Abstract: This invention relates to a saddle pad and more particularly to an energy absorbing saddle pad which serves to minimize the amount of shock or energy transfer which occurs between a horse and its rider. The saddle pad, which is generally for use in conjunction with a saddle, comprises a soft moisture-absorbing layer for use next to the horse's coat and a tough abrasion resistant and absorbent layer for use next to the saddle. Included between the two layers are a pair of pockets each of which contains a removable and replaceable, lightweight, visco-elastic shock absorbing insert. The pockets are located within the pad such that when the pad is properly installed upon the horse the pockets align an insert on each side of the horse's spine in a position parallel and adjacent to the spine. Preferably, each side of the pad includes adjustable straps and a loop through which the lower portions of a saddle may be threaded to ensure the secure attachment of the pad to the saddle.

Abstract: A horse shoe pad is formed of a shock absorbing layer and a stabilizing fabric layer. The shock absorbing layer may be made of a dense non-cellular polyurethane of essentially linear structure containing unsatisfied hydroxyl groups, having a compression set of less than 15%, and preferably less than 5%, an elongation at break of at least 500%, a recovery after compression which is delayed by about 0.7 seconds, and a hardness on the Shore 00 scale of approximately 70. The fabric reinforcing layer may be a woven nylon fabric. In addition to these two layers, some embodiments include an additional layer of stabilizing fabric on the opposite side of the shock absorbing layer and/or layers of polyester urethane forming base and/or top layers.