Saddle pad (and other accessory) recommendations

[fivestrideline]

Venturing over from English land… and I need help

First, saddle pads. I’m borrowing a western saddle for short trail rides and puttering around - it’s a Circle Y Flex 2… Sheridan? Based on pics from Google (this one from the manufacturer site):

I’m borrowing a pad and I’m sure it’s fine for what I’m doing but it’s meant for a square skirt and is much larger than this saddle so it pokes out weird. What I like is that the pad has a completely free spine, so it doesn’t run down on the withers. If I could find a deal on a round fit pad with the same benefits, I’d pick one up - but I don’t even know where to start looking.

Secondly, cinches. I am borrowing one now but it might be too long and I don’t actually know where it is supposed to sit (length wise). This horse wears a 46" English girth and I think the cinch is a 32" - does this sound like an accurate size comparison or would it make sense that I need shorter?

Lastly, how on earth do I clean this thing? It’s dusty and I’ve knocked the dirt off, but there’s still tons in the decorative parts (tooling?) and the suede seat. Saddle soap and a sponge isn’t cutting it - it’s solid leather not roughout, except for the seat. Any tips? Also anything else to look at? I’m already tempted to get a matching bridle but for now we are rocking the Wenglish look.

I’m going to have my fitter check it if she’s in town soon to make sure everything is kosher (she does western too) but for now it looks like a good fit to me and I mainly use my jump saddle anyway. I’m very much enjoying the western style though - unlike in my regular gear, I’m content to just walk and work on the basics and it’s very comfortable! Maybe I’ll convert to the dark side

[Training_Cupid]

Good pads are expensive! I found this one to be nice for the pricepoint, and a good fit for my short, round skirt saddle:
https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Weaver_Herculon_Merino_Wool_Fleece_Barrel_Saddle_Pad/descpage-WHRC.html

[fivestrideline]

Thanks! Yes I’m seeing that pads aren’t cheap, and that makes sense. It’s not a scrap of cotton like we use for English saddles, and a Mattes is $300+

If this becomes a “thing”, I may invest in a nice pad, but your link looks like something that could work! Is 1" thick the usual? I think the one I’m borrowing is thinner than that, or has compressed.

[luvmyhackney]

I clean my son’s western saddle with leather honey or Lexol and use a vinegar on a cloth to rub out anything on the suede. Then go over the suede with a shoe brush.

The detailed stuff I use a soft tooth brush.

[Training_Cupid]

Most are 3/4" or 1", 1/2" is too thin alone for most saddles.

The one I linked is definitely less dense than a pure felt or wool pad and does compress a bit over time. I would say its more like a 3/4" felt pad.

[fivestrideline]

@luvmyhackney

use a vinegar on a cloth to rub out anything on the suede. Then go over the suede with a shoe brush.

The detailed stuff I use a soft tooth brush.

Oooh thanks!

@Training_Cupid

Most are 3/4" or 1", 1/2" is too thin alone for most saddles.

The one I linked is definitely less dense than a pure felt or wool pad and does compress a bit over time. I would say its more like a 3/4" felt pad.

Okay great! Thanks for explaining - I know just enough to hang myself (almost did, the first time I cinched up with all the extra material everywhere)

[beau159]

@fivestrideline

Venturing over from English land… and I need help

First, saddle pads. I’m borrowing a western saddle for short trail rides and puttering around - it’s a Circle Y Flex 2… Sheridan? Based on pics from Google (this one from the manufacturer site):

I’m borrowing a pad and I’m sure it’s fine for what I’m doing but it’s meant for a square skirt and is much larger than this saddle so it pokes out weird. What I like is that the pad has a completely free spine, so it doesn’t run down on the withers. If I could find a deal on a round fit pad with the same benefits, I’d pick one up - but I don’t even know where to start looking.

Nice saddle! Those are very comfy. I used to have one.

I am a big fan of 5 Star saddle pads. You can get them in any shape (square or round) and any size and different styles. They do offer a “Flex fit” option which you would probably like, as the area above the withers is open and not connected. If you stick with basic colors/options, expect to spend around $250.

If you are going to continue riding Western, then make the investment because the 5 Star pad will last you a very, very long time.

@fivestrideline

Secondly, cinches. I am borrowing one now but it might be too long and I don’t actually know where it is supposed to sit (length wise). This horse wears a 46" English girth and I think the cinch is a 32" - does this sound like an accurate size comparison or would it make sense that I need shorter?

I’m not sure there is a good rule of thumb between English girths and Western cinches.

I have 2 English girths for my one jumping saddle. One is a 52" and one is a 54".
For my Western barrel racing saddles, my horses wear anywhere from a 30" to a 34" Western girth.
I think it will ultimately depend how your saddles are.

You’ll just have to try it on and see how it looks!

@fivestrideline

Lastly, how on earth do I clean this thing? It’s dusty and I’ve knocked the dirt off, but there’s still tons in the decorative parts (tooling?) and the suede seat. Saddle soap and a sponge isn’t cutting it - it’s solid leather not roughout, except for the seat. Any tips? Also anything else to look at? I’m already tempted to get a matching bridle but for now we are rocking the Wenglish look.

