A few months ago, ECOGOLD was kind enough to send me two prototypes of the ECOGOLD Hunter Half Pad which was recently released to the equestrian consumer market on the ECOGOLD website. The Half Pad is a ‘less flashy’ version of the ECOGOLD Flip Half Pad and is suitable for those of us who do those classes were conservatism and subtlety are valued in the show ring.

I have been testing the pad for a few months, and I am pleased to say: I love it! It is exactly what I need, especially since my primary discipline of choice is hunters and equitation. Everyone knows how much I love my Ogilvy half pad and other products, but I needed something that was not as visible under my saddle, especially because I have two horses that I ride and show, and I do not have the money to buy custom fit saddles for each.

The ECOGOLD Hunter Half Pad is made of “[p]remium High Resilience Foam [that] reduces pressure at the points of greatest weight and bounces back quicker to absorb impact, ensuring exceptional comfort for your horse’s back.” Additionally, it “[c]omes with 2 layers of protection: 1/2″ high resilience + 3/4” high impact foam, which are removable so you can adjust to the preferred thickness.” It allows for reduced saddle slippage, a more perfect fit of your saddle to your horse, and prevents your saddle from pinching your horse’s back without restricting movement.

I have been using this pad on both my horses, and I love it. Both of my horses are extremely comfortable while being ridden in the pad. Their movement is fluid; my saddle doesn’t slip; and most importantly, they want to work, stretch down, and use their top lines. My saddles are not custom fit to either of my horses, and Luther is a bit hard to fit because of his shark fins and weird conformation. With this pad, I know he is comfortable even without a saddle custom fit to his back (and he has been less back sore lately as he has been getting into more consistent work after stall rest for a minor arthritic injury). Best of all, this pad is virtually invisible underneath the saddle meaning it does not take away from that overall ‘picture’ needed in the hunter and equitation rings.

You can also utilize the Half Pad on a Hunter Contour Pad, like the one offered by ECOGOLD, which I also own. It fits seamlessly over the contour pad, and again, is barely visible – just what the judges like to see (or not see?)!

Professional riders have already begun using the Half Pad and have touted its usefulness. According to an ECOGOLD press release about the product, Hope Glynn found the pad to be helpful for “horses with poor saddle fit, tight muscles, or need of a slight lift.” The pad also helps horses “feel their best and still look great.”

If you are in need of a half pad to help your horse’s saddle fit, are showing multiple horses and don’t have the money for multiple saddles, or just can’t afford to purchase a custom fit saddle for your hard-to-fit horse, and you show in the hunters or equitation, I highly recommend investing in the ECOGOLD Hunter Half Pad. It retails for $170.

Some other specs include:

• Four different size offerings for saddles from 15″ to 18.5″
• Breathability
• Hypoallergenic material
• Easy to wash – the inserts can stay in while you do this!

Stay tuned for my review on the ECOGOLD Flip Half Pad – a must have for the jumper ring or for every day schooling.

ps. Want an Ogilvy Baby Pad with The Legal Equestrian logo to represent your favorite blog? Check out our store here! We will be adding new Ogilvy Baby Pad color combinations soon as well as other products, and we recently teamed up with Shop Hunt Club to bring you The Legal Equestrian tack charms.

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