Top Quality Kentucky Saddle Pads: Benefits, Types & How to Choose

An Introduction to Kentucky Saddle Pads

Saddle pads are an essential piece of equestrian gear that provide comfort and protection for both horse and rider. Kentucky saddle pads have long been a top choice among riders due to their quality craftsmanship, innovative designs, and variety of options. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history, benefits, and features of Kentucky saddle pads to help you choose the right one for you and your horse.

The History of Kentucky Saddle Pads

The Kentucky saddle pad company was founded in the late 1980s by Ann Coulter, an avid horsewoman living in Lexington, Kentucky. At the time, Ann found the saddle pad options to be limited and saw room for improvement. She began designing and hand-making her own saddle pads using high-quality fabrics like wool, alpaca, and fleece. Her goal was to create comfortable, long-lasting pads with thoughtful design features tailored specifically for equestrian use.

Word began to spread among the central Kentucky horse community about Ann's saddle pads. Before long, she was flooded with custom orders from local farms, barns, and riders. Her home business quickly outgrew the confines of her sewing room and in 1995, the first Kentucky saddle pad factory opened just outside of Lexington.

Over the past 25+ years, the company has grown tremendously but still operates that same factory in Kentucky. They now offer over 100 different styles of pads and accessories suited for all riding disciplines. However, each pad is still hand-inspected and crafted to Ann's original high standards. Kentucky saddle pads are now used and loved by riders across the United States and beyond.

Benefits of Using a Kentucky Saddle Pad

There are many advantages to using a high-quality saddle pad like those made by Kentucky Saddle Pads:

• Comfort - Kentucky pads feature ultra plush fabrics and careful contouring to distribute pressure evenly across the horse's back.
• Temperature Control - Breathable natural fibers like wool and alpaca wick moisture and promote airflow to keep horses comfortable in any climate.
• Fit - Pads come in a wide range of sizes with adjustable features to ensure a customized fit for your horse and saddle.
• Durability - Only the most durable fabrics are used so Kentucky pads maintain their luxurious feel after many rides.
• Design - Attention to detail and equestrian-specific touches make these pads stylish as well as functional.

Whether your main goal is keeping your horse's back comfortable on long trail rides or making a statement in the show ring, a Kentucky saddle pad has you covered.

Types of Kentucky Saddle Pads

With over 100 styles to choose from, you're sure to find a Kentucky saddle pad suitable for your needs. Here are some of the main types:

Basic Pads

Their classic styles like the All-Purpose and Dressage Angle pads offer straightforward designs focused on comfort. These square or contoured pads come in a variety of sizes and neutral colors like black or white.

Half Pads

Half pads from Kentucky provide cushioning and cooling without adding too much bulk under your saddle. They just lie across the center of the horse's back with openings at the front and back. Half pads pair well with hard-to-fit saddles.

Contour Pads

For a truly customized fit, check out Kentucky's contour pad styles. Through careful measurement, these pads are shaped to match your horse's back profile. This reduces pressure points for ultimate comfort.

Specialty Pads

Need a pad for a specific discipline or situation? Browse Kentucky's Western, dressage, eventing, and trail riding saddle pads. There are even belly wraps for hindgut comfort and half pads made just for Australian stock saddles. With clever details like sweat flaps, reflective trim, and anti-slip fabric, the sky's the limit.

Popular Kentucky Saddle Pad Models

Ready to find your perfect Kentucky saddle pad? Here are a few rider favorites to consider:

Shoulder Relief Pad

The innovative Shoulder Relief Pad uses a channel down the center to eliminate pressure on the horse's spine and shoulders. It's great for horses recovering from soreness or injury.

Ultimate Trail Pad

Featuring two pockets for snacks and a hindquarter slit for breezing, this pad is ready for even the longest trail ride. Anti-slip fabric helps it stay firmly in place.

Original Heavyweight Wool Pad

This classic wool pad with contoured spine offers the ultimate in natural breathability and cushioning. It conforms nicely to your horse's shape.

