Half-pad help

[SugarCubes]

My horse has kind of a funky back with a dip behind his withers and hollows on either side of his withers. We went through an extensive saddle search last winter, and the fitter and I agreed that a Childeric fit him the best. However, the saddle slips back a bit and rests in those hollows.

I’d been using a Roma puff pad (just the right thickness to even out his back a bit) with a thinline on top for months. But the saddle was still slipping (even with a nonslip pad underneath) and he had dry spots on his hollows. He tends to get a bit back sore also (not totally related to saddle fit, he’s long backed and prone to it regardless) so my trainer suggested trying a Back on Track pad instead.

The back on track is so thin that now my saddle is slightly pommel high and really wants to slip back. I don’t know what kind of half pad would be best for him. I need something that will fill in the low spots behind and on the sides of his withers, without pinching his shoulders.

Does this issue sound like something a simple riser pad would correct? Or do we need something more like an Ogilvy that will “perfect” my saddle’s fit? Suggestions would be appreciated!!

[ToTheNines]

My horse is built like that. Lots are, but mine is pronounced. I solved this by using some old memory foam shims, which I custom cut. I use the shims in a Thinline Trifecta, and they stay put.

My shims are quite thick, they are from an old Skito pad. But you could probably use any shims. The thinline shims are good but fairly thin. Maybe double them up. Put the shims against the side of his withers where they will go when the saddle is correctly placed. Then trace with a Sharpie, the outline of where you want to fill in the hollow. Most shims have too much material too far forward, so it is that part you want to cut out. Mine ended up with a big curve cut out from the bottom front. Cut one and then use it as a pattern for the other.

If anyone wants, I will post a picture of the shims. Works great for this horse because his shoulder blades are high and laid back, and I did not want to interfere with them.

Don’t like using thick pads because as I said above, they just pad the places that stick out. and make everything even more wobbly.

[StormWarriorC]

I think the Ogilvy would work pretty well, personally. It may help fill in those dips but still compress where it needs to. Is there one from a friend you could possibly barrow?

[IPEsq]

I have a Childeric and have had similar issues with it being the best saddle fit and balance but still causing dry spots next to the withers on horses built like you are describing (best fit being gauged by it being the one saddle that wouldn’t cause one horse with this kind of build to try to buck me off).

I like the Dover or Wilkers wither relief half pads, which seem to work really well in this situation. However, I’ve had to also use a Thinline underneath the saddle pad sometimes (I know Thinline says to use on top of the square or fitted pad, but I’d put it directly on the hair), where I had cut out holes in those places by the withers that would get dry spots. Since my Thinline has since cracked and died (it was really old and obviously exposed to sweat), I am considering a cheaper alternative of just cutting the holes directly into the wither relief pad.

An Ogilvy pad can work but if you don’t already own one, I’d suggest borrowing one to try it out because I’ve found that pad doesn’t always fix this issue.

[Firebug]

[QUOTE=ToTheNines;7730710]

If anyone wants, I will post a picture of the shims. Works great for this horse because his shoulder blades are high and laid back, and I did not want to interfere with them.[/QUOTE]

I’d like to see a picture. I’m having the worse time finding a pad that will help my CC saddle fit.

[cswoodlandfairy]

My horse is built the same way. Has high withers that creates a hallow spot just behind his shoulder on top of which his spine sticks out some. Its how his conformation is. I have an Ogilvy pad and it makes all the difference in the world. Its roughly the same cost as most other high end half pads and my horse responded to it amazingly well that without it he just wont go. I was using a 5-point breastplate for the longest time to keep my saddle in place but now have no need for one. I only use a 3-point elastic breastplate for the running martingale attachment.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=627445617291&l=8fe85a0323

[Firebug]

[QUOTE=cswoodlandfairy;7732115]
My horse is built the same way. Has high withers that creates a hallow spot just behind his shoulder on top of which his spine sticks out some.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=627445617291&l=8fe85a0323[/QUOTE]

This is exactly how my horse is built too; however, my boy also has kind of big shoulders. I’ve tried numerous CC saddles and pads and nothing seems to fit. The saddles tend to either sit on his withers or dig into his shoulders.

[cswoodlandfairy]

[QUOTE=Firebug;7732133]
This is exactly how my horse is built too; however, my boy also has bigest shoulders. I’ve tried numerous CC saddles and pads and nothing seems to fit. The saddles tend to either sit on his withers or dig into his shoulders.[/QUOTE]

I actually have a Voltaire Palm Beach and had the Chrio and saddle fitter (unaffiliated with Voltaire since I bought it used) and they were amazed how well the saddle fit him. Gave it “above average”! I lucked out though and the panels are built with extra padding right in that hallow area so it fills it in and accommodates a big shoulder. Thank goodness cause there was no way I could give the saddle back by this point!

