Icelandic Saddle Pads

At Unamari we design, develop and produce riding equipment for the Icelandic horse. Exclusively, you'll find the full range of Icelandic rugs from Catago and Horse Guard on this site. All pads are developed with a focus on fit, comfort and functionality so that both horse and Rider get the best conditions while riding.

A good saddle pad is more than just a layer between horse and saddle. It helps the horse to distribute pressure from the entire saddle, wick sweat away from the back and create a more comfortable saddle position during training, shows and long rides.

What is an Icelandic pad?

An Icelandic pad is a specially shaped saddle pad developed for the anatomy of the Icelandic horse and the Icelandic saddle. Many Icelandic riders have a short and compact back, which means that regular pads are often too long or sit awkwardly behind the saddle.

An Icelandic saddle pad is therefore designed with a shorter shape that better fits the structure of the saddle and provides more space for proper saddle placement. This ensures that the pad does not get in the way or create unnecessary friction against the horse's back.

A good Icelandic pad helps the horse by:

• Distributing pressure from the saddle more evenly
• Wicking sweat away from the horse while riding
• Reducing the risk of chafing and irritation
• Support stable saddle positioning
• Contribute to increased comfort for both horse and rRider

When choosing a pad for your Icelandic horse, you should pay particular attention to fit, breathability and the materials' ability to manage heat and moisture. With a pad from Horse Guard or a pad from CATAGO for your Icelandic horse, you'll always get great quality for riding.

Why choose a special Icelandic pad?

While it may be tempting to use a regular saddle pad, it often doesn't work well on an Icelandic horse. Most Icelandic saddles are shorter than traditional dressage or all-round saddles and therefore require a pad with the right proportions.

A properly shaped Icelandic pad follows the lines of the saddle more closely and creates a more stable saddle bed. It provides less excess material around the saddle and reduces the risk of paddocks or pressure points.

For many riders, it's not just a question of looks, but also of comfort and function. When the pad fits correctly, it can help keep the saddle stable and ensure that the load is distributed evenly across the back.

How to choose the right Icelandic saddle pad

The choice of Icelandic saddle pad depends on the needs of the horse, the fit of the saddle and the type of riding you do.

If you mainly do general training or touring, a classic Icelandic saddle pad will often be the right choice. Here the focus is typically on comfort, sweat transport and a good fit.

If your horse is prone to back tension or works intensively several times a week, a pad with technologies like FIR-Tech can be an advantage. These models are often used by riders who want extra support for muscles and recovery.

If the saddle is not quite right or the horse is developing, a correction pad can be a solution. Extra padding and adjustable pads allow you to adjust the balance of the saddle without having to replace the saddle right away.

The most important thing is to always choose an Icelandic saddle pad that suits the horse, saddle and the purpose for which it will be used.

Materials and comfort for the horse's back

The choice of material has a big impact on how a saddle pad works in practice. A good pad should not only look good, but also be able to handle sweat, heat and daily stress.

Polyester remains a popular choice because it feels comfortable against the horse and has good moisture-absorbing properties. However, many of our modern rugs combine polyester with technical materials that quickly wick sweat away from the horse and help the back to stay dry.

Also, rugs with dirt-repellent outer surfaces are easier to keep looking good for many years, while soft inner surfaces reduce the risk of friction and sores.

For frequent Icelandic riders, the materials' ability to transport excess heat can be a great advantage, especially during longer training sessions or rides.

All Icelandic pads are developed by Unamari

At Unamari you will find a wide range of Icelandic saddle pads in classic colors. We develop the popular Catago and Horse Guard products ourselves and work closely with riders to ensure that fit, function and comfort meet the demands of modern Icelandic riders.

As part of Eldorado, we have more than 20 years of experience developing riding equipment and our products are designed with both innovation and durability in mind. This means you get an Icelandic saddle pad that fits Icelandic saddles and is comfortable for the horse.

Catago Icelandic saddle pads

Our range includes several different types of Icelandic saddle pads, so you can choose the model that best suits your horse and your riding.

CATAGO Classic Icelandic saddle pad is a classic cotton pad with good comfort and a simple, functional construction.

CATAGO Diamond Icelandic saddle pad is designed for riders who want extra focus on durability, durability and effective moisture transport. The pad features Catago's popular IQ Comfort inner, which helps wick sweat away from the horse and keep the back drier during work.

Both models are available in several classic colors and fit most Icelandic saddles.

Catago FIR-Tech for Icelandic horses

Many Icelandic horses are used for regular training, tölt work and longer rides where the back and muscles work intensively. Therefore, many riders choose FIR-Tech products as part of their daily equipment.

Catago FIR-Tech is our therapeutic range where ceramic particles are incorporated into the material. The technology reflects the body's own heat as long-wave infrared energy, which can support blood circulation and contribute to increased well-being.

Many riders therefore use FIR-Tech for horses with tense muscles, older horses or as support during training and recovery.

CATAGO FIR-Tech Elegant Icelandic pad

CATAGO FIR-Tech Elegant combines the popular FIR-Tech technology with an anatomical design that provides good space around the spine and helps the pad to lie correctly under the saddle.

The model is available with or without extra shock-absorbing neoprene padding, so you can choose the solution that best suits your horse and saddle.

CATAGO FIR-Tech correction pad

The correction pad is designed for horses where the saddle balance or fit requires continuous adjustment.

The pad has six separate pockets where the included pads can be placed as needed. This allows the saddle to be raised locally at the front, back or on one side if necessary.

This type of pad is often used for young horses, horses in rehabilitation or horses that change musculature with training. The goal is always to ensure a more even pressure distribution and better contact between horse and saddle.

How to wash your Icelandic saddle pad

A clean pad will last longer and perform better in daily use. Over time, sweat, hair and dirt can affect both comfort and material properties.

Catago FIR-Tech mats can be washed at a maximum of 30 degrees without losing the effect of FIR-Tech technology. We recommend that the underlay is washed in a laundry bag to best protect the materials.

Always allow the underlay to air dry after washing and follow the washing instructions on the individual product. Regular washing helps maintain comfort, fit and functionality.

Find a good Icelandic saddle pad at Unamari

At Unamari you'll find Icelandic saddle pads for everyday riding, training and competition. Whether you're looking for a classic saddle pad, a FIR-Tech pad or a model with extra padding and correction, you'll find solutions developed specifically for the Icelandic horse. We have pads that fit Icelandic Bridle and all your other equipment.

If you are unsure which pad is best for your horse or saddle, we are happy to help you find the right solution to combine fit, comfort and function.