIRPAD’S left and right side jacket pockets. They are shaped to support under the saddle tree bars, and leave the bottom section of the pad appropriately thin so you can have good leg communication with your horse. The easy-access valves that control air flow allow a fit adjustability range from 1/8” to 1-1/4”. They are remarkably durable and last for years.
MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS FIT under the saddle tree is achieved via a trapped air suspension system which allows freedom of motion shock absorption without “ballooning” too much in one area or another due to the unique baffled design of the foam within the aircells. This offers remarkable custom-accommodation of dynamic movement, asymmetry of physique of horse and rider balance variations in real time. The AIRPAD (as in all pads, it is best with at least 1 shim) can greatly improve the fit of a poorly constructed saddle with bar angle or “rock” issues.
OPEN CENTER CHANNEL SPINE RELIEF: AIRPAD’s two distinct side panels are integrally connected by two well located reinforced cross links and offer freedom of movement without pressure in the critical area of the horse’s spinal ligaments.
BREATHABILITY and WICKING POWER: Whether you choose our cozy, soft TECFLEECE or powerful GRIP jacket for your AIRPAD, you can be confident that the base structural material is a felt with non-absorptive fibers which has extraordinary strength and crush recovery, exceptional breathability and evaporative drying capability. We have grown confident via research that the advantages of engineered fibers are significant: the fibers themselves (unlike wool, for instance) do not absorb moisture (and bacteria) and clog up the space between each other. Therefore, there is more room for air to flow through freely to keep your horse cool and dry.
The AIRPAD is an orthopedic, anti-slip, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, easily washable saddle pad crafted in the USA.
Our unique shimming concept provides a simple way to offer dynamic custom fit. The welcoming “hug” of our saddles’ undersides provides for a physically and mentally un-restricted equine athlete capable of enjoying full physical potential under saddle.
PAD MEASUREMENTS:
SMALL:
Ideal for small profile saddles up to seat size 16.5. “SMALL” will function properly under larger seat sizes as well (because the protective internal AIRCELLS are the same size in MEDIUM and LARGE – though the overall jacket size of the SMALL AIRPAD may look at bit small in proportion under larger seat sizes.
28″ along spine x 34.5″ wide from wingtip to wingtip laid out flat. Shape tapers from deeper in front to shallow toward rear.
Depending on personal preference (bigger jacket or smaller jacket) SMALL works great for our small to medium sized saddle profiles such as the Easy Rider, Carry Me, Western Freedom, Barrel Racer as well as Parelli Saddles´ Natural Performer.
MEDIUM:
The MEDIUM shape has a very slight taper from deeper in front toward slightly more shallow at the rear with large rounded radius to pair nicely with smaller and medium profile saddles including larger sizes.
30” along spine x 31.75” wide from wingtip to wingtip laid out flat.
Depending on personal preference (bigger jacket or smaller jacket) MEDIUM works great for our small to medium sized saddle profiles such as the Easy Rider, Western Freedom and Natural Performer.
LARGE:
The LARGE shape has a traditional straight profile from front to back with rounded radius at the rear. Suitable for more traditional saddle skirt dimensions such as the Ranch Roper, Ranch Versatility, Reiner and Western Dressage.
32” along the spine x 31.75 from wingtip to wingtip out flat.
AIR PAD USAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
AIRPADs are shipped with air valves CLOSED. On receipt, OPEN both valves and store with them OPEN. They inflate automatically. If necessary, blow in them to accelerate filling.
Before use, make sure both valves are OPEN and the air cells are filled.
CAUTION: Familiarize your horse to the sound of air escaping from the valves so that it is not an unwelcome surprise when saddling or riding.
INSERT appropriate SHIMS (ON TOP OF THE AIRCELLS inside the pad’s chambers) to accommodate your horse’s back shape (Please request your free Saddle Fit Evaluation if help is needed)
Leave the valves open, position pad on horse (be sure the cinch wear strips are on the outside, and that shims are on top of the aircells inside the pad’s chambers). NOTE: if using the AIRPAD GRIP, place the pad forward of where it will eventually belong and slide it backward into position so that movement does not grip/grab your horse’s hair.
Place saddle so that it is centered front to back and left to right on top of pad air cell inserts. PULL UP ON THE STRAP so that valves and pad’s “wings” are elevated at the same height with one another up in the gullet area of the saddle fork.
Tighten your cinch in STAGES (NOT TOO TIGHT before walking your horse around a little bit) and feel under front of saddle while horse walks to make certain the horse’s shoulders can move unrestricted by tight pressure. (Reach back under as far as stirrup bar area).
