Saddle Pads and Blankets

A saddle is the most important horse equipment and usually the first thing a horse owner buys. It is important to buy a horse saddle which fits well as an ill fitting one puts pressure on the horse's back. This might result in an injury. Riding is also uncomfortable if the saddle is not of proper fit. Along with the saddle, saddle pads and blankets are also a necessity. Horse and riding pads or saddle pads go hand in hand. While you are buying saddle pads, do invest in good metal wall saddle and blanket racks for storage.

Saddle blankets

It is a lesser known fact that saddle blankets came first and saddles came into being much later. Earlier a blanket was the only piece of equipment tied to a horse's back. Its purpose was to protect the rider. Later it came to be known as a saddle blanket, the purpose of which now was to ease the discomfort caused to the horse by a saddle. Saddle blankets are generally made of wool. They are folded and placed under the saddle to cushion the saddle, absorb the sweat and protect the horse's back.

Saddle pads

Saddle pads are a present day variation of saddle blankets. They are thicker with layers of felt, foam or some other soft material sandwiched between a tough outer covers. They absorb shock and minimize fatigue for the horse's back muscles. Saddle pads cannot be replaced with a well fitted saddle, but coupled with one they provide utter ease both for the rider as well as the horse. Tacky tack saddle pads are the latest invention.

Western saddle

Saddles are broadly divided into – English saddle and Western saddle. Western saddles are for horses that are used for racing or traveling long distances. Both saddle pads and blankets are essentially used for western saddles. Western saddles were designed to provide security and comfort to the rider who spent ample time on the horseback while treading rough terrains. Western saddle pads provide comfort and ease while riding. Also, the horse's back is cushioned thereby reducing pressure on it. Saddle pads are a must if you own a horse in a colder region.

Saddle pads are mostly required for pleasure saddles. They are a bit flatter and tend to have more padding in the seat. Pleasure saddles are a variant of western saddles. They are designed for trail riding with comfort in mind not speed. They are lighter in weight with a seat which is both secure and comfortable. Saddle pads and blankets further make the saddle comfortable.

Horse and riding pads or saddle pads do solve a lot of comfort issues. But they have one serious problem – they tend to be slippery and bunch up. This trouble has been around for very long but now it has a solution – Tacky Tack saddle pads. They have a 4 – 6 layer construction of foam coated polyester fabric. Tacky tack saddle pads do not discolor, stain or tear with daily use.

Taking care of Saddle pads and blankets

It is important to take good care of saddle pads and saddle blankets. They last much longer that way. Metal wall saddle and blanket racks are ideal for storing them. They are wall mountable racks. Made of metal, they are strong and long lasting. They might prove to be expensive but are a good investment.

All in all, saddle pads and blankets are important if you own a horse. They prove to be ideal partners for both you and your horse. They make riding easy and fun. Do not shrink away from buying quality horse tack and products.

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