Will a Best Ever Pad work with a treeless saddle?

Question

I've been looking at treeless saddle pads, and I'm wondering if anyone rides in a Best Ever Pad without a tree? It looks like it has spine and wither clearance, and I know a lot of people ride on 5 Stars which are built similarly. But I have a limited budget and even used I can't seem to find a thin 5 Star. But I have found a Best Ever that is thin enough not to roll the saddle within my price range and I'm thinking of buying it. Right now I have an ESP pad but it's a little thick and it presses down on my mare's withers a little too much. Has anyone used these pads with treeless before?

Update:

It's a Bob Marshall original, BTW. I barrel race so I need a thinner pad that won't make the saddle roll.

Equestrienne1979 · Accepted Answer

It depends on which treeless saddle you're riding in and what kind of back conformation your horse has.

Most western type treeless saddles, like the Bob Marshall, need a pad that provides spinal clearance since they don't have any built in. I use a Skito saddle pad with my Bob Marshall. Tom at http://www.skito.net will custom design your pad based on your saddle, your horse, and your riding preferences. Her guarantees his pads, so if you have issues, he will work with you until you're happy with the results. They're not cheap, but they're worth every penny. I still have my first Skito pad from 9 years ago and it's still going strong! Sometimes you can find them used on eBay, Tacktrader, or the Treeless Saddle group on Yahoo! Groups. Tom can make new inserts for your pad if you need them altered, which saves you some money.

If your saddle already has built in panels that create spinal clearance, then I would contact your saddle manufacturer to see what they recommend. All of the reputable treeless manufacturers will work with you to help you find the right saddle pad for you and your horse.

ETA: A thin pad maybe, buy you still need to provide proper spinal clearance for your horse and weight distribution. Bob Marshall saddles don't have any of that built in. I have a BMSS Endurance saddle and LOVE IT, but I have had to get creative with pads.

I would suggest getting a good Skito pad from Tom. Get one with the wool felt bottom and 1/2" x 1/2" laminated foam inside. That will make the pad only 1/2" thick under your leg while giving extra thickness at the spine. The laminated inserts help stabilize the saddle too. Skito foam compresses as it warms, conforming to your horse's back and the saddle. It's not as thick as it is when it's cold.

Here's one with 3/4" foam with 1/2" laminated inserts.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SKITO-SADDLE-PAD-NO-RESERVE-/271191034543

Here's one with the dryback top, which makes it very non-slip.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Skito-Dryback-Western-Saddle-Pad-with-Memory-Foam-Inserts-32-Long-by-33-Wide-/200915233301

Ask what kind of inserts are in this one: http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/grd/3697256043.html

Make sure you're using a 100% Mohair roper style girth.  That will add stability without causing chaffing or irritation. Neoprene girths get slippery when your horse sweats and the waffle print ones can cause girth galls. Mohair or Alpaca is your best bet.

shoger · Answer

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Will a Best Ever Pad work with a treeless saddle?

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