Shires Arma Half Pad questions

[AppyLover1996]

Hi Guys,

I think this is the right place for this aha!

I have recently had the saddle fitter out for my pony who recommended the use of a half pad, as he is getting older now and needs a bit of extra support.

We have fitted my saddle with and without the half pad to account that he will gain muscle and topline in the next few months.

I have a 16.5" Thorogood T4 Pony Club Adult Flap which fits both my pony and I fine (as confirmed by saddler).

I purchased a half pad in the 15" - 16.5" size from the Shires Arma range and rode in it last night. Pony was considerably happier to go forwards and felt a lot freer in his movement (I'm aware this could also be due to the saddle being reflocked and adjusted.)

My questions is about the fit of the half pad - I use it under my saddle but on top of my saddle pad - how much of the half pad should be seen after I've fully tacked up? Last night you could see the rolled fluffy edges all around - is this correct or would it cause pressure points? I can't have too big a half pad as my pony is a dinky short backed little thing aha!

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

You should have quite a bit of over hang so the saddle is not sitting on the edges anywhere.

 

[AppyLover1996]

You should have quite a bit of over hang so the saddle is not sitting on the edges anywhere.

Hi Pinkvboots,

Thanks for your response - I'm thinking I've been a daft monkey and gotten too small a half pad as you can see the fluff all around the saddle and the saddle doesn't sit on any of the fluff but I will double check tonight.

On the small upside if I need to replace it, it was only £25 so not too painful aha!

 

[sbloom]

Hi Pinkvboots,

Thanks for your response - I'm thinking I've been a daft monkey and gotten too small a half pad as you can see the fluff all around the saddle and the saddle doesn't sit on any of the fluff but I will double check tonight.

On the small upside if I need to replace it, it was only £25 so not too painful aha!

Sounds like you're fine, the saddle's clear of the fluff . Personally I would add that it's worth considering sheepskin, I have a customer who had that half pad and has upgraded to sheepskin and found a big change in the horse. They hold a little value so you can pick them up second hand now and then (I recommend Mattes, see https://www.facebook.com/groups/249099556465914).

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

The fluff is meant to sit around the edge of the saddle so it sounds ok to me, you don't want your saddle sitting on the fluffy cuff.