TWIST THE AIR VALVES CLOSED before tightening cinch for the last time and mounting. This should leave just enough air to maintain a lovely customizing, auto-adjusting cushion as your horse travels.
Check your cinch again. These pads do not tend to slip. This gives you the opportunity to give your horse relief from an over-tight cinch.
When mounted, if you feel like you’re riding on too much air (air can be hard, and you can feel underneath the back of your saddle to make sure the pad feels spongy/protective, not hard)…just “fine tune” the cushion by opening both valves SLIGHTLY and releasing some air. We recommend dismounting before making these adjustments if you and/or your horse are not well familiar with this pad. If you notice right/left imbalance, open one valve at a time slightly to release what you need. DON’T LET ALL THE AIR OUT, or the AIRPAD cannot serve your horse well.
AIR PAD WASHING CARE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSURE A LONG LIFE: Follow this LINK to access detailed instructions.
The one and only instantly adjustable air-cushion saddle pad with a smaller profile for smaller skirted saddles. Thinner pad than our other Airpads: excellent to use under thin decorative saddle blanket. Same patented, auto-inflating air cells conform dynamically to horse’s body throughout your ride. Durable baffled chambers for uniform distribution and support under the saddle bars. Full panel shim pockets with easy top and front access – use with VersaFit™ Shims for ultimate custom contoured saddle fit. Top layer is innovative, light and airy 3D Spacermesh, bottom is breathable, moisture wicking TecFleece™. Easy clean, made in USA.
Made in USA
VALVE-CONTROLLED INNER AIR CHAMBERS: Two separate custom designed, patented self-inflating AIRCELLS (of the famous Thermarest technology) are housed inside the AIRPAD’S left and right side jacket pockets. They are shaped to support under the saddle tree bars, and leave the bottom section of the pad appropriately thin so you can have good leg communication with your horse. The easy-access valves that control air flow allow a fit adjustability range from 1/8” to 1-1/4”. They are remarkably durable and last for years.
MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS FIT under the saddle tree is achieved via a trapped air suspension system which allows freedom of motion shock absorption without “ballooning” too much in one area or another due to the unique baffled design of the foam within the aircells. This offers remarkable custom-accommodation of dynamic movement, asymmetry of physique of horse and rider balance variations in real time. The AIRPAD (as in all pads, it is best with at least 1 shim) can greatly improve the fit of a poorly constructed saddle with bar angle or “rock” issues.
OPEN CENTER CHANNEL SPINE RELIEF: AIRPAD’s two distinct side panels are integrally connected by two well located reinforced cross links and offer freedom of movement without pressure in the critical area of the horse’s spinal ligaments.
BREATHABILITY and WICKING POWER: The top layer of this pad is durable lightweight techno-fabric promoting natural ventilation and temperature regulation. Think of it as a durable tri-layer weave “miracle sandwich”. A grip-enhancer strip secures pad to saddle. The bottom layer consists of our TecFleece™ material – anti-microbial non-slip felt, greater wicking & cooling vs. wool. Breathable, easy clean with hose, quick dry. We have grown confident via research that the advantages of engineered fibers are significant: the fibers themselves (unlike wool, for instance) do not absorb moisture (and bacteria) and clog up the space between each other. Therefore, there is more room for air to flow through freely to keep your horse cool and dry.
The AIRPAD is an orthopedic, anti-slip, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, easily washable saddle pad crafted in the USA.
Our unique shimming concept provides a simple way to offer dynamic custom fit. The welcoming “hug” of our saddles’ undersides provides for a physically and mentally un-restricted equine athlete capable of enjoying full physical potential under saddle.
PAD MEASUREMENTS: 28″ // 73.5 cm along spine, Flap length 17” // 43 cm
WESTERN AIRPAD BREEZE USAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Use directly between your horse and smaller profile Western saddles. Use with or without a decorative saddle blanket on top.
· Open the valves to auto-inflate the air cells
· Place quilted pad on your horse, then Halfpad centered on top
· Place saddle on Halfpad centered front to back
· Pull up on the front strap to position Halfpad sides evenly (nozzles at same level), and make sure to pull up center of quilt into saddle gullet to keep pressure off withers
· Politely tighten cinch a little at a time, alternating sides
· PRIOR to final tightening, close the air valves
· When finished riding, store with valves OPEN
We recommend using VersaFit™ Shims in your pad to create a custom-contoured ideal saddle fit. Even if your current saddle fits well, the addition of our specially shaped shoulder shim behind the furthest backswing point of the scapula will give your horse greater freedom of movement and improve comfort and performance. NOTE– Shims should be installed prior to placing pad on your horse. Click HERE for further information on shimming.
