Saddle-fault correcting saddle pad

Abstract

This is a corrective saddle pad for use under a saddle to provide a better fit of the saddle on a horse's back. The pad is in two portions connected by adjustable straps so as to sit on opposite sides of the horse's backbone. It further comprises a pair of washable inner pads and a pair of corrective outer pad releasable attached to one another. The washable inner pads have a layer of neoprene foam rubber in contact with the horse's skin to prevent rubbing and chafing. Each corrective outer pad is a multi-layer pad including a resiliently flexible pressure plate disposed along a support area of the horse's back along side the backbone and at least one packet filled with a fluid gel of a silicone material to transfer localized forces from the saddle across the pressure plate which has deformed to the shape of the horse's back thereunder whereby the packets lie against the pressure plate members with the fluid confined therein between the saddle and the pressure plate members so that localized forces from the saddle are hydraulically transferred over the surface of the pressure plates and over a broad area of the back of the horse. Provision is made to support the cantel portion of an English saddle when placed high on the horse's withers to prevent breakage of the saddle tree when jumping. This saddle pad has particular use and importance in endurance riding situations.