Coming to the US

What sits between the saddle and the horse matters.

EX-PAD is the new brand for the US market, offering the same saddle pads and riding pads manufactured by Equitex and handcrafted in South Tyrol, Italy.

Explore the technology How to order

Western rider in a straw hat on a black horse in front of a stone wall

Our story

An established product for a new audience

EX-PAD brings more than three decades of experience to US riders. Equitex was founded in 1991 by Johannes Spitaler, and its products are handcrafted with equine osteopathy, biomechanics and Italian functional design in mind.

The goal: preventing back-related problems and improving your horse's performance, in sport and in everyday riding.

The technology

How it helps your horse

Multilayer open-cell cold foam

A responsive core compresses under load and recovers as pressure decreases, helping distribute pressure and absorb shocks as your horse moves.

Spinal clearance

A dedicated channel is designed to leave space along your horse's spine.

Bonded, no stitching through the core

The core is bonded rather than stitched through, promoting comfort, reducing pressure points and making cleaning easy.

Dual-Grip System

An upper grip surface, a special underside material and an adaptable core work together to support contact between horse, pad and saddle.

No straps or laces

Practical and quick, on and off the horse in moments, with a neat, clean look.

Materials for function and feel

Choose from Premium Velvet, Ultra AirTech, Natural Loden and Classical Felt. Materials and specifications vary by model.

A pad is one part of a thoughtful saddle setup. It never replaces a correctly fitted saddle.

The range

Find the pad for your discipline

All EX-PAD saddle pads are crafted in four upper materials and more than 25 models across equestrian disciplines, from half pads, riding pads and saddle pads to specialized back protectors for lunging, vaulting and carriage driving.

Western pad and a rider in a reining arena — Western

Dressage pad and a rider in the arena — Dressage

Jumping pad and a horse clearing a fence — Show jumping

Endurance pad and a rider on a grey horse — Endurance

Trekking pad and a rider on a grey horse — Trekking

Correctional half pads for improving saddle balance — Correctional half pads

Bareback riding pad and a rider in the arena — Bareback riding pads

Surcingle back protector and a vaulter on a horse — Back protectors

In use

Contact

Order by email, phone or WhatsApp

Trainers, saddle fitters and retailers are welcome to get in touch as well.