Professional's Choice SMx Ortho Saddle Pad - Air Ride Core & 100% Merino Wool Lining for Strong-Shouldered Horses

Stop the flinching and fidgeting caused by poor saddle fit with a pad specifically engineered to fill the hollows of strong-shouldered and high-withered horses. By combining targeted orthopedic support with advanced impact protection, the SMx Ortho Saddle Pad transforms your horse's performance from restricted to remarkable.

Crafted with the same high-performance materials found in professional human athletic gear, this pad features a proprietary 3/4" Air Ride core that breathes, flexes, and dissipates energy unlike traditional felt or foam. The intelligent design strategically places extra padding behind the scapula and along the spine, creating a level surface for your saddle while the 100% Merino wool lining naturally regulates temperature and wicks moisture during the most demanding rides.

Key Features & Specifications:

• Revolutionary 3/4" Air Ride Core: Provides ultimate shock absorption and pressure distribution, ensuring the pad never "bottoms out" even during high-intensity barrel turns or heavy ranch work.
• Targeted Orthopedic Padding: Strategically placed layers behind the shoulders and along the spine fill in "dished-out" areas to eliminate painful pinching and bridge the gap for hard-to-fit horses.
• 100% Merino Wool Lining: Offers a luxurious, natural interface against the horse's back that efficiently wicks sweat away to keep your partner cool, dry, and comfortable in all climates.
• Advanced Pressure Relief: Specifically contoured to lift weight off the sensitive withers and kidney regions, allowing for a full range of motion and significantly reduced post-ride soreness.
• Versatile Discipline Performance: Engineered for everything from the explosive starts of barrel racing to the steady endurance of trail riding, providing consistent support across all Western disciplines.
• Precision Fit Options: Designed to accommodate various saddle styles, ensuring the essential 1-2 inch overhang for total protection, with the core extending at least 1 inch beyond the saddle's edge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I know if this pad will fix my saddle's "bridging" or pinching issues?
A: The SMx Ortho is specifically designed for horses with prominent withers or hollows behind the shoulder; the extra orthopedic padding fills those gaps, creating a level foundation that prevents the saddle from tipping forward or creating localized pressure points that cause discomfort.

Q: Is this pad breathable enough for long summer trail rides or intense competition?
A: Absolutely. The Air Ride core is engineered for maximum airflow to prevent heat buildup, while the natural Merino wool lining acts as a high-performance moisture management system, pulling sweat away from the skin to keep your horse cooler and drier than traditional pads.

Item Number/SKU: ARSP-30BLA