Looking for any square pads on the market now that would suit a long-flapped saddle (the one in question is an 18" 4A 2+2 Antares Contact). Particularly looking for ones that would allow me to use the girth loops while the pad is pulled up into the gullet. All the regular white cotton shaped pads at the barn- Smartpak, Beval, etc only allow me to put the girth through the girth loops if the pad is pulled against on the horses back, so for obvious reasons I try not to use them. For reference, my BOT Contender II pad just fits the bill but I would love a little more length down each side. I think I basically need a forward-flap dressage pad! TIA
Ogilvy baby pads are pretty long. No girth loops on mine but it stays put. Full disclosure-a barn mate gave it to me bc it wouldn’t stay out, but her saddle flaps were pretty short.
Unlike most baby pads it is contoured.
But they aren’t cheap.
Ogilvy baby pad - https://marystack.com/ogilvy-baby-pad/
Even pricier, but with girth loops and a contoured front - https://marystack.com/ogilvy-original-jump-profile-pad/
I use the Ogilvy profile pads for my 17.5 Amerigo long/forward flap, and I only need the regular size (not large). I am able to put my girth through the loops on both sides with the pad pulled up into the gullet, and a Thinline Trifecta pad too.
You might want to compare measurements in case you decide the large size Ogilvy will suit you better.
The LeMieux shaped saddle pads are great for my forward-flapped, long-flapped saddle. Tehy have a 25" drop, which is a lot more than most other pads. They’re a bit pricey IMO, but I’ll never go back to anything else after investing in these!
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Mine fit a 18” long double forward flap. However, they’re thick and keep their shape so I had problems stuffing it into my tack trunk for storage and I never used it. If you store your pads on a rack, these are great. If you need to fold or roll them to store them, try another brand.
LeMieux and Ogilvy are both excellent pads! The Ogilvy baby pad didn’t have a forward enough cut for my jumping saddle but other than that I adore them. Another option if you need something “rollable” like @Renn_aissance you could try the Nuumed pads. Their XL pads are quite large. They’re nice and thin but still well made. I haven’t used mine other than one or two shows so I can’t comment on longevity but they seem like they will hold up. They are very popular in the UK.
Just a note for OP that the Ogilvy Profile pad has a more forward cut than the baby pad. I have compared them in person and spoke with Ogilvy at the Royal Winter Fair.
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This might not work if your flap is super forward, but I place the saddle on the pad so the flap is completely on the pad, meaning the pommel is back from the front edge. Hope that makes sense.
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@SolarFlare and @Peggy, great points! I just re-read and saw you have the same saddle as me SolarFlare. Unfortunately I sold my Ogilvy jump pads a while ago (still have 2 dressage pads) as I needed ultra nonslip pads until I found a saddle that didn’t slide forward. But good to keep in mind because I do love them!