I use the Ogilvy with the saddle and its helped so much in the other areas along with his back soreness. He is super sensitive in his back (typical OTTB)

[SugarCubes]

[QUOTE=cswoodlandfairy;7732115]
My horse is built the same way. Has high withers that creates a hallow spot just behind his shoulder on top of which his spine sticks out some. Its how his conformation is. I have an Ogilvy pad and it makes all the difference in the world. Its roughly the same cost as most other high end half pads and my horse responded to it amazingly well that without it he just wont go. I was using a 5-point breastplate for the longest time to keep my saddle in place but now have no need for one. I only use a 3-point elastic breastplate for the running martingale attachment.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=627445617291&l=8fe85a0323[/QUOTE]

I’ve really been wanting to try the Ogilvy, and I’m glad to hear a few of you have horses with similar conformation that the pad has worked for. I think I’ll order one from Smartpak (can’t beat their customer service if it doesn’t work for some reason!) and see how that works.

[Firebug]

[QUOTE=cswoodlandfairy;7732248]
I actually have a Voltaire Palm Beach and had the Chrio and saddle fitter (unaffiliated with Voltaire since I bought it used) and they were amazed how well the saddle fit him. [/QUOTE]

I just googled that saddle… It’s nice looking, but way out of my budget. The saddle I have now, which is a reg/med tree, sites on my horses withers. I might have to try the Ogilvy. Though, I wish it wasn’t so pricey.

[cswoodlandfairy]

[QUOTE=Firebug;7732673]
I just googled that saddle… It’s nice looking, but way out of my budget. The saddle I have now, which is a reg/med tree, sites on my horses withers. I might have to try the Ogilvy. Though, I wish it wasn’t so pricey.[/QUOTE]

They are great saddles but definitely not on the cheaper side. I ended up with one, buying it used and was able to talk down the price to a steal of a deal. Only reason why I have one…

[StormWarriorC]

I just ordered myself a Palm Beach, and I’m so excited about it. My horse has never gone better in any other saddle. They sponsor our farm so I get a pretty hefty discount, which helps a LOT! I use an Ogilvy with the Voltaire, it makes the fit literally perfect. The fitter fits around the thickness of the pad, and she actually loves the ogilvy to help with shock absorption. Voltaire has been the best company to deal with, EVER. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to any other saddle, honestly. I love Devoucoux’s, but my horse’s freedom of movement and happiness doesn’t even come CLOSE.

[snowedunder]

I have the same issue with my older TB. I am currently using the Beval Therapeutic Pad

http://www.beval.com/catalog/partdetail.aspx?PartNo=015#.U_4BmJ3D_cs

I also have the Voltaire Palm Beach which finally accommodated his big shoulders! I feel like the Beval pad is almost too much pad for him with the current saddle, but he goes well in it. I’ve been looking at the Ecogold Memory Foam pads due to the waiting time (and $$$$) on the Ogilvy and the fact that I’ve loved the Ecogold shaped pads I’ve purchased.

[Sueby]

Same exact build on my gelding!!! I used those blue ice wrap rubber pads for the non slip and an ogilvy, but it didn’t help much and I kind of felt a bit behind. So, it was suggested that I use a lami cell pad, which is more rigid. Still using the non slip blue pad, the lami cell ended up sliding back off the saddle pad with my saddle. So my saddle pad and the slip pad stayed in place, but the lami cell and saddle ended up partly off the pad. Drove me crazy!!! I found an equi-fit half pad that is grippy and (cross fingers), it has been working extremely well for about the last month.

I’m now the proud owner of just about every high end half pad there is… Yay me!

[Firebug]

[QUOTE=SugarCubes;7730614]
My horse has kind of a funky back with a dip behind his withers and hollows on either side of his withers. We went through an extensive saddle search last winter, and the fitter and I agreed that a Childeric fit him the best. However, the saddle slips back a bit and rests in those hollows.

I don’t know what kind of half pad would be best for him. I need something that will fill in the low spots behind and on the sides of his withers, without pinching his shoulders.

Does this issue sound like something a simple riser pad would correct? Or do we need something more like an Ogilvy that will “perfect” my saddle’s fit? Suggestions would be appreciated!![/QUOTE]

Did you ever find a pad that worked for you? I came across this pad today and I was thinking that it might work for my boy (I just wish it wasn’t so pricey) and then I remembered this thread and thought I’d share.

Six Point Saddle Pad – Wither Freedom Sheepskin Half Pad:
http://totalsaddlefit.com/shop/pad/wft-sheepskin-half-pad/

Videos about product:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UemHu0DJ9DM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnQYYRfA2Vk

Also you say your saddle slips back a bit and rests in those hollows. Maybe this girth would help.

http://totalsaddlefit.com/shoulderreliefgirth/

[Sunflower]

I am not a saddle fitter or diagnostician of any sort. However, you might consider whether what you are describing could be atrophied withers and bulbous shoulders. This can be caused by lack of topline development and an improperly fitting saddle.

