The History of the Invictus Shock Absorber
The Invictus pad has become a flagship product in horse protection, recommended by saddle fitters for its innovation and effectiveness.
Designed to provide optimal protection for horses' backs, this protective pad quickly won over both amateur and professional riders thanks to its advanced D3O® technology, which remains the gold standard in equestrian impact absorption to this day.
Today, the Invictus brand no longer exists. But its technological legacy lives on: L'Amortisseur Orange has taken up the torch to continue meeting the needs of riders looking for a high-performance horse shock absorber.
Invictus, the saddle pad that has revolutionized horse comfort
Invictus was founded with a clear goal: to revolutionize comfort and protection for horses during exercise. The brand has made a name for itself thanks to an ultra-thin, high-performance shock absorber designed to meet the demands of competitive sports.
Unlike traditional shock absorbers, which are often bulky, the Invictus featured a slim profile (1.5 cm) while offering exceptional shock absorption—the key benefit of any good shock absorber for horses.
Designed for horses subjected to intense exertion, this shock absorber was particularly sought after in demanding disciplines such as show jumping and eventing.
It was also intended for riders who wanted to protect their horses' backs from the repeated strain of training and competition, or when the horse had a weak back.
The Invictus shock absorber has proven effective for horses suffering from chronic back or muscle tension, a use that is now carried over to its successor, the AO.
The Invictus brand ceased operations following the death of its founder. But a group of passionate saddle fitters has found a way to keep this innovation alive.
D3O® technology, the core of the horse shock absorber
The true heart of the Invictus shock absorber lay in its patented technology, D3O®. This smart material, originally developed for high-impact sports such as motorcycle racing and skiing, stands out for its unique ability to absorb shocks. At rest, D3O® remains soft and flexible; upon impact, its molecules instantly rearrange themselves to absorb and disperse the energy of the shock, effectively protecting the horse’s back.
In equestrian sports, this innovation significantly reduces the pressure on the horse's back while maintaining a strong connection with the rider—a crucial balance for preventing back pain and optimizing athletic performance.
Compared to traditional foams or gels used in other horse shock absorbers, D3O® offers two key advantages:
- Superior shock absorption with reduced thickness.
- Greater durability, even under heavy use.
This technology has been tested and approved by saddle fitters and professional riders, who have noted a significant improvement in their horses' comfort.
The AO, the shock absorber that builds on and refines the Invictus legacy
With the discontinuation of the Invictus, riders who had grown attached to this unique shock absorber might have been left without an alternative. The Orange Shock Absorber was created to build on and optimize this concept, continuing the D3O® innovation in the service of equine well-being.
By incorporating D3O® technology into its own products, L'Amortisseur Orange has taken the ergonomics and effectiveness of the original design to the next level.
For example:
- The AO saddle was designed based on back measurements taken from about 100 horses to ensure a good fit for as many body types as possible.
- Feedback from the field has helped refine this design and ensure a more even distribution of pressure under the saddle.
- AO also prides itself on offering a durable and low-maintenance product.
If you're looking for a saddle pad that can effectively protect your horse's back while optimizing its performance,the AO saddle pad is the solution for you.
Where can you find the legacy of the Invictus shock absorber today?
To discover the new generation of D3O® shock absorbers and benefit from the expertise passed down from Invictus:
- Discover the AO Unrestricted Shock Absorber
- Learn more about who we are and our commitment to horse welfare
- Discover our network of retailers for the AO shock absorber
Protect your horse's back while improving its performance with this must-have innovation.
FAQ — Invictus Shock Absorber and D3O® Technology
How does a horse's shock absorber work?
A horse pad is placed between the saddle pad and the saddle. It absorbs the impact caused by the rider’s weight and movements, distributes the pressure exerted by the saddle across the entire surface of the horse’s back, and thus reduces the pressure points that cause back pain, muscle tension, and mobility issues.
What is D3O® technology, and why use it in a horse shock absorber?
D3O® is a non-Newtonian polymer: flexible at rest, it instantly absorbs and disperses impact energy as soon as it is struck, before returning to its flexible state. Originally used in protective sports gear (motorcycling, skiing), it allows equestrian shock absorbers to offer significantly better protection than traditional foams or gels, while being much thinner.
Where can I buy an Invictus shock absorber today?
The Invictus shock absorber is no longer in production: the brand ceased operations following the death of its founder, and there is no longer any new stock available. You can still find used ones, but since the D3O® performance guarantee is valid for 5 years, an older Invictus may have lost some of its impact-absorbing properties. The AO shock absorber, designed by saddle fitters, now uses the same D3O® technology to provide equivalent protection.
Is the AO shock absorber a good alternative to the Invictus?
Yes: The AO uses the same D3O® technology as the Invictus and absorbs and disperses the energy from impacts and saddle pressure in the same way. It goes even further with an anatomically contoured cut, a gullet, and a withers chamber designed by saddle fitters based on measurements taken from over 100 horses, to accommodate a wide range of body types.