Not Every Pad Will Fit Every Horse!
If you’re looking for a flexible solution to fitting a saddle pad to your horse, you may want to consider investing in a Tough1 Shim Pad. Shim pads allow you to address imbalance issues with your horse’s conformation, such as high withers, a swayed back or even asymmetry. Half-inch felt shims can be added in any of six pockets in numerous combinations to find that custom fit for each horse and each saddle.
It’s important to realize that one size does not fit all, especially with saddles and saddle pads. If you’re an owner of multiple horses or ride multiple horses, using a shim saddle pad allows you to move from horse to horse, and body type to body type and still ride comfortably while using your current saddle. It is imperative that an analysis of your saddle’s fit on each horse should be performed, first.
An important note: when looking at the fit of a saddle pad, avoid the thought that you don’t want your saddle pad to move at all. A saddle pad that doesn’t move with the horse can cause uncomfortable rubbing.
Why Use A Saddle Pad?
Saddle pads, if chosen appropriately, can be an asset in your horse’s performance and physical health. Saddle pads made with materials such as all-natural wool or a combination felt will wick away sweat to keep the horse’s back cool while helping to prevent the saddle from slipping during the ride.
Saddle pads can protect the vital spine because the pad can ensure that the rider’s weight is equally distributed throughout the horse’s back, and not centered in one small area. Likewise, a pad can prolong the life of your saddle because it reduces the friction between the saddle and the horse’s back, thus reducing wear and tear on the saddle.
Things To Consider When Selecting A Saddle Pad:
Thickness – The thicker the pad does not necessarily mean the better the protection. The thickness of a saddle pad can affect how your saddle sits on your horse and how you ride.
Shape – Your horse’s confirmation, riding discipline and saddle skirt shape should all be considered when selecting a pad’s shape. Different disciplines, saddle skirt shapes and horse body conditions call for different shaped saddle pads. Round saddle pads can be used on horses with short backs or under saddles with rounded skirts, such as barrel saddles.
Cutback Saddle Pads work well for high withers. Straight square pads can be used on horses with normal conformation or rounder withers.
Material – A fluffy, squishy saddle pad might not be the most comfortable. Pads should be made of a material that has some give but is also solid enough to provide support.
Size – A good fitting saddle pad should match the contours of your horse’s back as well as the size of the saddle’s skirt. Experts recommend leaving a 1-inch to 1 ½-inch clearance, front and back, of the saddle pad from under the saddle. If the saddle pad is too short, this can cause rubbing and pressure points from the saddle.
Consider the Materials Used:
As with each shape of saddle pad, there are a variety of materials used to create Western saddle pads, with each material having its own pros and cons.
Fleece –
Pro: Feels soft, provides some shock absorption,
Con: Can be too thick, not as durable as some other materials
Felt –
Pro: Moisture-wicking and supportive,
Con: Can be heavier
Wool –
Pro: Moisture-wicking, bounces back,
Con: Not all “wool” pads are made 100% from wool, so do your research
Neoprene–
Pro: Shock-absorbing, easy to clean
Con: Can get slick when the horse sweats
Shapes of Western Saddle Pads:
Western saddle pads generally come in two shapes: rectangular and rounded. Recently there has been a push for a more customized cut in pads for horses of all shapes and sizes, you can now find many more specialized options:
- Straight–Can be used on horses that are rounder and have a normal wither definition.
- Round–Best for horses with short backs or for use with saddles with a round skit.
- Contour–Used for horses with a slight dip in their back or more prominent withers, thanks to the front’s contour that relieves pressure from the withers.
- Cutout–These pads have a cutout towards the front where the withers would be, as a tool to relieve pressure from the pad and saddle resting on the withers.
- Cutback– Different from a cutout, cutback pads have a section cut away for the withers from the front to a certain point (typically five inches long). This is great for full wither relief.
- Built-up–Horses with very high or prominent withers benefit from a pad that’s built up along the center of the pad, so it lifts the saddle up off the withers.
What If My Pad Doesn't Fit or My Horse Is Hard To Fit?
Not every pad will fit every horse. If you’re looking for a flexible solution to fitting a saddle pad to your horse, you may want to consider investing in a
Tough1 Shim Pad. Shim pads allow you to address imbalance issues with your horse’s conformation, such as high withers, a swayed back or even asymmetry. Half-inch felt shims can be added in any of six pockets in numerous combinations to find that custom fit for each horse and each saddle.
With saddle pads, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. If you ride multiple horses, chances are you’ll need different pads to suit each one’s build. A shim saddle pad can be a great solution, offering flexibility to adjust fit from horse to horse while still using your current saddle. Before choosing, we recommend having your saddle’s fit evaluated on each horse to ensure the best comfort and performance.
How Long Does A Saddle Pad Last?
The lifespan of a Western saddle pad can be influenced by many different factors, such as the type of pad and the material used. However, some signs that it’s time to replace your pad include:
- Is the pad caked in dirt, sweat and hair?
- What is the condition of the wear leather for the girth strap on your pad?
- Has it started to get sunken-in to the point where you have minimal material between the latigo and your horse’s side?
- Do you notice more movement of the saddle than normal?
- Has your horse’s body condition changed since you purchased the pad?
Tough®1 Saddle Pads Just Can't Be Beat! Order Today!
With all this newly gained knowledge it’s time to shop! Find a wide variety of
Western Saddle Pads Options From Tough1 to find the right fit for your horse and your style.
