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suggest saddle pad options??

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suggest saddle pad options??
  • this past spring i rescued a 12 year old AQHA mare. she was about 100 lb underweight, her teeth hadnt been floated in almost 5 years and her feet hadnt been done for 3 years. she had been running wild for 3 years, so wild that she had a foal and the owners didnt even know it until the foal was over a year old (the foal nursed for most of this time so this contributed to her weight.) she was in pretty rough shape but i have seen worse (first pic- day i brought her home, all others 4 1/2 months later) She has since filled out pretty well and amazingly her feet were still sound. But she has a high wither bone and in order for my saddle to not rub on her i have been using 2 saddlepads. 
     
    i am looking for a good thick pad that doesnt slip. Was looking at getting the Reinsman Microsued Tacky Too pad but am wondering if i am going to still need to order the wither saddle pad enhancer (both of these on horse.com) does anyone use either of these products and how well do they work. i do a lot of riding and Reeces loves to go out but i just feel that using two pads must be hot and uncomfortable and i dont want to cause any back problems down the road. i am currently using a 14" Nylon Abetta western all purpose saddle. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
  • You sized all your pics avatar-size!  But they look amazing, if small. [':)']  I'm not a western person but do you think eventually she will have enough topline for that saddle?  Or is this just a bad fit for her?  You might think about a better fitting saddle for her.  BUT I'm not sure about the pads.  Someone else might be able to offer advice on that.   Welcome, by the way.  Where are you located?  I wouldn't worry about two pads being too warm.  Around here in the summer it's too warm even bareback in a mudhole!
  • I'd start by getting my saddle fitted because the best pad isn't going to really "fix" saddle fitting issues.  Do you have a local tack consignment store or tack store nearby.  Many times they have saddle fitters who will either come to you or you can go to them.  They can tell you exactly what type of saddle, pad you need and then you can make educated purchases.  I have a growing 5 yr. old and just had to have my saddle adjusted after 8 mos!  With your mare still gaining weight/muscle what fits this month, may not work in the future but maybe a saddle fitter can help you with that.  Good luck.  Bet Reeces is very happy in her new home!
  • Hello beautifull mare by the way i like her color............I highly suggest geting her messure for a better fitting saddle and when you have the saddle the pad is a easy pick. When your using a poorly made saddle that doesnt fit your horse no matter howthick the saddle pad is or how many blankets you buy the problem will not be solved(Been there done that)...I found out the hard way when my mare's back was sore from my saddle i hauled her to a Larry allen he is the best around he makes saddles to fit your horse........I got one made for my mare and i use a professional choice saddle pad thats all i use and she does great..... i will post a pic of the saddle and saddle pad ( or i will try to if my compt doesnt act up)
     
     

     
  • I agree, you need to look into a saddle that will fit your horse.  It is best if you can bring your horse to the tack shop/saddle maker.  Some places will allow you to try a saddle out for a few rides.  I tried out 5 saddles before I found one that fit properly.  My problem was just the opposite, my mare is very wide with mutton withers!!   If you keep putting an ill fitting saddle on her back, she might start acting up when you try to saddle her for a ride.