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Ecogold Saddle Pad
Guide & Review

A Better Saddle Pad for a Better Ride

By RW Crew | January 20, 2024

For over 30 years Ecogold has been raising the standards for saddle pads by introducing innovative materials and designs. A saddle pad is capable of doing more than just shielding your horse's skin and keeping sweat off the saddle. Ecogold's high-performance products put your horse's comfort at the forefront of every design while creating a product that lasts. This brand stands apart not only for its technological innovation, but by being a leader in the ethical and sustainable production of equestrian products.

With options that provide lightweight breathability, non-slip security, and impact protection, Ecogold pads are built to add to your performance on every ride. Made popular on the cross-country field, Ecogold has brought its groundbreaking technology into the jumping, dressage, and western disciplines as well.

A group of girls all holding Ecogold saddle pads.

What Makes Ecogold Unique?

High-Tech Fabrics

Ecogold's mission of horse welfare and safety can be seen in the materials used to construct each product. Their iconic cross-country pads become a fast favorite when riders experience the cooling effects these pads give to their horses. Both the materials and shaping aim to put as little fabric as possible against the horse's skin, leading to less heat buildup. The fabrics are made of quick-dry performance materials with a honeycomb structure that provides airflow and faster moisture evaporation to dry your horse quickly.

Ecogold Secure XC Saddle Pad

Boyd Martin and Contessa at Bromont CCI in 2018

Stability and Protection

Every Ecogold pad offers non-slip stability with or without the impact foam. The non-slip materials are hypoallergenic and neoprene-free and are strong enough to keep the pad and saddle in place, yet soft and non-restrictive on your horse. The cutting-edge, high-resilience foam beats out typical memory foam by offering a higher reduction of pressure points and a faster spring-back speed to alleviate back soreness. The premium material also avoids bulk that can mess with saddle fit.

 Rider cinching up their saddle and using their Ecogold Secure Western Saddle Pad 31X31

Function With Modern Style

Ecogold products offer more than just high-tech materials, they also boast attractive minimalist styling. You can spot an Ecogold pad across the arena or field with its simple and sleek look. The design appears to be almost seamless, with every detail of the pad thoughtfully created to give comfort to your horse. The lack of hard-edged trim avoids friction and rubbing while also providing a clean, sharp appearance. Streamlined stitching throughout the different models of pads gives each one a crisp look. A perfect marriage of style and performance is what makes Ecogold the ideal pad no matter the arena, field, or trail.


Types of Ecogold Saddle Pads

Although all Ecogold saddle pads are crafted from high-tech fabrics with cooling comfort in mind, some of the Ecogold lines specifically target common saddle issues that can affect a horse's performance. The Secure and Stabilizer lines are designed to aid with saddle slippage and protect the back with minimal bulk. The Breeze line is breathable and non-slip with no added padding so it can be combined with any half pad or used alone for a low-profile fit. The Flip Half Pad features maximum impact protection with the ability to shim so you can achieve the perfect fit with any saddle pad. Check our helpful chart below to see what makes each line unique:

Ecogold Line Non-Slip Body Materials Impact Protection

Shim Capability

Available Styles
Secure Neoprene-Free Non-Slip Quick-Dry Honeycomb Material

High-Resilience Foam

Western Only

XC, Hunter, Dressage, Western, and Half Pad
Stabilizer Neoprene-Free Non-Slip High-Tech Fabrics with Fleece Rolls High-Resilience Foam No Dressage
Breeze Neoprene-Free Non-Slip Ultra-Thin, Quick-Dry Honeycomb Material No Foam No Jumper and XC
Flip Half Pad Neoprene-Free Non-Slip High-Tech Fabrics with Spine Air Vents 3/4" High-Resilience Foam Yes Jump/AP

Ecogold Saddle Pad Review

"Over many years of owning and riding horses, I have used my fair share of saddle pads. Although I would not classify myself as a saddle pad collector, I do have a few favorites that I like to rotate through. However, I was super excited to hear we were bringing Ecogold to Riding Warehouse, as I had seen many eventers use them. My next reaction was to balk at the price; no way would I spend over $150 on just one saddle pad! Nevertheless, I made a splurge after seeing the material and how well made they were. I bought the Secure Cross-Country Saddle Pad for my little mare I was riding who was experiencing some saddle slippage. I was so surprised at what a difference it made! No saddle slippage, less sweat build-up after work, and my mare just seemed more comfortable overall. Best of all, it was so easy to clean. I just sprayed it off after I rode, and it was ready to go by the next day. Ecogold may be expensive, but I see it as a great investment in my horse's comfort and performance. Plus, the pad is navy—and who doesn't love a navy pad?"

-Katie, RW Web Content

To see an up-close view of the Ecogold Secure Saddle Pad line, watch our video below:


How to Keep Your Ecogold Saddle Pad Clean

It is recommended to wash your saddle pads often to increase their lifespan, but you don't have to use detergent for every wash. A simple hose-down can greatly help your pad stay looking crisp longer. Your Ecogold pad is machine washable with warm water on a delicate cycle. Wash it alone or with one other pad (depending on the machine's capacity) to ensure even cleaning. Using a good chlorine-free detergent in addition to a chlorine-free bleach, like OxiClean, will keep your pad looking sharp without discoloring the materials. The best drying method is always to hang, but if you must use a dryer, just a quick 5 to 10 minutes at a cool temperature is safe.

For more information, please read our How to Clean Saddle Pads Guide!


Closing Thoughts

Ecogold Secure Hunter Saddle Pad

Ecogold believes that the saddle pad is just as important as the saddle itself. Investing in an Ecogold product means you are contributing to the quality of your ride and the health of your horse. These pads are designed to improve the key connection between you and your horse and are beautifully styled to suit a variety of tastes!

Best of all, every Ecogold saddle pad is made in Montreal with ethically sourced materials, so you can feel good about your investment. Follow the link below to browse our selection of Ecogold pads:

Shop All Ecogold Saddle Pads