EcoGold Frictionless™ Dressage Pad is rated
4.4 out of
5 by
16.
Rated 4 out of
5
by
gaws from
Very thin pad
It's a very thin pad but if your saddle fits great it is not a problem. It is expensive and I'm not sure how it will hold up as I haven't had it long. I bought a second one since they were on sale. I like that fur does not stick to the pad and my saddle doesn't budge so I don't have to tighten the girth as much. Wish it came in black!
Date published: 2020-12-23
Rated 2 out of
5
by
Spot from
Great concept but needs some improvements
The concept of the double layers under the saddle panels is brilliant, it really seemed to keep the saddle from moving around without over-tightening the girth. However, the spine of the pad needs to be longer to make this design work unless you have a small saddle. For starters, per my measurement with a tape measure the spine length is actually 23 inches, NOT 25 as listed on this website. I thought I might have gotten a faulty pad, but researching other companies that sell it, they all state that the spine length is 23 inches as well. Smartpak's website needs to be updated to reflect the correct spine length. The second problem is that the fleece rolls take up about 2.5 inches on either end of the spine, so you end up with only 18 inches of useable saddle pad space. If your saddle panels extend beyond this 18 inches, then it rests right on the seam where the fleece is sewn to the pad, creating pressure points where you really do not want them. This pad would work fine with a small saddle with short panels, but my 18" dressage saddle did not fit in the space between the fleece rolls. I am very disappointed because I loved everything else about the pad. It seemed like very quick drying fabric and quality construction. I really wish EcoGold would come out with a longer spine length version!
Date published: 2019-06-19
Rated 3 out of
5
by
ATR1 from
Not going to solve my problem
I bought this because my delicate little flower of a horse gets rubs from the seams on the back of his pads at this time of year, when the hair is fragile and just beginning to shed out. However, when I got an up-close look at this, the seams and placement of the sheepskin trim on the back of this pad are in precisely the wrong place to alleviate the problem, so it's gone back, I'm afraid. If your rubs are in a different place I can see how this would work, but not for us.
Date published: 2018-02-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Bravesfan from
Love this saddle pad
I have a round quarter horse and this pad keeps my saddle in place.
Date published: 2015-08-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
chickenmommy from
eco gold saddle pads
Best saddle pad ever. Cool for my horse ! Wash and dry no problem.
Date published: 2015-06-01
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Pickypants from
It is frictionless
I bought this pad because it is thin and I didn't want any extra bulk under my saddle. Unfortunately it causes my saddle to shift. I had to go back to my old saddle pad that had a less slippery fabric under the saddle. So expensive to sit on the shelf.
Date published: 2015-04-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Bubbas Benefactor from
No More Rubs! Affords close contact
Buying another one now! After just a few weeks use, this pad has allowed the hair to grow back where rubbed off from other pads and alleviated all rubbing. Perfect for a close contact feeling (make sure your saddle fits well to begin with) and keeps horse cool. "Sticky" surface on sides does not pull hairs out, but keeps pad and saddle in place. Generous drop in long sizing was available for our larger horse. Worth the investment.
Date published: 2015-03-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
cherib610 from
great saddlepads
I bought these pads because both of my mares have small bumps on their backs- 1 from bug bite reactions and the other from a previous poor fitting saddle. Other pads seem to make these bumps a little sore or bigger. I have used the pads 3 times- all for long trail rides (2+ hrs) and neither had any worsening or soreness on their bumps. The pads seemed very comfortable and wicking under their saddles. These pads are extremely thin which is wonderful under their custom saddles. They wash easily and come out looking brand new despite being on sweaty horses.
Date published: 2014-10-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Horsepleaser14 from
Great for everyday! The saddle pad is great for Florida weather since it keeps the horse cool and dries fast. I am going to order more. My horse also loves it because it is not too thick.
Date published: 2014-06-12
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Dressagerider5 from
good/effective saddle pad
I bought this pad, because I wanted a pad that was thin and would not change the fit of my saddle in any way. I like the fact that it is frictionless meaning my horse does not experience any effect from my any shifting of the saddle.
It definitely prevents any lateral shifting of the saddle. I have a big moving 16.3 hh Swedish Warmblood and lateral shifting of the saddle and pad had previously been a problem. This is no longer the case.
The problem I having is the front of the saddle pad is sliding under the front of the saddle when we do a lot of medium and extension work or focus a lot on transitions.
The pad does wick away sweat quite well. He will be sweaty in other areas of his body, but not nearly as much directly under the saddle.
The manufacturer is great. They have actually told me to return the pad to them and they will add an adhesive to the top of the of the pad to rectify the problem. They have suggested I buy the Stabilizer pad in the future. I will be following their recommendation.
Date published: 2012-12-07