Can anyone suggest a correction pad for a dressage saddle
that bridges? I have foam panels in the saddle I’m currently using and reflock with wool is out of the question right now.
Suggestions will be most welcome.
gelee fish or tad coffin?
there’s an italian company - I think gelee fish that makes a bunch of different pads. Also, The Coffin leather pads can really help fit as a short term fix.
I don’t have this pad but I’ve looked through the info and am intrigued. http://www.thecorrector.net/id27.html I just thought to pass on the link and if you do get one please report back how it works. Sorry his web site is very messy but interesting info, here is the english version of the pad http://thecorrector.net/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LBI&Category_Code=E
[QUOTE=fatorangehorse;4619446]
there’s an italian company - I think gelee fish that makes a bunch of different pads. Also, The Coffin leather pads can really help fit as a short term fix.[/QUOTE]
The Tad Coffin pads have an even thickness all the way through, so they will not address a bridging problem, but rather only lift it up a half inch. To address a bridging problem you need to fill in the space and provide support to the center of the saddle; thus the pad must be thicker in the middle than at the ends.
Skito pads can be ordered thicker in the middle.
Also, I believe ProLite makes a pad that can be shimmed in the center.
If the bridging is that problematic, however, it is probably a problem with the shape of the tree, and reflocking won’t fix it, so the best option may be to sell the saddle and use the money to buy one that fits.
[QUOTE=meupatdoes;4619653]
Also, I believe ProLite makes a pad that can be shimmed in the center.[/QUOTE]
They make one with pockets in the front and in the back, to which shims can be added. They are WONDERFUL. I use one with an Andalusian stallion who’s just got a curvy back, and it really fills in the part of the back with the greatest depth brilliantly. If the saddle fits well but the horse is just a little lordotic, it can be a great solution.
www.advancedsaddlefit.com carries them, though they’re working on a website re-do so they may not be up there. Give them a call.
I have this pad, have had it for two years now, and you’d have to pry it from my cold, dead hands. Yes, the website sucks. However, don’t let that deter you from the pad. I currently have an Amerigo that is a touch too narrow (per saddle fitter/bodywork guy) for him, yet I ride him in this pad and the bodywork guy says that his back looks wonderful. I’ve also put the pad to the test by riding my wide Paint gelding in a too-narrow Forestier xc (left the other saddle at home by mistake). I had plans to take him back to the trailer immediately if he showed signs of discomfort. Two hours later, I had forgotten that I had the pad on and when I took the saddle off, perfectly even sweat marks.
I’m a believer. It does take a bit to get used to, since it’s not traditional and made of soft materials (which is why it works), but I have used it for two years and never had a sore back with it. I also don’t worry about saddle fit much - as long as it’s in the right ballpark, I’m good to go.
Btw, Dr. Joyce Harman talks about these type of pads being the only ones that truly do not allow pressure points through - she doesn’t mention the pad by name (of course), but she does mention the type of pad and how impressed she is with it.
I also am using the Corrector Pad, and while my review is not as enthusiastic as eventer’s, I am a fan. I got it because while my saddle fit my mare and me, I felt a bit tipped forward. Got the pad, put in the front shims, and now feel balanced.
Les, the inventor, answers questions by phone and e-mail, and the pad comes with a money-back guarantee. And yes, the web-site is enough to make your eyes bleed. Try to get past that.
skito pad system, really great investment imo.
http://www.aretesaddlery.com/tack/tack/saddle-pads/skito-pads/equalizer-interpad/prod_40.html
You buy shim sets for withers, middle (bridging) and back You can build up any parts you want, the edges of the pads are beveled and the material compresses down down well so you don’t get seams which could result in pressure points. The entire kit is really affordable and skito is a really nice company, they’ll custom cut anything you’d like. Which, if you’ve got a static situation (meaning, neither saddle nor horse will be changing soon) its probably not a bad idea to just have them carve out something custom.
Only thing I don’t personally like is the construction of the interpad itself. I have the quilted, thinking the spandex would be too thin, but the quilt is just thick enough to alter saddle fit on a ‘just fits’ saddle. I end up taking the naked shims themselves and taping them to a plain dressage square to fool around with shimming. I’ve been meaning to sew on a pocket to a dressage square so I can just insert the shims without need of the interpad.
Sadly, I’m well versed in saddles that bridge 
I have the Corrector Pad and yes, it is very useful.
I also use the Mattes correction pads at times.
I tried the gelee fish pad and it’s too squishy to do any good in terms of adjusting saddle fit.
Bridging is not something that can be addressed with a pad. Trying to fix this will only result in a horse with either sore shoulders or a sore loin, or maybe both. In addition, from a riding perspective, it will cause a loss of suspension in your trot and canter.