AIRPADs are shipped with air valves CLOSED. On receipt, OPEN both valves and store with them OPEN. They inflate automatically. If necessary, blow in them to accelerate filling.
Before use, make sure both valves are OPEN and the air cells are filled.
CAUTION: Familiarize your horse to the sound of air escaping from the valves so that it is not an unwelcome surprise when saddling or riding.
INSERT appropriate SHIMS (ON TOP OF THE AIRCELLS inside the pad’s chambers) to accommodate your horse’s back shape (Please request your free Saddle Fit Evaluation if help is needed)
Leave the valves open, position pad on horse (be sure the cinch wear strips are on the outside, and that shims are on top of the aircells inside the pad’s chambers).
Place saddle so that it is centered front to back and left to right on top of pad air cell inserts. PULL UP ON THE STRAP so that valves and pad’s “wings” are elevated at the same height with one another up in the gullet area of the saddle fork.
Tighten your cinch in STAGES (NOT TOO TIGHT before walking your horse around a little bit) and feel under front of saddle while horse walks to make certain the horse’s shoulders can move unrestricted by tight pressure. (Reach back under as far as stirrup bar area).
TWIST THE AIR VALVES CLOSED before tightening cinch for the last time and mounting. This should leave just enough air to maintain a lovely customizing, auto-adjusting cushion as your horse travels.
Check your cinch again. These pads do not tend to slip. This gives you the opportunity to give your horse relief from an over-tight cinch.
When mounted, if you feel like you’re riding on too much air (air can be hard, and you can feel underneath the back of your saddle to make sure the pad feels spongy/protective, not hard)…just “fine tune” the cushion by opening both valves SLIGHTLY and releasing some air. We recommend dismounting before making these adjustments if you and/or your horse are not well familiar with this pad. If you notice right/left imbalance, open one valve at a time slightly to release what you need. DON’T LET ALL THE AIR OUT, or the AIRPAD cannot serve your horse well.
AIR PAD WASHING CARE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSURE A LONG LIFE: Remove air cells, then hose clean, drip dry. Use small amount of horse shampoo or baking soda solution if desired. Flush til water runs clear. Excess hair can be easily removed with simple rubber scraper prior to washing. Follow this LINK to access detailed instructions.
Therapeutic shimmable half-pad. SmartFoam™ core provides superior shock absorption and pressure-point protection, yet compresses to less than 1/8” to bring rider and horse close together. Full panel shim pockets with easy top access – use with VersaFit™ Shims for the ultimate custom contoured saddle fit. Light yet durable 3D Spacer mesh on top, breathable TecFleece™ on bottom. Easy clean, quick dry, made in USA.
HOW TO USE
Position Half-Pad on top of your standard Western pad or blanket, centering front to back and left to right. Place saddle on top. Pull upward at the front of your standard pad to remove any pressure on the withers – ideally enough room so that your fist can fit underneath.
We recommend using VersaFit™ Shims in your pad to create a custom-contoured ideal saddle fit. Even if your current saddle fits well, the addition of our specially shaped shoulder shim behind the furthest backswing point of the scapula will give your horse greater freedom of movement and improve comfort and performance. NOTE– Shims should be installed prior to placing pad on your horse. (Click HERE for shimming information.)
NOTE: The SmartFoam™ inserts are temperature sensitive. They will be firmer if it’s colder, and softer when warmer. During cooler weather, your horse’s body heat will warm the inserts, allowing them to soften and conform. Tighten your girth in stages, going up one hole at a time on each side. This will reduce potential lateral imbalance. When temperatures are low, allow the pad to sit on your horse for a few minutes, or move your horse on the ground a bit before mounting. Due to the unique compression qualities of the SmartFoam™, you may need to tighten your girth an extra time or two.
FURTHER INFO
The WESTERN SMARTPAD® HALFPAD works great under any WESTERN saddle. Easy-access pockets to hold your SHIMS for successful MANAGEMENT OF THE INTERFACE.
Best value in combination with SMARTFLX™ saddle trees. 100% breathable, orthopedic, anti-slip, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, easily to clean. Currently available in black. Crafted in the USA.
