Another saddle pad question

[Zippy]

I’m an ancient eventer who once upon a time rode Western, and I have forgotten more than I knew then. Probably true because I clearly remember using just a pretty saddle blanket under my saddle. (Never bothered my horse that I could tell, but.) Now I’m learning that properly I should be using a thicker saddle pad. But as with so many other horse-related items, there is a huge price differential among saddle pads. So what should I be considering?

I am using this for a Morgan mare that I have been training (English) for the past few years. I think she’d be nice going Western as well. But I don’t expect I’ll be spending hours and hours in the Western tack as I am an old fart and go pretty easy now. If I start doing a lot of trail riding maybe I would need something different, but that’s not in the cards right now.

I got her a synthetic saddle (leather is too heavy for me these days), and I think it fits her nicely. But I’m not sure how much padding we should have under that saddle.

Sorry for the lengthy post. I’m having fun re-learning Western tack. Thanks!

[TWH_Girl]

Do you have a picture of what your current set up is? Western pads vary in length, drop and thickness. I would assume your Morgan is fairly short backed? I ended up with a Five Star roper pad as my Circle Y saddle has dropped rigging and this one fits very well. They are pricey but it’s been my favorite pad over Professional Choice, Classic Equine and Diamond Wool.

[Montanas_Girl]

Another vote for 5 Star. Yes, they are pricey but worth every penny.

I have Arabians - so probably very similar to Morgans. They are wide, round, and flat-backed but also very short-backed. I use the 5 Star “All Around” (30"x30") for everyday use, in the 1/2" thickness because the last thing these little barrel-shaped ponies need is additional thickness under the saddle.

[TWH_Girl]

I love my 5 Star pad! Saving some $$ for their custom dropped rigging pad in royal blue

[Zippy]

Here’s a photo–I hope it works. I am feeling like such a numpy with this. She seems to have plenty of clearance over her spine, but the very back of the skirt looks a bit tipped up. Again, I’m not planning to do hours and hours of trail riding, but I certainly want her to be comfortable. And I’m still futzing around with how long a cinch I should have.

[Montanas_Girl]

It’s not a great angle, but I suspect this saddle is a little wide for her. I’ve never met a synthetic western saddle that I thought fit any horse (or rider, for that matter) well, unfortunately.

As far as cinch length goes, you want the rings/buckles to be just above her elbows if possible.

[TWH_Girl]

@Montanas_Girl

I’ve never met a synthetic western saddle that I thought fit any horse (or rider, for that matter) well, unfortunately.

I would have to agree with this. That said, I do get heavy leather saddles can also be hard for people and if it’s just for light riding, a decently fitting synthetic is probably okay.

It would help to see the clearance on the front of the saddle. This will help determine the pad thickness that you need. I would not buy a 1 inch thick pad when we maybe only need 1/2 inch or 3/4.

[Zippy]

Hi again friends,

Maybe these will help. I’m very short (5 feet) and had to stand on a stool to get the front clearance–I know there’s mane in the way–best I could do. I think you guys are probably right that it’s a little wide for her (she does take a wide size in an English saddle, but this is full quarter bars). Here’s the deal: I’m pretty sure I’m keeping this saddle–it was cheap and it fits me and I’m not at all sure how much use I’ll give it. If I go back to riding western in a serious way maybe I’ll get a better one. So the question is, I guess, how thick a pad? And what is it that determines how thick a pad you need? Thanks again for your help.

[TWH_Girl]

There’s not a lot of wither clearance in that gullet. I think it sits a bit low. You could possibly try a front riser pad or a western shim pad to help the fit. It looks okay in the shoulder. I would probably do a 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch shim pad.

There are many factors that weigh into what to what thickness you choose in a western pad. Saddle fit and workload/job are two of them.

[Montanas_Girl]

Once again @TWH_Girl and I are on the same page.

Unless you are doing some seriously long, hard riding (which doesn’t sound like the case), I’d never go thicker than 3/4” for a pad. Your saddle is already going to be less stable than a good-fitting quality leather one, and a thicker pad will just exacerbate that problem. A wither shim is the way to go here. Western saddles are a lot more forgiving than English ones as far as fit issues go, but keep an eye out for signs of discomfort from your horse.

I would also swap the synthetic latigo and off billet for leather and be sure you are using a quality cinch, as an extra safety/security measure.

[beau159]

@Zippy

Maybe these will help. I’m very short (5 feet) and had to stand on a stool to get the front clearance–I know there’s mane in the way–best I could do. I think you guys are probably right that it’s a little wide for her (she does take a wide size in an English saddle, but this is full quarter bars). Here’s the deal: I’m pretty sure I’m keeping this saddle–it was cheap and it fits me and I’m not at all sure how much use I’ll give it. If I go back to riding western in a serious way maybe I’ll get a better one. So the question is, I guess, how thick a pad? And what is it that determines how thick a pad you need? Thanks again for your help.

Saddle is too wide and really not the greatest fit for your horse.

You might be able to get by with a good quality saddle pad and a shim, like what Classic Equine makes. This will only work if your bar angle is correct and just your gullet is too wide.

Pay attention to the behavior of your horse and pay attention that you have proper shoulder freedone of movement under the saddle. I understand you won’t use it very often, but if it causes your horse pain and pressure points, it’s just not worth it.

I too am a fan of 5 Star pads, and I don’t go more than 3/4" to 7/8" thickness.