Impact Gel Equine
Western Contour Pad 32" 3/4" thick (UPDATE)
Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Manufacturer: Impact Gel Equine
Model: Western Contour Pad 32" 3/4" thick (UPDATE)
Category: Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Purchase: Bought through local tack store for $139
Likes: This pad is very well made and finished, and is wearing well after almost 5 months. The company shipped very fast. I loved this pad, and so did my mare, for the first 90 days, but...
Dislikes: In the last month or so, my mare has become testy and more sensitive on her back, as well as being cinchy (which she has never been). I have noticed consistently that she has dry spots on both sides of her withers, and down her spine. She, and the saddle, have been evaluated by a vet, who agrees that she's sore, but cannot find clinical explanation. I haven't changed anything, so cannot blame a new saddle or other equipment. I think it's possible that the gel is shifting or gel and wool are becoming compressed. Her symptoms are similar to before I got this new pad.
The pad and wool feels stiffer now than the nice, cushiony feel it had when it was brand new. I ride about 4-5 times weekly. To give some perspective on longevity, the horse is saddled for almost two hours if you count lunging, riding, showmanship practice, and chat time. That's only about 128 hours of actual use by my calculation. That's almost $1/hr for use.
I am investigating other possible horse problems, but right now am thinking it's time for a new pad... again.
Quality: Longevity of the protective aspect of the actual gel is suspect, but the overall construction of the pad is great.
Summary: I'm demoting my previous rating to a 2+
At this time I cannot say I'm thrilled with this pad, but will post again if my opinion changes. This pad would be good for riders with limited saddle time..
Rating: 2
Author: Trail 'n' Pattern Lover
Date: 2007-04-24
Usefulness Rating: 5 out of 5.
6 reader(s) voted.
Other Reviews You May Find Interesting
Diamond Wool Western Wool Pad Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Cottage Craft Sheepsking Half-Pad Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Country Supply Equi-Herc Pads Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Reinsman Tacky Too Western Pad Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Thinline Western Saddle Pad Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Saddleright Endurance All Suede Saddle Pad Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Ortho-Equine Marlene McRae Special Effx Western Girth Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Crestridge Saddlery Supra-Cinch Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Len Brown The CorrecTOR Saddle Pad Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Abetta Cordura Saddle Pad 13281 Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Jose Ortiz Mohair Cinch Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Felt Rite Air Flow Neoprene Shock Absorber Saddle Pad Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Equipedic Full Size Western Saddle Pad Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Lami Cell Synthetic Nubuck Saddle Pad Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Professional's Choice Charmayne James SMX Barrel Pad Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Crest Ridge Saddlery Supra Cinch Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Len Brown Corrector Pad Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Equipedic Endurance Saddle Pad Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Crooked Stirrups Light Stirrups Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
Diamond Wool Saddle Pad with netting on the bottom Western Saddle Fittings/Pads
