Opinions on saddle pads???

[maza]

I wear a sheepskin pad on both my jumping and dressage saddle, more for fashion than for a purpose, does anyone think the pad does some damage instead of good? A friend of mine thinks her horse has a ridge on her back since wearing the pad???
Both my saddles fitted correctly so don't really need a pad just think it must be more comfortable for my horse???

 

[dressage_diva]

I would say they certainly can do damage so I wouldn't use them unless I had to and had my saddles fitted with them. I use a LeMieux pro sorb riser half pad under my 2saddles but only because my saddler recommended I use them because my horse has lost muscle as a result of ageing and illness.

 

[kerilli]

as above, the saddle has to be fitted/checked WITH the pad. if it isn't, it could pinch and cause discomfort.
with your horse, i'd try it without the sheepskin, see how s/he goes.

 

[Goldenstar]

I would agree with the comments above a pad can make the fit too narrow so you need to check that the saddle fits with the pad on.
I don't use pads unless the horse has changed shape and I am waiting for the fitter to come.

 

[Garfield1537]

As above my saddler fitted my saddle and advised I used a pro light pad in the winter as my old boy drops off.

 

[maza]

Thanks everyone might have to ditch my fashion accessory ;(

 

[Sol]

Thanks everyone might have to ditch my fashion accessory ;(

Think of it one way - it's probably far more 'fashionable' to be seen on the horse than in the dirt when the horse gets uncomfortable & ditches you Lots of fancy 'normal' saddlecloths out there you can buy instead if you want your horse to look smart/interesting/fashionable or such