Coming in as our blue ribbon champion and Best Close Contact Saddle Pad is the Matrix T3 Sheepskin Competition Saddle Pad. This saddle pad is designed to protect and support your horse’s back muscles without interfering with performance. The spine area has a velcro opening to add impact protection inserts which is an amazing and unique feature of this pad. The full-sizes Competition series are designed as all-in-one pads that offer the protection of half pad but do not require a liner. The Sheepskin lining is contoured and extends down over the shoulder muscle instead of bisecting and it allows the horse’s muscles freer range of motion. The top is 1″ square quilt and high quality, breathable batting, with a poly/cotton lining. The pad is made out of a breathable, non-slip fabric that keeps your saddle securely positioned, but is also anti-friction to avoid heat buildup. Typical non-slip materials like rubber scrims use friction for grip which creates heat and can lead to galling. The Sheepskin is 100% Australian sheepskin eco-tanned in New Zealand to stringent environmental standards which minimize toxic and harmful chemicals. It has been approved for use in the medical and infant care industries and carries the AWI Woolmark. A Merino cross with over 1″ pil, it offers superior pressure relief and weight distribution. Overall, an amazing and unique saddle pad with its own set of unique features.

Coming in as our red ribbon runner-up for “Best High Profile Pad” is the Toklat Super Quilt High Profile Close Contact Pad. A great combination of fabrics make this an extremely popular saddle pad. The high-quality Medallion polyester fleece top is combined with a thick layer of breathable/wickable polyester batting quilted to a brushed 100% cotton fabric. Unlike saddle pads that use foam fillers which retain moisture and heat, the SuperQuilt will wick away moisture and ventilate constantly to keep your horse’s back cool. High profile contour fits comfortably over withers to relieve pressure.

Coming in as our yellow ribbon runner-up for “Greatest Value” is the Lettia CoolMax Contour Close Contact Pad. Lettia has added the popular CoolMax material to their contoured fleece pads. Now your horse can be cool and comfortable both at home and at shows. This pad is also extremely durable and easy to wash making a great pad for ease of use. Coming at such a low price, you won’t find a pad this good at this price range, making this a must-have.