What's a good half pad to use to help raise the saddle off a horse's withers?

Question

Nobody laugh at me for asking such a dumb question :P ...but what's the best kind of half pad to help get the saddle off the horse's withers? I have a young thoroughbred with very little topline muscling, and his withers are pretty pronounced. My saddle fits him very well, but there's hardly any clearance between the gullet and his withers, and I'm nervous that it might be actually touching or that it will keep him from rounding up his back, etc. Anybody got any good pad suggestions? (Also, the cheaper the better! I'll do my best to get what I need to make my boy comfortable, but I won't be able to do anything soon if it's too expensive.)

Also, I know that saddle fit issues shouldn't just be fixed with saddle pads, but I really can't get a new saddle right now.

I was thinking about just getting a fleece half pad, but I don't know how well that will actually raise the saddle. I thought about maybe one of the honeycomb gel ones or a memory foam, but I still didn't know how much lift those had. I've got an old back pad with extra thickness for the dips on either side of the withers, but i think the edges of his will put pressure points at the back of his shoulders when I am in the saddle. I thought maybe one of the fleeceworks pads with the shims might work well. Suggestions please!

Thank you all!

Road Apples · Accepted Answer

If it's not clearing his withers, the saddle doesn't fit. Plain and simple.

Have a saddle fitter out and either they will adjust your saddle to fit the horse, or they will suggest a saddle that will fit him.  The saddle will have to be adjusted as his shape changes as he gets into/out of shape, but this will save you a TON of money in the long run.  Until you can afford a decent saddle that will fit him 100%, you can get a much better fit if you get a saddle in the short term that has exchangeable gullets, like Wintec or Bates (Wintec is cheaper), and I'd also suggest CAIR panels.

An ill-fitting saddle will make you pay- through chiropractor costs, massage therapist costs, and even training costs to figure out why he gets so pissy in the middle of a ride, and you will end up having to get another saddle eventually anyway.

Just adding a pad will make his issues worse and pinch his withers as well as sitting on top of them.

EDIT: You can easily send a tracing to a saddle fitter and they can help you out as well.  http://saddlefitter.blogspot.com/2009/03/long-distance-fitting.html

And if you can save up even $500, you can get a Wintec 500 AP with Cair: http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-15226&ids=1067808356&bhcd2=1269836970
And if you order it from here (http://www.tackroominc.com/ ), a full gullet kit comes with it for free (you might have to call to have them order one in, but they'll still send it to you with the gullet kit).

? · Answer

You need to get a new saddle. Stuffing saddle pads will not get it to fit properly. From what you describe the saddle is too big which can lead to the saddle slipping if you're off balance as well as rubbing the horse. If the saddle is too big then it is not putting the correct weight across the horses back and will result in a sore back. And yes, a correctly fitting saddle means everything to your horse. This can and will cause behavioural reactions due to pain, can cause back damage and makes it very unsafe for you to ride.

? · Answer

It sounds like your saddle doesn't fit your horse properly and while it is tempting to "fix" the problem by stuffing a thick saddle pad or some foam risers under the saddle, you could end up with your horse have a sore back and having him/her turn sour and create behavior issues.  I know it is more expensive, but you can't skimp on the fit of a saddle or the health of your horse.  Have your horse fitted with a proper saddle and you will immediately know the difference.  Your horse will be far more cooperative and happy, he/she will respond better to your cues and your ride will be smoother and far more fun.  Your horse will love you for it.

ℒa ℬella ℒuna · Answer

I have a foam half pad. It has more foam where the whithers would be, and less on the back. They work pretty good, and you can get them for around $20. I really suggest foam over any other type. They last longer, more grip, and more cushion.

Rachaelina · Answer

I like foam risers. They're cheap and comfortable and always work for my tb with the same top line issues

What's a good half pad to use to help raise the saddle off a horse's withers?

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