Hansbo Saddle Pad Review

I bought this pad on a too good to be true Amazon sale a few months ago.

It checked all the boxes for the discerning saddle pad shopper that I am:

- Available in pony dressage size
- On sale for less than $40
- Available in Navy

The manufacturer, however would like us to know this saddle pad has much more than that going for it:

From the Hansbo website:

"HS IC SADDLE PAD Dressage and jumping saddle pad with channel stitched lining in infused ceramic polyester, which prevents chafing and has the unique property that it increases blood circulation during use. The ceramic matter is fused into every fibre, unlike similar products, which means that function is not adversely affected after washing. The filling in the saddle pad is 5 mm foam and 550 g/m2 polyfill, making this one of the market’s most stable saddle pad. Edging in the same colour as the channel stitched cotton quilt. HANSBO SPORT logo in silicone to counteract the saddle pad moving during use. Two edgings in gold or silver, with Velcro fastener for saddle girth. Embroidered HS logo in gold or silver. Wash at 40 °C / 104 °F. "

Whoa. Sounds fancy!

Now that it's been in regular use and been washed a few times I figure it's time for a proper review.

Likes:
This pad still looks brand new, despite me using it multiple times a week, not giving it any special care and washing it in cold water. It looks and feels well made. I like the lack of excess keepers, love the Velcro for the girth. As the owner of a round pony, I can confirm this pad does not slip and keeps my saddle very stable.  I love the dark navy color, and like the general look and feel of this pad. I've had a ton of compliments on it.  The cut is good for my dressage saddle, with just the right amount of fabric in front and behind the saddle. It seems to wick well too, Bridget has been pretty sweaty, but stayed dry under the saddle. Finally, the outer fabric seems to be good at repeling dust and dirt...my tack lives with my hay storage and my blankets and pads can get grimy just being in there. This one dusts right off to look presentable with minimal effort.

Meh:
If you've used the Back on Track pads, this one has a similar weight to it. Not heavy by any means, but much more substantial feeling than your average pad.
The "channel stitched lining" on the underside might be part of the reason this pad wicks well...but those channels are also a great place for dirt and hair to accumulate.

Don't love:
The drop could have been more, but it's not the manufacturer's fault my pony is built more like a corgi and my saddle flaps are way too long for us both. I probably need a cob size pad -something in between pony and horse.  I don't love the bright yellow logo either...it's a bit too big and obvious for my tastes.

Overall: This has been my go to pad all fall and winter. It's thick enough to maintain its shape, seems pretty tough and well made, and stays secure under my saddle. I can't speak to any magical results from the ceramic, but Bridget is normally quite good through her back and is maybe not the best tester of such things. As you can tell by my  initial shopping checklist, I've never been too fussy about pads, but this one has impressed me. Since I'm pretty sure this pad is going to last forever, I guess I don't need another, but if I did I wouldn't hesitate to buy it at full price...it's that much better than my other pads, and IMHO, nicer quality than the current trendy Lemieux ones and the BoT ones in the same price range.

The black one IS pretty though...