Pad options for treeless?

[Dawn_Reno]

I just purchased a Black Forest Shasta. Now I’m at a loss as to what the best pad options are and how to choose.

How can I determine what pad is best for my situation?

I would prefer to be able to purchase used or from somewhere that has a return option in case the saddle does not work for me. Then I won’t also have to deal with a pad that I don’t need as well. Or at the least won’t have had to pay full retail price for it.

Also dressage girth brand/style opinions? I had one that I really liked, but sold it for a few bucks (literally) in a yard sale last summer :no: Didn’t intend on needing it again. Should have held onto it!

[PRS]

Do you mean Black FOREST Shasta? If so…the dealers for them seem to prefer the Grandeur Pads. I have a Sensation Hybrid Treeless saddle and use Skito pads shaped to fit. There are pads that come up for sale all the time on the treeless saddles group I belong to on Yahoo! Groups…might want to join there and see if anybody has something for sale or some other suggestions… http://groups.yahoo.com/group/treelesssaddles/

[Dawn_Reno]

[QUOTE=PRS;5384321]
Do you mean Black FOREST Shasta? If so…the dealers for them seem to prefer the Grandeur Pads. I have a Sensation Hybrid Treeless saddle and use Skito pads shaped to fit. There are pads that come up for sale all the time on the treeless saddles group I belong to on Yahoo! Groups…might want to join there and see if anybody has something for sale or some other suggestions… http://groups.yahoo.com/group/treelesssaddles/[/QUOTE]

Yes That’s what I get for watching tv, talking on the phone, and typing on the computer all at the same time.

I’ve applied to that group but am still pending.

I had never heard of the Grandeur pads before today. I’ve heard a lot about the Skito pads in relation to treed saddles. Just don’t know much about them in terms of treeless.

For my treed saddle, I use a Cavallo pad and love it. It’s been my pad of choice for several years now. If there’s something similar (combo of wool, open cell, and closed cell foam) geared toward a treeless, I’d be very interested in it.

[PRS]

In my Skito pad I use the 1" memory foam inserts plus 1/4" felt inserts on top (because I weigh around 175 pounds) Most treeless saddle pads open up so you can change/shim inserts to fit you and your horses needs. The main idea with a treeless saddle pad is for the PAD to provide the spinal channel instead of the saddle. Especially for treeless saddle with no built in panels to provide the spinal relief. Although my Sensation Hybrid has “some” structure it still requires a padding system that provides the spinal relief.

http://www.blackforestsaddles.com/pads.html

[Dawn_Reno]

My mare’s main fit issue is a very straight back. I suppose that would be helpful to the discussion. I tend to bounce anywhere from 130-140 lbs. Definately staying closer to the 130 when I’m riding regularly.

There seem to be tons of specialty pad options for a horse with a curvy back. But none that cater to a horse with a straight back?

[Leather]

I too have a Black Forest Shasta that I adore. Other people agree too–I’ve had a half dozen people order one after trying mine out.

I got the Grandeur Vario pad, but it sounds like you don’t need the extra pad.

If you do go with a Grandeur, I recommend the Suspension Plus. It’s half fleece half non-slip.

I had never heard of them either, but they are great pads, very well made and have stood up well.

IMO a contour pad would work even for your straight backed mare since you give your saddle a “snuggie” and pull up the extra into the gullet for wither/spine relief.

I went with a mohair dressage girth. It’s the only material that didn’t cause rubs with my old super-sensitive mare. (And it’s one of the few that came small enough to fit her!)

http://www.actionridertack.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=59

They also have a mohair endurance girth that would work: http://www.actionridertack.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=805

[Dawn_Reno]

I’m also worried about a pad potentially rubbing her hips. But I don’t think that’ll be a problem with the Grandeurs. Considering the price difference, I think I would go with the Plus if I choose that brand. Are the Grandeur pads and additional inserts only available through Black Forest?

[Leather]

Knock on wood I haven’t had any rubbing problems with my pad. (I was concerned about that with my mare, she was a Paso Fino and had a very short back.)

I think you can get the Grandeurs through Barefoot too. They’re made in Germany.

[Dawn_Reno]

Thanks for the input!

[GallopingGrape]

I ride in the Bob Marshall and sell the Black Forest. Definitely use the Granduer pad… The Granduer Suspension Plus is not necessary for your situation.

[tabula_rashah]

I ride my Black Forest Apsen with the grandeur suspension plus pad on top of a supracor pad. Works fantastically

[GreyDes]

If you go with the Skito, make sure it’s the treeless configuration. Treeless will have the openings for the foam panels at the front of the pad, and treed will have them in the top.

[katyb]

I have a Grandeur that is used with our Black Forest. My Bandos came with a Haf pad, which is a great pad. I have one other too, that I bought used, and the name is escaping me right now. I think the Grandeur is my favorite, in terms of wear. I haven’t had sore backs with any of them.

[UlysMom]

Has anyone noticed this thread is 3 years old?

[californianinkansas]

[QUOTE=UlysMom;7393286]
Has anyone noticed this thread is 3 years old?[/QUOTE]
I’m okay with that. It is good info either way.