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  Discussion on Any suggestions for a rubbing saddle pad?
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Member:
Cpacer

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 - 1:38 pm:

Now that my horse has his winter coat I've noticed that the fur towards the back-end of the saddle pad has been breaking off due to rubbing from the pad. He wears the Circle Y FlexLite trail saddle for arabians with a round skirt, made for an arabian "barrel type" of body, but he's not really barrel in shape, he's more of a lean type so I think the back of the saddle is a little too loose.

I've gone through about 10 different pads over the last year and thought the one I finally settled on was a good pick, but maybe it's too firm? Does anyone have any ideas on how to remedy this? The major problem we face is that his back is so very short, and most western pads cover over his entire back.

I've seen people suggest sewing silk or satin inside of blankets that rub, anyone ever done it for a saddle pad, if it's just on the rubbing part? I also saw another spine reliever kind of pad that you can put inserts in and I'm wondering if I got one and only put inserts in the back, if that might help. The saddle fits well through the shoulder so no padding is needed there.

Any suggestions on arabian-size western pads much appreciated! (I like the kind that mold to the top line and have a wither cut-out, and natural fibers that pull heat away.)
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 - 3:31 pm:

My favorite pad when riding western is a sheep skin "cool back" pad. I've never had any rubbing or other problems and I've used one for a "million years." I was always taught that you should use "natural" fibers in a horse pad, although I know that the neoprene ones and other specialized ones are very popular.
Member:
Cpacer

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 - 4:24 pm:

sara, is there info available online about such a pad? I did a search for sheepskin but mostly found english or half-pads with thick borders.

I want to add that the hair breakage/rubbing is an issue because it's caused skin sensitivity after long trail rides.
Member:
Shanson

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 - 8:44 pm:

I had this same issue with a fairly short-backed QH mare. I thought I could address it with the pad and tried, but in her case, the problem was that the saddle really didn't fit her. I ended up trading it for one that fit her.
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006 - 10:42 am:

Stateline used to have them. I'll try and remember to check some of my catalogs for you. The pads last forever, so I haven't bought one for a long time.

Sharon's comment about saddle fit is a good thing to check.
Member:
Cpacer

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006 - 10:45 am:

Did you end up trading the western in for something else? I've tried other western saddles on him and they're either too narrow in the shoulder, too wide all over, or too long, so I think I've got about as good as I can get for a western saddle (that is I think I do).

Anyone please educate me on this, but how many sizing variations are there in western saddles other than length and bar width/angle that should be considered?
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006 - 12:23 pm:

www.statelinetack.com has a wool pad with shearling fleece underside. It's called "Triple E Best of the West" I don't see the ones that are shearling on both sides, but would think this one would work as the fleece is next to the horse.

When you put the saddle on him with no pad underneath how does it fit? You want to make sure there isn't too much pressure over his withers, which is sometimes the case if the back is loose. If he's a dark color, you can put baby powder on him, put the saddle on him, get on and walk around a little, then get off, and see a "wear pattern." It might be that the front end needs lifting instead of more padding in the back. There are some good discussions on this site on saddle fit. If the problems is just in the winter, then the padding might help, or the fleece pad.
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006 - 12:29 pm:

I just saw on Stateline a "Diamond Wool Mission Pad" that looks really good, too, although a bit more money.
Member:
Cpacer

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006 - 1:07 pm:

thank you for your help Sara! I'll check them out.
Member:
Ilona

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006 - 1:52 pm:

There is a book I use so often because of its detail that I think may be helpful to you. "The Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book" by Joyce Harman DVM,MRCVS. I have found it extra-ordinarily helpful, just when I thought I knew the source of a problem I realized, with this book, the crucial detail I had missed.
Member:
Shanson

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006 - 4:07 pm:

Yes, I traded with a friend of mine who happened to have a western saddle that fit my mare.

I had help from a professional saddle fitter. I recommend this, if you can swing it. It was under $50 and the saddle fitter was invaluable in judging whether a pad would do the trick or whether the mare needed another saddle. Wonderful resource! I learned a lot.
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