An Equalizer® saddle pad consists 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 mismatch 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. 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!

Insert Pad (click for picture):

An insert pad is a complete pad that needs no additional 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, but 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 pad is constructed with a combination of fabrics such as exclusive Skito wool/poly fleece, Cotton/Poly Duck, Hemp/Cotton, Cotton/Poly quilt, Jersey fleece, Nylon Cordura and upholstery materials. In addition, wear leathers (Nylon Cordura) and rigging straps are standard. Color/fabric selection is extremely wide! All insert pads are made to order, which permits any combination of fabrics the customer desires.

“DRYBACK” Pad (click for picture):

Constructed to release heat and moisture from the large back muscle to the atmosphere. Air flows between the saddle and saddle pad thanks to the addition of 3M™ Nomad™ matting to the top of the saddle pad. Simply put, the exclusive Skito woolpoly fleece efficiently wicks the heat-laden perspiration to the open cell foam insert, which acts as a dense sponge pulling moisture and heat away from the animal to the surface of the pad. In the past the heat and moisture stopped in the top layer of the saddle pad because the saddle became an obstacle to transpiration. The addition of Nomad™ matting enables air to flow under the saddle to evaporate the moisture and dissipate the heat normally trapped against the saddle.

Nomad™ is an open vinyl loop construction matting produced by 3m™ for building entrance foot traffic. The durability to withstand thousands of footsteps assures that Nomad™ will withstand the rigors of saddle impact and wear. The thickness of the matte and looseness of loop provides maximum airflow to facilitate evaporation. Added benefits of Nomad™ are shock absorption and reduced slippage between the saddle and saddle pad.

Interpads (click for picture):

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 (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.

2006 PRICES (with standard 3/4" foam):

INSERT PADS
Large Western (32" long or more): Retail $145, your price $130
Standard Western (less than 32" long): RT $140, your price $125
Endurance Contour: RT $140, your price $125
English/Aussie Contour: RT $140, your price $125
Large Treeless Saddle (32" long or more): RT $150, your price $135
Standard Treeless Saddle (less than 32" long): RT $140, your price $125

DRYBACK INSERT PADS
Large Western (32" long or more): Retail $220, your price $195
Standard Western (less than 32" long): RT $205, your price $180
Endurance Contour: RT $205, your price $180
English/Aussie Contour: RT $205, your price $180
Large Treeless Saddle (32" long or more): RT $235, your price $210
Standard Treeless Saddle (less than 32" long): RT $225, your price $200

OPTIONS:
100% Wool: RT $20, your price $15
Tapestry Fabric: RT $20, your price $15
Pockets (square pads only): RT $20, your price $15
1" Thick Foam: RT $10, your price $10
1/2" Thick Foam: RT subtract $5, your price subtract $5
Treeless only - laminated foam: See lamination guide.

SHIMS (for inside the Insert Pads):
Front, Center, or Rear: RT $20, your price $15
Full Front and Full Rear Lift: RT $35, your price $30

INTERPADS, FRONT LIFT INTERPADS, BRIDGES, AND SHIMS:
Spandex or Quilt, Black or White. Custom thicknesses available.
Western (26", 28", 30"): RT $80, your price $70
Barrel Racer: RT $80, your price $70
Endurance: RT $80, your price $70
Aussie: RT $80, your price $70
Large English Close Contact (>17.5" seat): RT $80, your price $70
Standard English Close Contact (<17.5" seat): RT $70, your price $60
Large Dressage (>17.5" seat): RT $80, your price $70
Standard Dressage (<17.5" seat): RT $70, your price $60
Full Front Lift: RT $65, your price $55
Western Center Bridge: RT $40, your price $35
English Center Bridge: RT $40, your price $35
English Shoulder Bridge: RT $40, your price $35
Western/English Shoulder Bridge: RT $40, your price $35
Long Shoulder Bridge: RT $50, your price $40

LAMINATION GUIDE: Skito recommends additional laminated foam inserts (two pieces glued together, with the top piece beveled off under the thigh) in the following treeless saddle situations.

Please keep in mind that the more prominent the horse's spine is, the thicker the foam next to the spine needs to be, in order to help the saddle stay off the spine.

Also, the laminated foam system can create the illusion of a saddle twist (thereby reducing the rider's hip spread). The thicker the foam next to the horse's spine, the greater the twist.

1/2" foam plus 1/2" laminate (No extra charge, but must specify):
Rider weighs less than 130#.

3/4" foam plus 1/2" laminate (Adds $10):
Rider is 130-160#.

3/4" foam plus 1/2" laminate (Adds $10):
Rider is 160-190#, and/or horse has moderately prominent spine. Adds moderate "twist".

3/4" foam plus 3/4" laminate (Adds $10):
Rider is 190-230#, and/or horse has very prominent spine. Adds highest amount of "twist".

Thin sheet of Lexan between 3/4" foam and 3/4" laminate (Adds $15):
Rider is over 230#, and/or horse has very prominent spine. Adds highest amount of "twist" and helps spread out rider's weight and/or reduce pressure points under sharp seat bones.

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 laundering the cover in warm water with a 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. Place the foams on a flat surface to air dry.

Ordering Instructions:

Due to the complicated nature of ordering the correct Equalizer pad for your saddle, orders must be handled personally. Please email us for a quote.