Description
HOW TO USE
Position Half-Pad on top of your standard Western pad or blanket, centering front to back and left to right. Place saddle on top. Pull upward at the front of your standard pad to remove any pressure on the withers – ideally enough room so that your fist can fit underneath.
We recommend using VersaFit™ Shims in your pad to create a custom-contoured ideal saddle fit. Even if your current saddle fits well, the addition of our specially shaped shoulder shim behind the furthest backswing point of the scapula will give your horse greater freedom of movement and improve comfort and performance. NOTE– Shims should be installed prior to placing pad on your horse. (Click HERE for shimming information.)
NOTE: The SmartFoam™ inserts are temperature sensitive. They will be firmer if it’s colder, and softer when warmer. During cooler weather, your horse’s body heat will warm the inserts, allowing them to soften and conform. Tighten your girth in stages, going up one hole at a time on each side. This will reduce potential lateral imbalance. When temperatures are low, allow the pad to sit on your horse for a few minutes, or move your horse on the ground a bit before mounting. Due to the unique compression qualities of the SmartFoam™, you may need to tighten your girth an extra time or two.
FURTHER INFO
The WESTERN SMARTPAD® HALFPAD works great under any WESTERN saddle. Easy-access pockets to hold your SHIMS for successful MANAGEMENT OF THE INTERFACE.
Best value in combination with SMARTFLX™ saddle trees. 100% breathable, orthopedic, anti-slip, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, easily to clean. Currently available in black. Crafted in the USA.
Our unique shimming concept provides a simple way to offer dynamic custom fit. The welcoming “hug” of our saddles’ undersides provides for an un-restricted equine athlete capable of enjoying full physical potential under saddle. The original SMARTPAD® inserts – housed inside the sculpted pockets of the pad – are designed to support the Horse’s back under the saddle tree bars, leaving the bottom section of the pad appropriately thin so you can have a good leg communication with your horse. This SMART FOAM is the most advanced impact reduction material in the world of MEMORY FOAMS which are manufactured with many different consistencies, impact deflection and compression capacities and are not as effective as SMART FOAM.
The original SMART FOAM has a compression factor that allows it to conform/compress to less ¼ of its original thickness where needed to accommodate pressure points, yet it loses no more than 2% of its impact deflection properties.
A FUN EXPERIMENT
Check the amazing characteristics of the SMARTPAD® by putting your hand underneath the pad (even on a very hard surface) and having someone stand on the pad: You will feel weight impact, but you will not feel any pain.
SIZE
26″ (66 cm) along spine, Flap length 12” (30 cm)
SMARTPAD™ CARE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSURE A LONG LIFE
Excess hair can be easily removed with simple rubber scraper. Hose clean, drip dry. Follow this LINK to access detailed instructions.
