a different saddle pad question

[lorilu]

My guy has a slight roach over his loins. I carefully chose a western saddle with english style panels underneath, and a free spine channel. Now having issue finding a pad that does not press on the roach area… I find contours for the withers, but I need a free channel for the back of the saddle, or one that will pull up into the gullet like my english pads.
Any suggestions? I bought a nice expensive felt pad with the saddle but it presses on his spine and negates the benefits of the saddle design.
I see PRI makes western pads… anyone know what they look like underneath?

thanks!

[Dani]

You might try using a cutout pad backwards or adding cutouts in the spots he needs them. I haven’t seen a pad that will compensate for your guy’s issue, but I’m sure there are some options out there.

[csaper58]

Are you going to keep the felt pad?

If so, the felt pads usually have a fairly sharp edge that will rub a horse. I find that you can carefully use a pair of scissors to bevel, or round off that sharp edge.

If you do this, you won’t be able to return it or sell it for as much money.

[Pocket_Pony]

What about a saddleright or equipedic pad? I have a saddleright for my English saddles and love it. I’ve had it for probably 15 years and it is still going strong.

[Marla_100]

I haven’t seen any pads made for roach backs but some folks cut out a donut
hole in a good felt pad to eliminate pressure on the roach.

[Draftmare]

What about something like this? https://www.5starequineproducts.com/products/western-saddle-pads/the-self-contouring

[csaper58]

[QUOTE=Draftmare;8840616]
What about something like this? https://www.5starequineproducts.com/products/western-saddle-pads/the-self-contouring[/QUOTE]

In the description It clearly states that pad is not recommended for a saddle with a tree.

[lorilu]

thanks for the suggestions. Since he did well with just the blanket, and since the saddle has english style panels underneath and fits him well, I’m going to try it with just a nice thicker blanket for a while. After all, that is all we use under a dressage saddle…

[Howlin_Wolf]

I had an Amish harness maker make me a custom, square-ish, thick pile, roughout sheepskin pad! LOVE it; horse loves it.

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=csaper58;8840664]
In the description It clearly states that pad is not recommended for a saddle with a tree.[/QUOTE]

The OP’s saddle has english style panels, similar to many treeless saddles. I don’t see why it would be an issue to use that style saddle on that style pad tree or not.

[beau159]

[QUOTE=lorilu;8840746]
I’m going to try it with just a nice thicker blanket for a while. [/QUOTE]

This is exactly what I was going to suggest. If your saddle fits well, you could certainly just use saddle BLANKETS!

I’m now a “5 Star Gal” but I grew up using nothing but basic saddle blankets on our horses. Never a saddle sore or a problem!

[lorilu]

[QUOTE=Draftmare;8840910]
The OP’s saddle has english style panels, similar to many treeless saddles. I don’t see why it would be an issue to use that style saddle on that style pad tree or not.[/QUOTE]
ahh, NOTHING like a treeless saddle. Not only does it have a tree, but every “English” (dressage and jumping) saddle I have ever owned had a tree as well. And yes I know there are treeless ones out there.

[lorilu]

[QUOTE=beau159;8840999]
This is exactly what I was going to suggest. If your saddle fits well, you could certainly just use saddle BLANKETS!

I’m now a “5 Star Gal” but I grew up using nothing but basic saddle blankets on our horses. Never a saddle sore or a problem![/QUOTE]

Thanks!Yesterday I spoke to a few friends who are trainers, judges, and ride western. They said the same thing,…??

[csaper58]

It may be possible to ‘Block’ a 100% wool navajo blanket so that it conforms to your horse’s shape.

https://dorischancrochet.com/blocking-is-your-friend/

A good way would be to dampen the navajo, (get it wet, but not dripping) then place it on the horse’s back, hand press it to the horse’s shape, then let it dry on the horse’s back. Dry, sunny weather is best for this.

You may need to use a surcingle or some type of belly band to hold it in pace while it dries.