Custom Saddles and Half pads?!

[middleton.the.grey]

Ok, I recently took the plunge and purchased a custom saddle after spending the majority of the year trying to get a saddle to fit my boy without making his back sore. I have had good luck with my current Ogilvy Gummy half pad which is buffering and keeping the saddle ok until the new one arrives. I am looking to continue using a half pad as I (and I am sure my horse does too) appreciate that extra level of shock absorption and comfort. Thoughts?

The saddle fitter liked the Ogilvy Gummy half pad, but I would love to know opinions. I am also looking at Thinline, the slim style Winderen half pad, and maybe equifit. Please help with some other brand suggestions or experiences! thanks so much!!

[Renn_aissance]

Whatever you do, run it past your fitter to make sure that it won’t compromise the fit of your new saddle.

I have had Thinline approved for this purpose. I’m also a big fan of Ecogold, but this is thicker (they make a half pad, but I used their contoured pad.) If the Gummy pad got the thumbs up from the fitter already, why fix what isn’t broken?

[StormyDay]

Thin line or the equifit pads. Both are quite thin. Depending on the saddle/horse, you may be able to use the gummy pad still though. I’d ask your saddle fitter.

[BITSA]

You really shouldn’t need a half pad with a well fitting saddle. If you want a little shock absorption here and there or some minor fit issues I like the thinline pads that are shimmable. I find the Ogilvy too bulky.

[IPEsq]

Some horses prefer a half pad and some don’t. My last horse really preferred minimal padding under a well fitted saddle. Current horse, I think because of his confirmation at withers and shoulder, prefers a half pad or at least a sheepskin backed pad, so I get my saddles fitted to accommodate them—I do not get the saddle fitted to him directly and then try to stuff a half pad under.