Can you a post a picture?

I usually just use water and a rag, and then use either Leather New or else Lexol to condition the leather.

[fivestrideline]

Wow, thanks so much!!

It is very comfy, fits me pretty well and no chair seat, which is fabulous.

I’ll check out the pads - I’ve done some research on western fit and it seems like the shape and angles on the saddle are all good, it’s just a tad wide. This horse has narrower withers than some, but nothing high. I’m wondering if a thicker pad than the one I’m borrowing would keep it from running down in front into his hollows (we still have clearance, but I’m just used to more?). I may wait for my fitter before buying anything and fold a towel up for some extra thickness for now.

I have only ridden in the saddle twice, just for days I don’t feel like “working”. Anyway - even doing some gnarly hills and heave-ho-ing out of a ditch, the saddle hasn’t budged so that’s something!

Also, sounds like a shorter cinch may be good - I know there’s some variation between saddles. The holes on the “billet” (wow I feel ignorant) are too far down when I tighten the cinch on a single girth setting. I’d need to punch holes. For now I am using both the straight and angled dees to take up some extra length on some sort of V rigging setup I googled. Maybe I’ll pick something up that I can try and return.

As far as the dirt - I think the sponge I was using was just skimming the top of the decorative stuff and leaving behind dust! I will try an actual towel. Cleaning suede sucks so that’s another task to figure out. I think the saddle’s owner is just happy to have someone take care of the thing!

[enjoytheride]

For what it’s worth, western pads are normally not washed. Or washed infrequently. The felt pads absorb hair and sweat and custom shape to the horse. Show pads are often used with a liner.

People often have “work” saddles with no silver or tooling and then a show saddle. Saddles with tooling are often cleaned professionally.

There is no western pony club urging cleaning of tack daily.

My horses wear a 42 or 46 inch english girth and a 26 inch western cinch.

[KBC]

For cinch length, this is a useful link

Properly Fitting a Cinch CavvySavvy.com - We Know Working Horses

[beau159]

@fivestrideline

I’ll check out the pads - I’ve done some research on western fit and it seems like the shape and angles on the saddle are all good, it’s just a tad wide. This horse has narrower withers than some, but nothing high. I’m wondering if a thicker pad than the one I’m borrowing would keep it from running down in front into his hollows (we still have clearance, but I’m just used to more?). I may wait for my fitter before buying anything and fold a towel up for some extra thickness for now.

I usually ride in a 1/2" or 3/4" thickness 5 Star pad. I personally would not go any thicker than 1" if you need to add a little extra thickness.

Is your saddle the regular Flex2 tree or is it the WIDE flex2tree?

@fivestrideline

Also, sounds like a shorter cinch may be good - I know there’s some variation between saddles. The holes on the “billet” (wow I feel ignorant) are too far down when I tighten the cinch on a single girth setting. I’d need to punch holes. For now I am using both the straight and angled dees to take up some extra length on some sort of V rigging setup I googled. Maybe I’ll pick something up that I can try and return.

I probably ride with a longer Western cinch than most. Just what I am used to, I guess.

Here’s two examples of where they sit on two of my horses:
(fun fact, these two barrel saddles are also by Circle Y with the Flex2 tree - regular)

@fivestrideline

As far as the dirt - I think the sponge I was using was just skimming the top of the decorative stuff and leaving behind dust! I will try an actual towel. Cleaning suede sucks so that’s another task to figure out. I think the saddle’s owner is just happy to have someone take care of the thing!

Use an soft toothbrush to get into the tooling. I do that first with a little bit of water, and then I use that with the Leather New and/or Lexol. That’s how you get into the tooling - with a toothbrush!!

[fivestrideline]

Oh thanks! This is helpful!

[fivestrideline]

@enjoytheride

My horses wear a 42 or 46 inch english girth and a 26 inch western cinch.

Okay yep this at least tracks with my thinking that I could go shorter. He’s a 44-46 and the 32 feels long.

@beau159

. I personally would not go any thicker than 1" if you need to add a little extra thickness.

Yeah I think the one I’m using is 1/2"? Or a very squished 3/4". It’s Reinsman branded.

@beau159

Is your saddle the regular Flex2 tree or is it the WIDE flex2tree?

Honestly, no idea. I need to look at the markings and see - I don’t know the seat size either. Now that it’s clean, I might be able to see any manufacturer marks. I’m thinking it may be a wide - I tossed it on my barrel-on-legs retiree and it fit perfectly. This horse is narrower, but has the same big TB ribcage. I can ride the youngster in the retiree’s old jump saddle in a pinch with some creative padding.

[Paint_Party]

For our show saddles with deep tooling, we use an air compressor with a small tip to blow out the dust, then wipe clean with a barely damp cloth. Last time I just took my saddle to the car wash with me and used the air compressor that you use to detail the grooves and crannies on your vehicle’s dash.

I have a 5Star pad and love it. I’m guessing it will outlast both me and my horse!