Our unique shimming concept provides a simple way to offer dynamic custom fit. The welcoming “hug” of our saddles’ undersides provides for an un-restricted equine athlete capable of enjoying full physical potential under saddle. The original SMARTPAD® inserts – housed inside the sculpted pockets of the pad – are designed to support the Horse’s back under the saddle tree bars, leaving the bottom section of the pad appropriately thin so you can have a good leg communication with your horse. This SMART FOAM is the most advanced impact reduction material in the world of MEMORY FOAMS which are manufactured with many different consistencies, impact deflection and compression capacities and are not as effective as SMART FOAM.
The original SMART FOAM has a compression factor that allows it to conform/compress to less ¼ of its original thickness where needed to accommodate pressure points, yet it loses no more than 2% of its impact deflection properties.
A FUN EXPERIMENT
Check the amazing characteristics of the SMARTPAD® by putting your hand underneath the pad (even on a very hard surface) and having someone stand on the pad: You will feel weight impact, but you will not feel any pain.
SIZE
26″ // 66″ along spine, Flap length 12” // 30 cm
SMARTPAD™ CARE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSURE A LONG LIFE
Excess hair can be easily removed with simple rubber scraper. Hose clean, drip dry. Follow this LINK to access detailed instructions.
Therapeutic shimmable all-in-one full riding pad. SmartFoam™ core provides superior shock absorption and pressure-point protection, yet compresses to less than 1/8” to bring rider and horse close together. Full panel shim pockets with easy top and front access – use with VersaFit™ Shims for the ultimate custom contoured saddle fit. Top layer is super durable cordura or light breeze, bottom is breathable, moisture wicking TecFleece™. Made in USA.
Fabric Choices:
Breeze/TecFleece: Quick dry, easy clean material with breathable top layer and moisture wicking, soft underside
Cordura/TecFleece: Easy clean material with super durable, long-lasting, water resistant top layer and moisture wicking, soft underside.
HOW TO USE
All-in-one pad for use directly between your horse and Western saddle.
We recommend using VersaFit™ Shims in your pad to create a custom-contoured ideal saddle fit. Even if your current saddle fits well, the addition of our specially shaped shoulder shim behind the furthest backswing point of the scapula will give your horse greater freedom of movement and improve comfort and performance. NOTE– Shims should be installed prior to placing pad on your horse. (Click HERE for shimming information.)
NOTE: The SmartFoam™ inserts are temperature sensitive. They will be firmer if it’s colder, and softer when warmer. During cooler weather, your horse’s body heat will warm the inserts, allowing them to soften and conform. Tighten your girth in stages, going up one hole at a time on each side. This will reduce potential lateral imbalance. When temperatures are low, allow the pad to sit on your horse for a few minutes, or move your horse on the ground a bit before mounting. Due to the unique compression qualities of the SmartFoam™, you may need to tighten your girth an extra time or two.
FURTHER INFO
The WESTERN SMARTPAD® works great under WESTERN saddles. (Choose your appropriate size to accommodate the length and skirt size of your saddle). Easy-acess pockets to hold your SHIMS for successful MANAGEMENT OF THE INTERFACE.
Best value in combination with SMARTFLX™ saddle trees. 100% breathable, orthopedic, anti-slip, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, easily to clean. Currently available in black. Crafted in the USA.
Our unique shimming concept provides a simple way to offer dynamic custom fit. The welcoming “hug” of our saddles’ undersides provides for an un-restricted equine athlete capable of enjoying full physical potential under saddle.The original SMARTPAD® inserts – housed inside the sculpted pockets of the pad – are designed to support the Horse’s back under the saddle tree bars, leaving the bottom section of the pad appropriately thin so you can have a good leg communication with your horse. This SMART FOAM is the most advanced impact reduction material in the world of MEMORY FOAMS which are manufactured with many different consistencies, impact deflection and compression capacities and are not as effective as SMART FOAM.
The original SMART FOAM has a compression factor that allows it to conform/compress to less ¼ of its original thickness where needed to accommodate pressure points, yet it loses no more than 2% of its impact deflection properties.
A FUN EXPERIMENT
Check the amazing characteristics of the SMARTPAD® by putting your hand underneath the pad (even on a very hard surface) and having someone stand on the pad: You will feel weight impact, but you will not feel any pain.
SIZE
SMALL: 28″//71 cm along the spine x 33.75″ //86 cm wide from wingtip to wingtip laid out flat.
MEDIUM: 30″//76 cm along the spine x 33.75″//86 cm wide from wingtip to wingtip laid out flat.
LARGE: “32//81 cm along the spine x 33.75″//86 cm wide from wingtip to wingtip laid out flat.
SMARTPAD® CARE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSURE A LONG LIFE
Excess hair can be easily removed with simple rubber scraper. Hose clean, drip dry. Follow this LINK to access detailed instructions.