Sopris Split Pad Information
The idea behind our Split Pad is to eliminate any contact between saddle components and the animal’s spine while also providing a vent for body heat. Each half of the pad is enclosed in a 1680 denier water-resistant nylon cover. Within each cover is a 5/8” thick felt pad surrounded by 1/4” shock-absorbent closed-cell foam, creating a total 1 1/8 inches of padding. Two Side Release buckles on the front of the pad connect to the straps running diagonally from the Chest Strap. These straps hold the Chest Strap up and in place.
These design materials work together to absorb shock and to prevent the pad from compressing under the load. The pad attaches to the underside of the saddle with Velcro and a newly designed 3”-wide webbing sleeve at the front (rounded end of the saddle bars). Additionally, an adjustable strap at the rear hold the pad tightly on the saddle to make saddle and pad one unit. The design also allows for custom fit on sway-backed animals and can be used on most straight-bar saddles to increase the saddle’s contact area through the use of our moon pad inserts (available on request). Pad innards can be removed when washing the cover.
Specs:
1680 denier nylon covers.
Velcro attachments to saddle plus 3" webbing sleeve and rear strap
Two Quick Release buckles on the front of the pad connect to the diagonal strap on the Sopris Chest Strap.
Each half: 10" x 19"
Total Weight: 1 lb 10 oz.
Colors: Red, Navy, Olive Green, Royal Blue, and Forest Green
Moon Pads: To use our Split Pad on frame type saddles with straight bars, or to accommodate an extremely sway backed llama, attach our two small foam Moon Pads (sent on request) to the ¼” foam (Velcro strips and outlined). This will help fill the gap under the saddle, adding to the saddle contact area. If you suspect the small pads might be needed, test by setting your saddle without pad on your llama's back in the proper position. Push down with even pressure on the saddle horns while feeling between the saddle and the llama's back on each side of the spine with your free hand. If the space behind the withers is noticeably greater than it is across the rest of the saddle, insert the small moon pads. Follow these instructions when removing the inner pads: Open the Velcro end of the pad cover and remove the pads from within. Note: It is easiest to fold the inner pads in half lengthwise when removing and reinserting. Replace all pads exactly as they came out and close the Velcro end.
