VIP Saddle Pad – The Very Important Pad

VIP Saddle Pad – The Very Important Pad is an innovative addition to the equestrian market. Made from a medical grade visco elastic polymer gel, it offers superior shock absorption for the horses back. The raw material Akton has been subjected to 40 years of scientific research and is universally trusted worldwide in human medical settings.

The Very Important Pad as a slimline and seamless design which moulds to the horses back like a second skin, eliminating pressure points. At just 8mm thick, it does not alter saddle fit or interfere with the close contact feel of modern saddles. The clever bubble design spreads and diffuses loads without the pad bottoming out. Hypoallergenic and bacteriostatic.

Design Features

+ Made from Akton, a Visco Elastic Polymer that has been rigorously tested worldwide in 40 years of human grade peer research, it Is universally trusted in human clinical research and sporting settings for its superior pressure relieving and impact reducing properties.

+ Superior honeycomb textured structure gives high tensile strength – deflecting loads and does not boot out – maintaining shape under extreme and prolonged compression. This makes it ideal for cushioning saddle tree points.

+ Soft, flexible and seamless with no pressure causing trims.

+ Moulds to your horses back like a low profile second skin.

+ A thin film gullet eliminates pressure on the horse’s spine.

+ Only 8mm thick so does not alter your saddle fit.

+ Bobbles increase surface area, alleviating pressure points and evenly distributing weight.

+ Non-sticky, does not cause friction or pluck hair when removed.

+ No air holes and does not support bacterial growth.

How does it work?

The VIP was developed by Tamara Hudleston and Amanda Renouard, who felt that there was a gap in the market for a product that would shield the horses back from impact whilst maintain the feel of a close contact saddle. They firmly believe in function over fashion. The pad is only 8mm thick and very low profile and discrete under the saddle therefore not altering the fit. Seamless edges prevent pressure points and the film gullet joining the 2 form fitting panels eliminates pressure on the spine. The design also means that it can be used under or on top of the saddle cloth.

The VIP Pad is not sticky or stretchy and always retains its shape. The bobble design means more raw mateiral (Akton) can be used whilst keeping the weight of the pad down. When placed on the horses back, pads with holes fill with sweat and hair causing friction. The VIP Pad’s soft but pliable structure guarantees an even distribution of weight and the material also distributes heat.

How to Use

The VIP pad can be used directly onto the horses back (bobble side down) under or on top of a saddle cloth before fitting your saddle.

Size Guide

Simple, easy sizing  – The VIP Pad comes in one size and a choice of colours (black, gold, blue, brown).

The VIP pad is used by Sam Griffiths (Olympic medallist and Badminton winner), Lara Edwards Nee Dyson (International Dressage rider) and Kate Smith (Advanced Dressage Rider and Trainer)

More about VIP:

Tamara Hudleston and Amanda Renouard are VIP Equestrian and designed the VIP Pad.

Tamara Hudleston is originally from the Isle of Wight where she grew up doing the usual Pony Club activities. After A’ levels decided to concentrate on horses and was based with Dries Roefs, Dutch International Grand Prix rider, where she learnt about management and riding of dressage horses. With three horses she went from a novice dressage rider to competing successfully at the national championships. After this Tamara spent some time in South Africa working in local schools and teaching art and music to underprivileged children. Tamara then went to the university of Durham where she graduated with a BA Hons in Philosophy, followed by an MSc in Psychology.

Since this time Tamara has continued her work with people in need and well as the conceptual development of the Very Important Pad.

Amanda Renouard has a lifetime of experience in the equestrian industry.

Having graduated from Harper Adams, Amanda spent her formative years working  for both Dodson and Horrell Ltd and Dengie Horse Feeds, thus developing a comprehensive knowledge of equine nutrition, sales and marketing. She has subsequently worked in both PR and marketing, during which time she has also acted as rider representative for a number of leading international equestrian athletes. Amanda acted as Chef d’Equipe for the Irish Dressage Team at the World Equestrian Games at Normandy in 2014 and regularly attends high level equestrian events across Europe.

She is based with her family in south-west France where she is also the owner of a private Dressage stud.

Tags: saddle pad, gel pad, V.I.P., VIP pad,