Cavallo saddle pads?

[Draftmare]

Sorry to be making yet another western saddle pad thread! I am still on the hunt for a new saddle pad.

Anybody have any opinions of the Cavallo saddle pads? In the pictures they look kind of stiff, like they wouldn’t conform to the horse’s back well.

This is the one I am looking at: https://www.cavallo-inc.com/product/western-built-up-saddle-pad/ (I wish they would post how thick the pad is, anybody else see it? Maybe I missed it)

I need to find a saddle pad that is a bit bigger for under my new saddle, but my mare also needs lift in the front to help with her downhill conformation and everything sliding forward. Hoping that this saddle pad will also help stabilize things.

[csaper58]

This saddle pad won’t correct for down hill confirmation.

It’s purpose is to try to correct a too wide tree, (you would do better to get a well fitting saddle if you need this pad, IMO).

If your saddle already fits well, this may adversely affect the saddle’s fit.

[cutter99]

I have been using Cavallo Full Monty pads for about 3 years now. I like them very much. I have not had any issues with them being too stiff. They wear well and dry out nicely in between rides. I do have more than one for each horse, because depending on time of year, they may not dry over night if it is too cool.

I trail ride, sometimes up to 8 hours a day, and have not had any issues with my horses while using them. Hint here- if you order from Cavallo on Cyber Monday, they are usually half price!

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=csaper58;8552656]
This saddle pad won’t correct for down hill confirmation.

It’s purpose is to try to correct a too wide tree, (you would do better to get a well fitting saddle if you need this pad, IMO).

If your saddle already fits well, this may adversely affect the saddle’s fit.[/QUOTE]

Oh, hmm. On a couple of online retailers they were listing “downhill conformation” as one of the things that this pad would help.

[QUOTE=cutter99;8552661]I have been using Cavallo Full Monty pads for about 3 years now. I like them very much. I have not had any issues with them being too stiff. They wear well and dry out nicely in between rides. I do have more than one for each horse, because depending on time of year, they may not dry over night if it is too cool.

I trail ride, sometimes up to 8 hours a day, and have not had any issues with my horses while using them. Hint here- if you order from Cavallo on Cyber Monday, they are usually half price![/QUOTE]

I don’t think I can wait that long, sadly.

[csaper58]

Keep in mind a retailers job is to sell you a product.

If the saddle is moving forward I think you, and your horse, would benefit from a session with a qualified saddle fitter.

Many posters on this forum are quite educated about saddle fit. Have you tried posting pics of your mare (no saddle; standing square) and same pose with the saddle in place?

Also, google Chronicle of the Horse, and western saddle fitting. Lots of threads on that topic, and pictures. Should make very educational reading.

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=csaper58;8552834]
Keep in mind a retailers job is to sell you a product.

If the saddle is moving forward I think you, and your horse, would benefit from a session with a qualified saddle fitter.

Many posters on this forum are quite educated about saddle fit. Have you tried posting pics of your mare (no saddle; standing square) and same pose with the saddle in place?

Also, google Chronicle of the Horse, and western saddle fitting. Lots of threads on that topic, and pictures. Should make very educational reading.[/QUOTE]

The saddle fits fine. She is just shorter in the front, and gravity works. I had my English saddle fitted twice by two different saddle fitters, and it still slides forward unless I use a front shim. It is also uncomfortable for me to ride without a front shim and it makes me feel tipped forward and like I am riding on top of her shoulder instead of on her back.