Western saddle pads

[hannah856]

Hi all, I'm currently riding an american bread appaloosa in a western saddle. The saddle fits really well but as the horse has put on a bit of weight over summer i'm only riding in a doubled up Navajo, its about 2inches when doubled but i'm not sure weather we should be using extra padding. The horse seems happy with the saddle and there is no chaffing, sore spots etc. Opinions please! Thanks.

 

[Hen]

Yes, you should definitely have a good pad under your Western saddle to absorb shock - if you are looking for a slimline version you could try something a Professional's Choice all-around or orthosport saddle pad (see http://www.profchoice.com/htmldocs/prd/western/index3.html ), these are very non-bulky but still take stress off the horse's back.

 

[Enfys]

I hate those really thick and heavy felt 'Tuffy' type saddle pads.

I use the lighter, just as thick (but not as rigid) Wither relief pads they have a good high shaped wither. I wouldn't use just a blanket for any of my horses and some of those have backs like table tops.

I imagine that most western saddle stores will have lighter, less bulky pads in stock.

 

[Fuzznugget]

Hi all, I'm currently riding an american bread appaloosa in a western saddle. The saddle fits really well but as the horse has put on a bit of weight over summer i'm only riding in a doubled up Navajo, its about 2inches when doubled but i'm not sure weather we should be using extra padding. The horse seems happy with the saddle and there is no chaffing, sore spots etc. Opinions please! Thanks.

If the horse is working well with things the way they are, then it's more than likely ok. However, western saddles then to be fairly heavy and a bit of extra padding under the navajo wouldn't hurt. We used to use something like this under the saddle blankets at shows, and used the thicker ProChoice type ones for when they were being worked at home.

 

[perfect11s]

these people should be able to help www.westernscene-uk.com

 

[LazyS]

You would be better off using two Navajo blankets than one because western saddles do not have the padding that English saddles have so although you may think it is ok to use one blanket you do not know what may be going on underneath. When I used blankets I found they pulled down on the withers as I rode. I then used a black neoprene pad with the blanket on top, this was better but when I had a saddler (the western saddler from Ringwood) over to fit my appy I bought a thick (expensive!) pad from her. I use it on both my boys (as I can only ride one at a time - DOBBY if you are reading this I have PMd you) and it is probably time I had another one! (Hoping to go to the USA next year for my 50th!!). If you are interested - the black neoprene one is too long for my boys PM me. It squashes in so it is not too thick if your appy is a good doer.