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Kirby

Saddle Fitting

Fit Tips: About Pads

Susan Caldwell August 16, 2016

Your saddle pad is an important element for saddle fit. The spine and loin must be protected and pressure points avoided. The rider must understand that the musculoskeletal system of the horse transforms throughout a lifetime. Age, exercise and seasonal changes will change saddle fit. Transitioning from a hay diet during the Winter to a full blown grass-fest in the Summer can dramatically alter saddle fit. Hmmm… sounds kind of like us humans, right?   When enjoying the benefits of riding treeless, we must be aware of these inevitable changes. Now don’t be alarmed! Here is the beauty. You will not need to purchase another saddle. Because you made an intelligent choice to go treeless, most issues can likely be resolved with only a change in the selection of a quality saddle pad.

Younger horses generally are thinner with more prominent skeletal issues to be considered. As the horse matures, the back will likely change, possibly requiring pad adjustments to ensure proper saddle fit. A horses’ breed is another confirmation consideration for pad selection. A short-backed, high-withered Arabian would likely require a different pad (Saddle UP’s custom Skito Pad) than a stout flat-backed Percheron. Now add to the equation, the weight of the rider and the anticipated time that horse is carrying the riders’ weight, plus tack. Some of our athletic horses lose 90-100 lbs a session. This can dramatically change the horses’ top-line, which in turn, changes saddle fit.

Pads can be purchased with lots of options to best suit your riding discipline and address different concerns. Some pads can be purchased with Velcro openings. These allow for the option to replace standard foam if more support or weight distribution is necessary, or perhaps add inserts, such as shims for problem areas (Skito). Others pads may be constructed with materials that will allow body heat to escape, plus wicks moisture from the horse (HAF). Lastly lets not forget, eye appeal. Just because a pad needs to be functional first, doesn’t mean it can’t be pretty too! There are plenty of colors and patterns available.

For more saddle fitting info click here Saddle Fit.

–by Susan Caldwell

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“I'm in love with the Ultimate Trail saddle and what it's done for my horse!

I had gone looking for an alternative to my bespoke County saddle when my horse Blanco finally started coming back into work after a long bout of lameness. That’s when I discovered the treeless saddle & after much research contacted Paulita. We talked about what I wanted and what Blanco needed.

We've never been happier. I’ve had the Ultimate Trail saddle and Freeform pad for a year now. We’ve come so far. Blanco’s back is still changing, but through it all the saddle has fit both of us perfectly.”
–Brooks & Blanco

“Just wanted to give you a little Svenna update- she has changed SO MUCH since I bought the Freeform. Her back looks incredible. Really, her whole body has muscled up properly because she can get over the back and really work.

"I love riding in it (more balanced than my $4000 custom saddle ever was), although it probably took a solid two or three months to get the panels and stirrups placed juuuust right. Now it's absolutely perfect. Svenna loves it, too. She moves out great in it.

"I ended up putting the panels pretty far back and with a very wide spinal channel. It is super balanced and stable on her very round back - I can even get on from the ground if I absolutely have to. I also like how the front part of the panel fills in under my knee; it makes the saddle fit me a bit better and more securely. It took a lot of fussing to figure out this arrangement, I tried lots of different pads and panel placements, but I'm very happy with the result. Her sweat marks have also been great with this arrangement." READ THE WHOLE STORY..”
–Catherine Bingham

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