A brand new innovation in saddle pads is now available from Inchs Saddlery, manufactured by Italian company Equiline.

The Tecno Air Pad offers a revolution in back protection for horses, boasting a massive range of features and benefits – all designed to ensure top performance and comfort for your horse.

The Tecno Air Pad consists of four layers – each with a host of technical benefits. The first layer, in direct contact with the horses back, is TecnoCoolmax which has excellent moisture wicking properties, removing 82% of sweat and moisture as well as being quick drying and retaining a fresh and cool surface for your horse’s skin to be next to.

The second layer is an Air Space Fibre which has been tested extensively in the Formula 1 racing sector where it is used due to its high shock absorbing capacity. Additionally the fibre does not have any memory spots so always retains the original shape, as well as maintaining airflow. After electronic testing, the pressure generated by rider during both general riding and jumping has been seen to be reduced by 35% when using the pad.

The third and fourth layers are made from PaddinShell, a perforated structure covered with an external cover. This helps to spread pressure evenly over the back – in fact a 30% reduction has been seen compared to using traditional saddle cloths.

Having been awarded the prize for Best New Product Showcase in the Equestrian Sports section at SPOGA in 2007 the Tecno Air Pad is already proving popular with riders in the UK. Event rider Sam Jennings has been extremely impressed with the product, “I wouldn’t normally get excited about a saddle cloth but this truly is a revolution,” says Sam. “From day one I have not had a horse sweat under the Tecno Air Pad, and I have washed and dried it hundreds of times without it looking a day older! If my horses are more comfortable they will perform to the best of their abilities – and this product certainly gets my thumbs up!”

Priced at £135.95. Inchs Saddlery will be bringing the Tecno Air Pad to Badminton this year, visit them at stand no 33. Or