Nowadays, there is a mind-boggling array of padding options for tack, and more and more riders seem to be plumping for half pads under their saddles. But is it always necessary?
“Ordinarily, a well-fitting saddle does not need a pad,” says Freedom Saddlery’s Steph Bradley. A Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) and Master Saddle Fitting Consultant (MSFC) qualified saddle fitter, who has recently been upgraded to Master Saddle Fitter (MSF) by the SMS, Steph adds: “Certain situations do require it, but it’s always best to get fully qualified advice from your saddle-fitter.”
Situations where half pads are required include when the horse has changed shape or lost muscle, a common occurrence in competition horses or those recovering from injury. If you are thinking of using a pad, consider the following tips from Steph:
1. Don’t use a pad if you don’t need to. Your saddle will have been fitted without one, so don’t put more underneath and affect its fit.
2. All pads should have a clear gullet so they don’t impede the space on either side of the dorsal spine, otherwise it’s like putting a thick sock on under a well-fitting shoe.
3. A pad of one thickness will lift the saddle all over — it will not rebalance an ill-fitting saddle.
4. The more padding you place between you and your horse, the less saddle stability there will be.
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5. Seek regular, properly qualified advice on your saddle fit. If a pad is needed, something has changed with the fit of your saddle, so call out your fitter.
Ideally, padding should be seen as a temporary solution only, according to Steph.
“Pads are useful for changes that occur, and are advised for a small tweak when no action can be taken to the saddle itself, but they are a short-term correction,” she says. “Always ask why they are needed and when the situation should be reviewed. It really should be function over fashion.”
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