In desperate search of a half pad for a larger saddle

[KendraLW]

I have a 18.5” Sankey dressage saddle and am shocked at how hard it is to find a half pad that can accommodate a larger saddle. I have a 24” spine square pad with 21” of space behind the sheepskin at the front that juuuust barely fits. Another half inch would be ideal.

Not the best angle but it’s all I’ve got.

I have some other just regular quilted pads that I would like to use so would like to find a half pad that I can use. The only brand I’ve seen so far that makes half pads big enough is Mattes. They’re just so dang expensive. Any suggestions would be appreciated. And before anyone says anything, yes this is a saddle fitter approved endeavor.

[bmellison]

Thinline! I haven’t tried the ones with fleece edging but the Trifecta half pad with no edges in XL fits my 18.5 with room to spare.

[SolarFlare]

I went looking last year for my 18" dressage saddle and had a hard time finding anything large enough as well.

Try NuuMed - you can order one if you can’t find in stock. The ones without the roll have a bit more give in sizing as your saddle isn’t forced to sit between the rolls.

The Thinline should work but they aren’t cheap (at least here in Ontario - the full sheepskin Thinline is ~$400).

Werner Christ makes a plain-edge half pad that you could look at to see if it would fit and it was ~$200 (in Ontario).

[luvmyhackney]

If its just for schooling could you use a western sheepskin pad? Or the
https://www.sheepskintown.com/fully-lined-sheepskin-western-saddle-blanket-p-926.html#/10218-quilt_color-white

They have a dressage one that runs larger as well.

I love mine, they aren’t as thick as mattes but just as soft and cushy.

[atlatl]

I use a Christ sheepskin, it’s actually almost too big

[JenEM]

Ditto Thinline. Their Oversize Trifecta fits under my sidesaddle, which would leave plenty of clearance on an 18.5" dressage saddle.

[HeartsDesireEventing]

I was going to say Mattes - just sprung for one of their shimmable ones to help balance things while my young horse grows (on fitter’s recommendation) - I actually had to send the large back because it was so long! A medium fits us much better, but since you’re looking for the extra length, the large might be just right.

[spacehorse]

I third? Thinline. Fits with a some room to spare on my 18.5".

[cheektwocheek]

Lemieux fits great under my 18.5

[zpsid91]

I have a large Thinline pad (no sheepskin) that is too big for my saddle that I’d sell if you want it!

[KendraLW]

Well I got the thinline! I was worried it would be too thin for our purposes but I actually think it’s good. Also wow is it massive! We’ve got room to spare.

[shall]

Another thing you could try is a folded fleece throw. Back in the day a folded cavalry blanket was used. My barn owner recently got her young horse started with that. He muscled up and doesn’t need it now.