Patent ID: 8291682

Claim:
A saddle pad assembly for use with a western saddle having a fender, the saddle pad assembly comprising: a saddle pad consisting of a single, substantially unitary, homogenous, and rectangular pad configured for placement between a saddle and a horse and for cushioning a horse from pressures exerted by the saddle; and a saddle pad cover sleevably arranged over the saddle pad, the cover comprising: a horse-side layer and a saddle-side layer, each layer having a peripheral edge made up of a front edge, two lateral edges, and a back edge, the peripheral edge defining a substantially rectangular shape matching the rectangular shape of the saddle pad, the horse-side layer and saddle-side layer being coupled to one another along respective peripheral edges thereof forming a periphery of the cover, the horse-side layer being constructed of a first material and the saddle-side layer being constructed of a second material different from the first material; a pair of wear-resistive patches, each patch being arranged on the saddle-side layer, along respective lateral edges, and generally toward the front edge so as to fall below be underneath and adjacent an underside of the fender of the saddle when the saddle is in place on the saddle pad and the fender is extending downward along a side of the horse; and a zipper-type closure device arranged along the back edge of the cover and adapted to selectively open and close the cover for insertion and removal of the saddle pad.