All Around Luxe Pad

For show ring flair, you can't go wrong with this pad featuring intricate stitching, decorative corners, and your choice of piping colors.

How to Select the Right Kentucky Saddle Pad

With so many sizes, fabrics, and styles available from Kentucky Saddle Pads, it can be tricky to select exactly the right one. Here are some tips for choosing a pad that fits your horse and suits your riding needs:

Measure Your Horse

The first step is using a fabric measuring tape to determine the length and shape of your horse's back. Kentucky provides detailed measuring instructions on their site to help you get accurate numbers.

Consider Your Riding Discipline

Think about the type of riding you do most and any special features that would help. For example, English riders might want extra spine relief, while trail riders need pockets for gear.

Match Your Saddle Size

Be sure to get a pad that fits the length and shape of your saddle's panels. A pad too small can lead to discomfort, while one too large can shift around.

Select a Fabric

Kentucky offers all-natural fabrics like wool and alpaca for breathability, as well as blended fabrics that incorporate spandex or polyester for stretch and durability.

Read Reviews

Checking saddle pad reviews from other riders can provide insight into comfort, quality, and how different styles fit different horse shapes.

Taking the time to find the perfect Kentucky saddle pad for your horse will provide comfort over many miles of happy riding ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do Kentucky saddle pads need to be washed?

It's recommended to wash your Kentucky saddle pad after every 5-7 uses. Be sure to follow the included care instructions for your pad's specific fabric. In general, wool and alpaca pads should be hand washed gently in cold water and laid flat to dry. Blended fabric pads can go in the washing machine on gentle cycle then air dried.

Should my saddle pad be thicker in the front or back?

For the healthiest spine alignment, your saddle pad thickness should transition evenly from front to back. There should not be any abrupt thickness changes. A slightly thicker front can help lift the shoulders for greater freedom of movement.

What is a saddle pad girth strap for?

Some Kentucky pads feature removable girth straps that fasten under the horse's belly to help keep the pad securely in place. These are great for horses that like to reach down and shift their pads around.

How can I add extra bling to my saddle pad?

Many Kentucky pads allow you to customize with fun accessories like colored binding, crystal or metallic corner accents, horn caps, and more. This lets you show off your personality in the show ring.

Kentucky Saddle Pads: Quality and Comfort for Every Ride

Kentucky Saddle Pads have earned a sterling reputation among equestrians for their outstanding craftsmanship and designs tailored specifically with horses in mind. Whether you're hitting the trails or heading for championship competition, a Kentucky pad provides both horse and rider with ultimate comfort, performance, and pride.

FAQs

What are the benefits of using a Kentucky saddle pad?

Kentucky saddle pads offer many benefits including: comfort from plush cushioning, temperature control from breathable natural fabrics, a customized fit with adjustable and contoured styles, durability from quality construction, and thoughtful design details for various riding disciplines.

How do I measure my horse for a Kentucky saddle pad?

Use a soft measuring tape to find the length from the center of your horse's chest to their tailbone. Also measure across their widest part behind the withers. Refer to Kentucky's detailed measuring instructions. Having accurate measurements will ensure a proper fitting saddle pad.

How often should I wash my Kentucky saddle pad?

It's best practice to wash your Kentucky saddle pad after every 5-7 rides. Be sure to use the recommended cleaning method for your pad's fabric - wool and alpaca pads can be gently hand washed while blended fabrics may go in the washing machine.

What types of riding are Kentucky saddle pads designed for?

Kentucky Saddle Pads offers over 100 styles suitable for various disciplines including: dressage, jumping, eventing, trail riding, endurance riding, and Western performance sports. They have options with features tailored for each type of riding.

Should my pad be thicker in front or back?

For proper spine alignment, the pad thickness should transition smoothly from front to back without abrupt changes. A slightly thicker front can allow more shoulder freedom but no part should be noticeably thicker.