Saddle pad question . . .

[Foxglove]

Since 1976 I’ve used the same saddle --but my new instructor pointed out that 1) it didn’t fit my horse 2) it didn’t fit me. So for his birthday April 30, I bought William Tell a new saddle that fits him and me. (We did a curbside at the saddle store and with the saddle fitter, so all good). Saddle fitter has me using a Mattes half pad with shims, that she wants me to use this over a “baby pad” which appears to be a quilted cotton pad. She gave me a Navy blue pad to use until I can find a white one.

If I seem unsure of this, I’m an old fox hunter and have used a fleece pad period (Fleeceworks). Half pads and baby pads are new to me.

Here’s the question —as a fox hunter, I need a shaped or fitted baby pad. A white square pad isn’t done at our hunt. I cannot seem to find a fitted quilted ‘baby pad’ that is white. I have until September to do so --can anyone help? I figured the hunting/jumping board would be a good place to ask since every picture of a show hunter I’ve ever seen has a spotless white pad under the saddle.

Also the saddle fitter told me to be sure to “push the Mattes pad into the saddle gullet” --I do, but wow it’s like wrestling an alligator to push that pad in, and the baby pad too. I’m used to the slap the pad on and put the saddle on, girth and mount. Now it seems like I’m spending too much time adjusting pads --does this get better?

So, where to find a fitted baby pad in white?

[CanteringCarrot]

A few things here:

1. If you purchased a new saddle that fits, there should be no need for a Mattes pad or a Mattes pad with shims. A baby pad, fitted fleece pad, etc. Should be fine under a saddle that fits. Unless you are using shims in the hope of removing them when the horse fills out with more muscle.

2. You can use a Mattes sheepskin half pad with nothing under it. Not common, and may not work with some sensitive horses, but not impossible.

3. Search UK shops or online in general for a “Numnah” these are shaped thin quilted pads.

4. You can custom build a shaped Mattes pad with pockets for shims with the Mattes configuration tool online. You can choose colors, shape, shim pockets, sheepskin, etc. They’re good quality that last.

Hope this helps.

[DinkyDonk]

Professional Choice used to make one–was quilted with their Air Ride filler in it. You can still find them if you look (I believe they’ve been discontinued.) Also, Equine Comfort makes a quilted half pad with shims that can be removed. Both brands are white. Neither has fleece trim–

[Foxglove]

To clarify, I am looking for a thin quilted shaped pad (baby pad?) to use under the Mattes shimmed 1/2 pad per the instructions of the saddle fitter. It need not have fleece or shim pockets.

As to the horse not needing a shimmed Mattes pad, I think the poster is correct that said this is to be done until the horse fills out a bit more --The saddle fitter is well-regarded, been at the same location for 30+ years --both she and the instructor mentioned the horse’s extremely prominent wither and low ribs --and at some point, not being a saddle fitter myself or an expert of any kind, one takes the advice of those who are.

I do have video (I am doing video lessons with the instructor) that I sent the instructor first that even to my poorly trained eye shows a horse who is reluctant to move forward, and a rider (me) who is struggling to maintain a two point. Three weeks after the new saddle, the horse is in a video performing the same exercise (trotting and cantering ground poles). He is relaxed, striding out, seems eager to do his job --and the rider --well, not only is she balanced in a two point for the entire ride around the ring, but she too seems to be enjoying the ride (I was the rider and feeling very proud that once again I could maintain a two point at a trot completely around the ring)

It may well be that this saddle is not perfect for the horse --but it sure is better than what we had --maybe no saddle would be perfect for him --withers like a camel --low ribs —but I’m feeling good about this saddle and how it has improved our riding.

So keep baby pad (or whatever its called) suggestions coming. If I find nothing, then I’ll take a square pad and use my colored fitted pad as a pattern and make my own white pad sewing binding on the cut edge of the square pad.

[Displaced_Yankee]

Like this? http://priequine.com/SaddlePads/Shaped/HA55006.htm

This is probably a little thicker than a baby pad, but not enough to change the fit. I love PRI pads. The wash well and are very reasonably priced.

[GreyDes]

Have you thought about getting the Mattes fitted pad with shims? It’s pricy but will last forever and give you the same adjustability as a half pad.

https://worldequestrianbrands.com/product/platinum-correction-hunter-pad-with-bare-flaps/

[Janet]

It is my understanding that a “baby pad” is, by definition, rectangular.

If it is saddle shaped, it is called something else.

I can’t help with sources.

[Foxglove]

@Displaced Yankee I just ordered the pad you suggested! Thank you so much! Had the saddle fitter suggested the Mattes full pad with shims, I’d have gotten that —but I don’t need two pads, and the 1/2 pad is now used and cannot be returned, of course. Thank you so much for your help --if you are ever in MI and want to fox hunt (Sept-April) let me know --you can ride out as my guest!

[Displaced_Yankee]

@Foxglove Whoa! Now that’s an offer!

I am happy I could help. I used to work in a tack shop and loved searching out stuff for people!

[ammyforlife]

Here’s a site with some thin, baby pad-type ones in case you want to have a back-up option. They’re very affordable. Full disclosure, I’ve never ordered from this site, so I can’t vouch for them.

https://www.derbyhousestore.com/en-CA/Numnahs-and-Saddle-Pads/dhdsl12936.htm

[IPEsq]

For riding at home, I would suggest a Wilkers shaped baby pad versus the ones that are just rectangles. It’s thin enough to use with your half pad. For the hunt, either go with a Mattes full pad (as you have), or ride with just the half pad alone. I think the thin quilted numnahs are too prone to bunching compared to the square pad version.