Q. How do you suggest cleaning both the Impact Gel wool and fleece saddle pads?
That question is asked of us quite frequently. First turn the pad over and take a stiff brush or curry comb over the pad to loosen up the dirt and hair. It then becomes a personal preference as to whether an equine cleaning solution is used. If using a cleaning solution, apply it at this time and work with a brush. Then take a pressure washer and wash from center line out on the pad moving the dirt and hair outward. *** It is important if an equine cleaning solution is used that all the solution is removed. Allow the pad to air dry in either a triangle with wet side out or turn inside out and hang off a fence or rack. One other idea that seems to surface quite a bit is to simply put a light blanket under the pad in order to keep the pad clean. We might suggest buying multiple pads and simply rotating them, but then that would seem like we are only trying to sell you another pad ..hint..hint. Any other good ideas please send us a note and we will share it with others.
Q. Can the Impact Gel leak out of the pad?
Simply stated...... NO.... Impact Gel is not a liquid and does not move within the pad. While we speak of it being a gel it starts out in a liquid form, which is poured into a sealed bladder and then sets into a semi-solid state within minutes. If the pad were to be punctured or cut, nothing will leak from the pad. The gel bladder is glued into position between the layers and then reinforced with stitching to eliminate movement.
Q. What makes an Impact Gel pad better than any other pad?
Impact Gel pads have two distinct benefits that we out-perform our competitors with. Impact Gel pads are unsurpassed in relieving pressure points caused by poor fitting saddles- a major cause of white spots. We are also unequalled in dissipating energy that is normally transmitted into the horses withers. The benefit of this is the animal stays fresher longer and performs better.
Q. Where can I buy Impact Gel products?
The easiest way is to go to the dealer locator and enter your zip code. Any dealers within your area will be displayed upon the screen. If there is not a dealer in your area we would love to work with your regular tack dealer. Our product line is very simple to add to a store. If you do not have access to a tack dealer, feel free to call into the office and our outstanding customer service department will fix you up.
Q. Which Impact Gel pad breathes better?
Our best pads for wicking away moisture is the Navajo line. These pads are constructed with 100% hand woven decorative wool tops and a 100% wool fleece. (also available with a felt liner). The Impact Gel is constructed into the pad under the tree of the saddle. Stitching holds the bladder in place so it does not move.
Q. Does Impact Gel do award pads?
Yes... We do felt or woven award pads. Our award series feature the Impact Gel pad with a decorative corner patch. The corner patch comes with two options, embroidered or laser engraved. The text of the corner patch is up to you.
Q. Which horse should I use the 1/2" Western Straight Back pad with?
Even though this pad uses the same amount of gel as a regular contour pad it is not designed for the same type of horse. The Western Straight Back pad is designed for a horse that has a back that is straight (commonly referred to as no withers) or a horse that is more barrel shaped. *** This pad does not work well with a horse with normal to high withers and Impact Gel does not recommend using the Western Straight Back pad in any thickness with a horse like this.
Q. Do I still get the benefits of the gel if I use a thin blanket under my Impact Gel Saddle Pad?
Yes, you will still relieve pressure points and absorb energy with a thin blanket underneath. The biggest benefit of a thin blanket is that it makes cleaning the pad much easier.
Q. Does Impact Gel make a pad with a rubber inside?
Currently Impact Gel Equine makes a contour with the anti slip material on the inside. This is a special order item and cost a bit more because of the difficulty in the sewing process. We now have a felt/neoprene pad available. It consists of 1/4" of felt and a 1/2" neoprene.
They come in our contour or western straight-back style.
They come in our contour or western straight-back style.
Q. How's the customer service?
"I have received my replacement pad and want to thank you very much. It says a lot for the company to do what you have done. Thank you and if there is anything I can do to return this task just e-mail me and let me know. I will be glad to do it. Thank you again and God Bless you all!!!" Thanks, Maggie Ladner
"I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how great the customer service is at your company. I called last week and was having trouble with my Impact Gel pad. Your company went above all my expectations, and are mailing me a new gel pad.. I use and endorse the gel pad and will be recommending them to all my students, clients, and friends..." "A Satisfied Customer" Dan Forman, Mississippi
Q. How long do the Horse Trax impact reduction shoe pads last?
They average 2 shoeings. This is depending upon the length of time you go between changing shoes and what type of surface are you running on. We have customers (ie. police, endurance riders, Amish carriages) using pads worn on horses that are constantly on hard rock/asphalt surfaces. On average they use one pair per shoeing. But other users report that they can use the same pair for three shoeings. The important thing is to change them as soon as you see any compromise in the integrity of the pad. Remember not to cut across the back of the pad in the area we call the "bat wing". Trim away only from the front and sides of the pad. We also don't suggest putting any packing material under the pad. This limits the ability of the Impact Gel to perform and also can hinder the ability of the horses hoof to breathe effectively.
Q. Does Impact Gel make protective leg care products?
Yes, we do. After much delay, Impact Gel introduced the leg care line in 2006. Please look for our new and improved leg care line coming out in 2008.
