Select the Best Western Saddle Pad For Your Horse
Posted: Friday, July 15, 2011
by The Old Gray Mare
www.DressYourHorse.com
Western saddles can be heavy, large and bulky on your horse’s back, so it is desirable to provide him with the extra comfort and cushion of a saddle pad.
You might also consider a saddle blanket but in this article, I concentrate only on the saddle pad. More about saddle blankets at another time.
You should use a saddle pad for several reasons:
- The principal reason to place a saddle pad under the saddle is stabilization. It also keeps saddle and rider in centered on the horse, provided the saddle is properly cinched.
- The second reason is logical and apparent – the cushioning provided by a good saddle pad is comfortable for your horse.
- A third obvious purpose for the saddle pad is to prevent pressure areas, slippage and rub spots that could be caused by the saddle and keep it in place on the horse’s back.
- Then there is also cleanliness – It stands to reason that the saddle pad is a barrier between the horse’s back and the underside of the saddle. The pad will, therefore, maintain a cleaner saddle, preventing dirt, sweat and grime from soiling it.
Obviously you will see other reasons to outfit your horse with a saddle pad. One of those is appearance. Saddle pads are available in a great variety of sizes, colors and patterns. You can match your outfit, complement the saddle or have the pad blend with the saddle skirt. Some people use a thick pad to provide extra cushioning for a low-backed horse.
The easy decision is to get a saddle pad because it is a necessary tack item. The difficult part of your decision is which one to get! I mean you need to think about your horse’s conformation, how you ride, size of the saddle pad, select from myriad materials and even pad thickness.
Lets break it down -
Conformation of your horse
Take into account your horse’s conformation as you decide on a saddle pad. A horse’s anatomy dictates the comfort level required for each individual animal. For instance, if you have a horse with high withers, he will undoubtedly be more comfortable with a cutback pad. Some horses have wide barrels, slab sides, steep shoulders – you might require a thin/large pad, thick one or contoured pad, respectively.
Type of Riding
Generally, if you ride for pleasure or hit the trails, any saddle pad on the market is suitable. It gets a bit more decisive if you are a roper or rancher since you will want to use a saddle pad that absorbs jarring and rough shocks from the horse spinning, jump starting or hitting his “brakes.” Saddle pads that are breathable and equalize weight distribution are perfect for endurance riders. Lightweight and round-edged saddle pads are perfect for barrel racers. There are many different pads for varied riding styles and selecting the most suitable one for each of your activities is recommended.
Size of the Saddle Pad
The ideal saddle pad measures two inches wider than the skirt and two inches longer than saddle.
Consider the size of your saddle when you choose the pad. Choose a pad that is too large in combination with your western saddle, not only will it look ungainly, it will make the horse too hot. If you resort to an undersize saddle pad, your horse may suffer chafing, sores or even blisters caused by saddle rubs.
Choice of Material
Wool, mohair and natural fiber combinations are popular fabrics for saddle pads. Synthetics and man-made fabrics are also commonly used. Your own preference will dictate the choice you make.
If your horse requires a cutback saddle pad, there are fewer fabrics and selections. But, if you don’t have a lot of restrictions, have fun looking for choices. Think natural fibers for great wetness absorption and contouring. Go for synthetics such as nylon, poly or rubber-types of fabric for cooling features and to cushion the horse’s back.
Here is also where you can have a designer’s eye – select your size, purpose, thickness and material design/colors that are perfect for you. Fortunately, there are now more saddle pad selections than ever, in a vast array of materials, colors and patterns, suitable for all riding styles. Let your personal ideals be your guide.
Thickness of the Saddle PadWhile providing a comfy cushion on the horse’s back is a good thing, adding too much bulk and/or heat is not. So thickness becomes an additional criterion when selection the ideal saddle pad.
Summing it all up
Before shopping for the saddle pad, know your required size by measuring your western saddle. Then add those two extra inches, consider thickness, use, fabric and colors.
And, finally –
Tack your horse up correctly. Place the saddle pad on your horse’s back, adjusting it to be centered and smooth, place the western saddle on it, draw up the cinch and rock the saddle slightly. Then recheck the cinch making final adjustments. If you’re saddle, pad and horse are ready, put your right leg over the saddle and have a great ride.
As we say, tally-ho!
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Is there someone newer than a novice? That's me. However, my Grandfather handled horses, rode them, played Indians and cowboys in 1913 in the silent picture business off of Pasadena. And then he handled caissons in WW1. I guess that makes me not so much a novice. Anyway, I am getting smart through your articles, and praise your for your effforts.I'm so impressed that you're reading the horse articles. Thank you very much - you're a trooper! I just had some guys work over a page on my website. The whole site is horse related and they had their struggles. It's funny about horses. Much of it is unique to the animal and what it wears. You had quite the background if your granddad worked some in silent pictures. That's just so cool. Bet you have lots of stories.
You can personally assess my withers' girth, anytime!Aha! Ok Paul, lets get the assessment going. Good to hear from you! Thanks.
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