Different material thicknesses, side view:
A comparison of the Quittpad Sport and Comfort saddle pads.
Quittpad centerpieces – Sport, Dynamic, Contact or Comfort?
In 2021, we put a lot of time into our saddle records. We have tested, added, changed, reissued. I will explain the system behind it here, across all divisions. Because: although it makes perfect sense for some saddle types to have their “own” saddle pad – such as with the combination western saddle and western pad – other Quittpad models perform well under different saddle types.But one after the other:
Sport – Dynamic – Contact – Comfort
Almost every saddle pad has one of these terms in its name. If not, it will definitely show up in the product description. The terms each characterize a variant of the heart of all Quittpads: the Quittpad 3D core.
Quittpad 3D cores are available in all versions for pressure relief and air conditioning.
Quittpads are the only saddle pads that combine both effects in one product – this is patented throughout Europe. Please note, however, that Quittpads can only develop their climatizing properties to a limited extent where they are used in combination with other saddle pads.
In some saddle pads we also have different cores sewn together. The designations Sport, Dynamic, Comfort or Contact always refer to the material processed under the seat, i.e. where most of the rider’s weight is applied. It not only varies in height depending on the core, but also differs in its properties.
Quittpad centerpieces – Sport, Dynamic, Contact or Comfort? Interior view: The quilting of the upper fabric, Quittpad 3D core and sensitive underside optimize the properties of the different Quittpad saddle pads.
Quittpads Sport
The Sport Core is the thinnest form of our 3D fabric. The sport saddle panels, which are only 16 mm high, allow riders to directly influence the saddle with weight and leg aids. At the same time, they offer maximum pressure relief and climate control in relation to their material thickness.
Recommendation for use
- Under well fitted saddles on well muscled horses. Ideally, the saddle is adjusted together with the saddle pad.
- For “round” horses with less pronounced withers and saddle position.
- When using a Quittpad as a halfpad together with another saddle pad, we recommend placing the Quittpad under the other pad directly on the horse’s back to take full advantage of the material’s pressure-relieving properties.
Quittpads Dynamic
Saddle pads with the youngest of the Quittpad 3D cores. Initially without “own” name, this core has proven its strengths over many hundreds of kilometers in our distance saddle pads. Flat and yet extremely pressure-elastic, Dynamic Pads are optimal for best climate control and good pressure equalization under the saddle – especially for horses with a lot of coat.
In conjunction with the QuickDry underside ideal for horses
- who have a thick skin
- who sweat profusely
- or which – even wet from rain – come from meadow/paddock and should be ridden immediately >>> Video clip
- When a quick drying saddle blanket is needed for the next ride
Quittpads Contact
The Contact core combines the strengths of the Sport and Comfort cores to create a back-friendly synergy: under the 20 mm thick Contact pads, horse backs can swing without pressure, without the rider running the risk of “swimming” on the horse’s back or getting into unwanted movement himself. The closeness to the horse’s back is maintained, fine weight and thigh aids reach the horse.
Recommendation for use
- For gymnastics in dressage work, jumping and cross-country training
- Also suitable for particularly buoyant horses.
- When using a Quittpad as a halfpad together with another saddle pad, we recommend placing the Quittpad under the other pad directly on the horse’s back to take full advantage of the material’s pressure-relieving properties. When using a Contact Pad in this way, as with the Comfort Pad, it is particularly important to pay attention to the position and balance of the saddle – please check this under your girthed saddle and under a rider.
Quittpads Comfort
The Comfort core is the balancing type among the Quittpads. With a height of 26 mm, our Comfort Pads apply a little thick and can therefore reduce negative influences from saddles and rider weight. Under a rider, the saddle really settles into the soft Comfort core – this also means the saddle does not sit 10mm higher than on a sport saddle pad just because the core is 10mm higher.
The Comfort version also gives the horses more freedom of movement. Even higher pressures and pressure peaks are absorbed and dissipated. But beware: Under no circumstances can a Quittpad permanently compensate for an unintentionally asymmetrical saddle or irregular musculature – a saddler is needed here!
Recommendation for use
- For horses with short saddle positions in relation to the saddle length, to give them more freedom for their shoulder movements and in the lumbar region.
- Under saddles that are a little too wide, for example, because a horse has lost muscle after a long break, which should be rebuilt promptly. Alternatively, we recommend our correction saddle pads for this problem.
- For young horses whose muscles still need to build and shape.
- For older horses whose musculature can only be maintained to a limited extent.
- For long-distance training, for example in preparation for trail rides lasting several days.
- With high rider weights in relation to the horse’s stature.
- As well as when using a Quittpad as a halfpad along with another saddle pad. Here, we recommend placing the Quittpad under the other pad directly on the horse’s back to take full advantage of the material’s pressure-relieving properties. When using a Comfort Pad in this way, it is particularly important to pay attention to the position and balance of the saddle – please check this under your girthed saddle and under a rider.
When using a Comfort Pad in this way, it is particularly important to pay attention to the position and balance of the saddle – please check this under your girthed saddle and under a rider.
Comfort Pad on Icelandic:
Even the “strong” Quittpad Comfort Pads perfectly follow the curved back line of the horse.
A contribution from Eva Winter