This has information-- probably any saddler fitter website would have information that could provide an explanation.

http://www.dynamicsaddlefitting.com/education/saddle-caused-atrophy.html

When I purchased my OTTB project horse, my saddle fitter noted the lack of topline and wither atrophy ( hollows on either side of the withers). This can be corrected through a properly fitting saddle and a lot of work, getting the horse to go long and low, to build the topline. It takes time-- several months in and my horse has some improvement, the saddle fitter has been back to make the necessary adjustments to the saddle, as the horse changes shape, and will be back again in a month or so to check the saddle fit. On advise of my saddle fitter ( and fitted with the saddle each time) I use a pad that is halflined with merino sheepskin. This helps support the back, which is still in need of building the appropriate topline muscle.

This is just my anecdotal experience-- wondering if what you describe might be lack of topline and atrophied withers. Your best course of action would be to get your saddle fitter to check your saddle fit and to make sure that whatever pad you use or decide to buy is fitted with the saddle.

I find the Art2Ride videos are great in describing how to build up topline, and the commentary gives a lot of insight into how a horse OUGHT to be working. http://www.art2ride.com/2014/10/

Good luck-- hope you find something that works out for you and your horse!

[SugarCubes]

[QUOTE=Firebug;7808883]
Did you ever find a pad that worked for you? I came across this pad today and I was thinking that it might work for my boy (I just wish it wasn’t so pricey) and then I remembered this thread and thought I’d share.

Six Point Saddle Pad – Wither Freedom Sheepskin Half Pad:
http://totalsaddlefit.com/shop/pad/wft-sheepskin-half-pad/

Videos about product:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UemHu0DJ9DM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnQYYRfA2Vk

Also you say your saddle slips back a bit and rests in those hollows. Maybe this girth would help.

http://totalsaddlefit.com/shoulderreliefgirth/[/QUOTE]

Thanks, Firebug! I broke down and bought the Ogilvy and am happy to say it seems to be doing the trick! I am not even using a nonslip pad anymore and my saddle doesn’t budge. I have checked out the shoulder relief girth before though and it looks pretty cool. May have to purchase that down the road…

[SugarCubes]

[QUOTE=Sunflower;7808974]
I am not a saddle fitter or diagnostician of any sort. However, you might consider whether what you are describing could be atrophied withers and bulbous shoulders. This can be caused by lack of topline development and an improperly fitting saddle.

This has information-- probably any saddler fitter website would have information that could provide an explanation.

http://www.dynamicsaddlefitting.com/education/saddle-caused-atrophy.html

When I purchased my OTTB project horse, my saddle fitter noted the lack of topline and wither atrophy ( hollows on either side of the withers). This can be corrected through a properly fitting saddle and a lot of work, getting the horse to go long and low, to build the topline. It takes time-- several months in and my horse has some improvement, the saddle fitter has been back to make the necessary adjustments to the saddle, as the horse changes shape, and will be back again in a month or so to check the saddle fit. On advise of my saddle fitter ( and fitted with the saddle each time) I use a pad that is halflined with merino sheepskin. This helps support the back, which is still in need of building the appropriate topline muscle.

This is just my anecdotal experience-- wondering if what you describe might be lack of topline and atrophied withers. Your best course of action would be to get your saddle fitter to check your saddle fit and to make sure that whatever pad you use or decide to buy is fitted with the saddle.

I find the Art2Ride videos are great in describing how to build up topline, and the commentary gives a lot of insight into how a horse OUGHT to be working. http://www.art2ride.com/2014/10/

Good luck-- hope you find something that works out for you and your horse![/QUOTE]

Hi Sunflower! I know what you mean, with the atrophied withers and no topline. Not this guys case though, he just has big shoulders, fairly big withers, and a long back. His topline is actually more developed than its ever been! I ended up getting an Ogilvy and noticed right away that my saddle sat more level. Also, no more dry spots after I ride and I don’t have to use the nonslip pad anymore. I think it’s working :D! Thanks for posting those links too!

[Firebug]

[QUOTE=Sunflower;7808974]

http://www.dynamicsaddlefitting.com/education/saddle-caused-atrophy.html

This is just my anecdotal experience-- wondering if what you describe might be lack of topline and atrophied withers. Your best course of action would be to get your saddle fitter to check your saddle fit and to make sure that whatever pad you use or decide to buy is fitted with the saddle.

I find the Art2Ride videos are great in describing how to build up topline, and the commentary gives a lot of insight into how a horse OUGHT to be working. http://www.art2ride.com/2014/10/

Good luck-- hope you find something that works out for you and your horse![/QUOTE]

I agree getting a saddle fitter out would be a good course of action. I haven’t had one out because there isn’t a saddle fitter in my area.

[Firebug]

[QUOTE=SugarCubes;7809531]
Thanks, Firebug! I broke down and bought the Ogilvy and am happy to say it seems to be doing the trick! I am not even using a nonslip pad anymore and my saddle doesn’t budge. I have checked out the shoulder relief girth before though and it looks pretty cool. May have to purchase that down the road…[/QUOTE]

SugarCubes. I’m glad you found a pad that works.