saddle fitting w/pad - Western Tack & Apparel - Western Tack & Apparel - Horse Community, Horse Pictures, Horse Forum and Information

Mac

Posted : 8/1/2010 11:40:17 PM

My husband bought me a new Tucker Endurance saddle, we brought my horse to the store to have him fitted properly for the right saddle before we bought it and then I was injured and unable to ride for several years. Now that I'm cleared to ride again, I've found that my new saddle doesn't fit well with any of the saddle pads I have and I really need a pad for the warm summer weather. My current ones either bunch under the saddle, allow too much slippage or are just too thick for his comfort in the summer. One which will breathe well for my horse as well as absorb shock for him and me, wick away moisture, etc. I don't have a lot to spend on this pad since I've been out of work these past few years and haven't returned yet. I'd prefer not to spend more than $50, if possible. My new saddle is one without a horn and I'm also looking for a system like those I had with my old saddle which will carry my drink, wallet and other items while riding, if anyone has seen one of these for a hornless saddle. BTW, my horse is a Tennessse Walker, gaited, and that must be taken into account due to his need for freedom of movement. I appreciate any assistance and am looking forward to the painful/joyous process of getting my riding legs back. ;-)

. THe attached photo is of Max and me with old saddle and pad. I may be contacted at [email=macvalywolf@aol.com]macvalywolf@aol.com[/email]. Thank you.

hunterseat

Posted : 8/2/2010 2:03:09 AM

GOOD for you! He's a beauty and you look great on him! Tucker Endurance is like the Cadillac of saddles, isn't it? You can get a cantle bag to use with it, I think. As far as a pad goes, why not see what Tucker recommends for your specific need and then you can search online for something you can afford. I'm not real sure about what you need but I'm sure you'll find something! What part of the world are you in? It's great to see you here!! TWH's are great horses! Glad you're getting back in the saddle!

3equines

Posted : 8/3/2010 3:28:03 PM

It is hard to get a good saddle pad that will correct saddle fit problems for less than $100. What you describe as the pads bunching, slipping, etc means you have a serious problem with saddle fit. Pads slip when a saddle rocks front-to-back, which generally indicates the saddle is too wide a bar for the horse. That said, I really like the SMX air ride pads, and the Ortho Sport pad has given me great success with saddle fit issues when the saddle is just a tad wide on the front end or voids behind the withers. They are light, give excellent shock relief, have good spine relief and wick moisture away well.

You may also look at the Reinsman tacky-too style pads but if your saddle does not fit then you will not have any better luck with these than any other standard saddle pad on the market.

Tucker saddles have a very high resale value, the best thing to do in your case is to sell it and get a saddle that fits your horse. If you are concerned about safety, poor saddle fit can cause equine behavior issues related to pain (read: bucking fits) and also compromise your seat and balance. A too-wide saddle will ride 'downhill' and put you into a somersault position.

3equines

Posted : 8/4/2010 3:15:56 AM

Here is another thought. I have used these shims on 2 different saddles for 2 different horses:

http://forum.horse.com/tm.aspx?m=13597

They are made from the inner workings of a Cashel Tush Cush ($30), the tapered edge is turned towards the middle and inside of the saddle so it makes a seamless transition with the bar. The closed cell foam distributes pressure well and minimizes the "princess and the pea" effect of most saddle shims.

The only problem is that it puts more distance between you and the horse, makes it harder to get leg contact where you want it. But, definitely helps when nothing else works.