Trapezpad

The Trapez Pad – affectionately known by many riders as the “flap” or “banana” – may look simple, but it’s an essential part of the Open Fitting System (OFS) and a core element in most Saddle Me saddles.

Its origins date back to the cavalry schools, where riders placed cut pieces of linen under the front of the saddle to achieve stability and prevent the saddle from tipping forward. Back then, adjusting the saddle tree wasn’t an option, so riders relied on layering pads to fine-tune the fit.

In those days, saddles were made with standardized, slightly wider gullets, and every rider adapted their saddle individually with these pads.

There was no professional saddle fitting service like we have today. Many older riders still speak nostalgically about how “simple” saddle fitting seemed back then – though horses moved far less dynamically, and precise saddle fit wasn’t yet a priority.

Fast forward to today: modern sport horses move very differently, with constantly changing toplines in motion. This is why the OFS, like the groundbreaking X-D1 concept it evolved from, uses a gullet width intentionally measured wider than what a standing horse would require – typically half to a full size wider. This creates the space needed to adapt to the horse’s dynamic movement.

And the key to making this innovative approach work? The same simple yet brilliant idea used by cavalry riders decades ago. Recognized with the Innovation Award at the Spoga Horse Fair in Cologne in 2010, the Trapez Pad has become a cornerstone of modern saddle fitting – known and trusted by riders everywhere.

Suitable for the Saddle Me Air system

• Wider gullet width for optimal fit – ideally ½ to 1 size wider than the static measurement.
• Flexible support: Customized adjustment beneath the pommel to keep the saddle balanced and prevent it from tipping forward.
• Particularly important with modern saddles: Saddles without a head plate gain exceptional benefits from this type of support.

Why the trapezoid pad is essential
The trapezoidal pad creates the perfect balance between tradition and modern technology. It ensures:

• Optimum freedom of movement: Support without limits.
• Flexibility for every horse: From young horses to seasoned competitors, the Trapez Pad adapts perfectly to their needs.
• Easy to use: Just like in the old days, but with modern know-how.