The effects of different saddle pads on forces and pressure distribution beneath a fitting saddle
Authors: KOTSCHWAR A. B., BALTACIS A., PEHAM C.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Saddle pads are ubiquitous in riding disciplines, yet remarkably little scientific evidence has validated their biomechanical effects on the horse's back. Kotschwar and colleagues investigated how five pad configurations—including gel, leather, foam, reindeer fur, and no pad—altered force distribution and pressure patterns when used beneath a well-fitting dressage saddle, testing sixteen horses of varying breeds and ages at walk and sitting trot on a treadmill using a pressure-sensitive mat synchronised to stride cycles. The reindeer fur pad emerged as the only material to significantly reduce maximum overall force (MOF), decreasing it by approximately 209 N at walk and 213 N at trot, alongside improvements in both longitudinal and transverse pressure distribution at trot; the gel, leather, and foam pads failed to produce significant reductions in MOF. These findings challenge the assumption that all saddle pads offer equivalent biomechanical benefit, suggesting that farriers, physiotherapists, and coaches should exercise selectivity when recommending pads, as material composition demonstrably influences load distribution even when the saddle itself fits appropriately—a consideration particularly relevant for horses with marginal saddle fit or those in intensive work where cumulative pressure effects may compromise performance and welfare.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Not all saddle pads are equal — reindeer fur demonstrated superior pressure distribution compared to common gel, leather, and foam options; consider material selection carefully rather than assuming any pad provides benefit
- •A well-fitting saddle with the right pad can measurably reduce load on the horse's back; if a saddle fits well but the horse still shows sensitivity, changing the pad material may help before resaddling
- •Pressure distribution matters as much as total force — improved load spreading across the back may reduce localized tissue stress and soreness even when overall force reduction is modest
Key Findings
- •Reindeer fur pad significantly reduced maximum overall force (MOF) from 1005 N to 796 N at walk and 1650 N to 1437 N at trot
- •Gel, leather, and foam pads showed no significant reduction in MOF compared to riding without a pad
- •Only reindeer fur pad significantly improved pressure distribution in both longitudinal and transversal directions at trot
- •Saddle pad selection materially affects back loading and force distribution, with material properties determining effectiveness