Jan. 1, 2009
HORSETRADER
9
Saddle Pad Performance Evaluation
Kansas State University Study Evaluates Leading Saddle
Pads For Pressure Distribution, Compression & Wicking.
By Erica D. Wesley, MS
Performance Evaluation Overall Comparison
The ESP™ Memory Foam pad experi-
of Saddle Pads of Saddle Pad Type
enced extremely little decrease
or increase after use, essentially
Before use, the Impact Gel® pad
maintaining its original wicking
An extensive scientific study
(a premium priced pad) exhibited
rates.
was conducted by Kansas State
University to evaluate the perfor-
mance characteristics of western
saddle pads over the course of one
year. Portions of the study findings,
referenced below, touch on the fac-
tors affecting the performance and
comfort of the horse as related to
the horse-pad-saddle-rider system
The SMx Air Ride™ (a premium
and the essential performance charac-
mid-range performance for peak
priced pad) displayed superior
teristics of saddle pads.
pressure elimination and pressure
performance with the lowest
distribution, high resistance to
peak pressures and standard devia-
This study evaluated the cushioning
compression (inflexible), and poor
tion. Additionally, this pad exhibited
properties and heat and moisture
wicking ability. After use, this pad
superior wicking properties both before
transport characteristics of six
displayed the highest peak pressures.
and after use.
western saddle pads before and
Although we do not know whether
after 200 hours of use. These char-
the pressure levels measured under
acteristics included pressure distri-
this pad are harmful to the horse,
bution, compression resistance and
this premium priced pad did not
recovery, thermal and evaporative
perform well.
resistance and wicking. The Force
Sensing Array (FSA) system contain-
ing 256 sensors was used to
evaluate the pressure distribution
Finally, the Wrangler® SMx Air
under the pads and average level of
Ride™ (also a premium priced pad),
peak pressures exerted during riding.
which showed the most improvement in
The FSA system was originally
pressure testing from
designed for testing in the medical
before - to after use, and along with
rehabilitation setting and is a force
the SMx Air Ride™, exhibited the
sensing matrix array mat designed
The compression testing (dead-
best performance in peak pressure
to measure interface pressures.
weighttesting system) revealed that
elimination and pressure distribution
under load, the ESP™ Memory
after use. Both the SMx Air Ride™ and
Foam component of the pad com-
For complete study results
the Wrangler® pads use the same core
pletely collapsed, suggesting that
visit www.profchoice.com/padstudy
material. The SMx Air Ride™ main-
the wool top and liner are the only
tained the only significant difference
0
9
0
1
A
The results expressed in this study do not necessarily reflect the
opinion or views of this publication. components providing support for
with the highest wicking rate of all
8
5
3
6
-
78
The page for this editorial has been paid for
this premium priced pad.
by Professional’s Choice. pads.
horsetrader.com
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