Skito Saddle Pads

Equilizer Pads consist of open-celled urethane foam, profiled to the weight bearing area of a saddle, and encased in a variety of covers secured with a patented Velcro closure. The foam accommodates most mismatches between saddle and horse while absorbing up to 90% of impact shock. The open-cell structure of the foam encourages moisture and heat absorption from the horse’s back, especially when combined with the Dryback top option. The pad design approximates the curve of the horse’s back which reduces the stress of forcing a square pad to a shape. The Velcro envelope on either side of the spine enables the addition of shims to compensate for low spots, lift, or a bridging condition. Two style of pads are represented below by generic patterns of which many are available. Customers designs are normal with customer satisfaction as our primary concern!

Interpads (photo on the left with a quilted black cover) The Interpad consists of two foam panels configured to the weight bearing area (bars or tree) of the saddle. The foam panels are enclosed in a spandex or quilted cover in black or white (shown) access to the foam is enabled by a patented Velcro closure down the center of the cover. The Interpad should be placed under the saddle on a light to medium blanket. Generic designs available are dressage, Close Contact/All Purpose, Saddle Seat, Aussie, Barrel Racer, Western, and Endurance. An Interpad would a a choice for someone who has a pad already in use with no extra padding in any particular area, but a less than perfect fit.

Insert Pad (photo above with southwest fabric top) An Insert Pad is a complete pad that needs no additional saddle pads, fabric felt, or fillers between the horse and saddle. The pad design is dictated by the saddle profile and tree/bar design. Many generic patterns are available, while custom designs and variations are the norm, not the exception. All pads accommodate the natural curvature of the horses spine. The unique Equalizer® foam is captured in a shaped envelope on either side of the spine with a patented Velcro closure for easy access. Insert Pads can be built with a combination of foam in three thicknesses and the addition of shims or bridging pads depending on the need of the horse/saddle combination. In addition, wear leathers (Nylon Cordura) and rigging straps are standard. All insert pads are made to order which permits any combination of shape, top and bottom fabrics, foams, and shims the customer desires.

Dryback Pads: Dryback Pads are a Skito Equalizer pad that is built with a partial Dryback Nomad topside that helps to elevate moisture and heat from the large muscles on the topline of the horses' back. See Dryback page.

Use and Care Always be certain the back of the horse and the surfaces of the pad are free of dirt and debris. Tack up. Allow the Equalizer® pad to warm up for three to five minutes or longer in cold weather before snugging the girth. Check the girth after warming up the horse prior to starting any activity. The saddle and horse will settle into the Equalizer® foam as it initially warms. Store the Equalizer® pad over or separate from the saddle to enhance drying.

Cleaning the pad is a matter of removing the foams and machine or hand laundering the cover in warm water with a saddle pad product designed for natural/wool or mild detergent, NO BLEACH, and double rinse. Lay foams flat to dry. The foam insert should be rinsed in a cup of vinegar to 3 gallons of water solution to remove body salts absorbed from
the horses sweat. Squeeze, DO NOT WRING the moisture from the foam inserts.

SKITO SADDLE PADS:    Lots of choices of pads, lots of fit issues.  Please feel free to call Shelby at 336-267-0276 or email doubledequine@yahoo.com with questions before ordering.