Best saddle pad for weight distribution - 18” saddle

[cblover]

Quick question...Scrappy has an 18” Wintec wide saddle and I’d like to get her a really good saddle pad to support and protect her back. This is not instead of using a properly fitted saddle, it’s just in addition.

She’s 4 this year, just backed and only sat on for 5-10 mins once a week. Bless her....she’s such a poppet. Please let me know what you recommend and use, thanks.

 

[pansymouse]

I use a 1/2" thick wool felt pad supplied by my saddle fitter - I think she makes them. It provides excellent support whilst my mare is building her top line back up.

 

[Pinkvboots]

I like the nuumed sheepskin ones they are all I really use now.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Prolite pad maybe?

 

[Nudibranch]

Suber pads are good but some people find them bulky.

 

[sbloom]

Thicker more protective pads change the fit, please ask the advice of your fitter and if necessary have the saddle adjusted. There is a lot of unproven heavily marketed rubbish out there, if you already owned one and your horse liked it, no problem, but spending money on something new? I would recommend Mattes sheepskin, other than that Thinline is good (and if the thin one doesn't affect the fit) but XRD as in all Jen X Equine pads (US) and some Toklat pads is the best foam you'll find IMO.

Weight distribution - you can't really extend the weight bearing area which is the only way to reduce overall pressure under the saddle. Sheepskin is one of the best "wd" products but that's about slight irregularities in the flocking etc, it can't do loads more than that. Shock absorption is actually what you're aiming for, and sheepskin isn't bad (performs better in many ways than some of the heavily marketed shock absorbing gel pads!), plus it wicks sweat. Definitely, on average, helps muscle build faster than would just a cotton pad as it gives a slightly softer expansion space under a saddle.

 

[Kaylum]

Have had a lot of different saddle pads sent to me as donations so seen many different makes and kinds. Thinline ultra thin ones are very good, just sold one last month on ebay for £31.00. They are worth looking out for on there. You can just hose them off as well.

 

[RachaelJC]

I use a thinline alongside a regular numnah and my horse seems to like it. Saddle is also fitted with it to make sure he is comfortable