Is a half pad necessary?
Do You Need a Half Pad? While half pads have quite a few benefits, there are times when using one may actually do more harm than good. The best example of this is when your saddle either fits your horse really well or especially if it might be too narrow.
What is the point of a half pad?
Correction half pads primary purposes are to aid in saddle fitting. They are equipped with special pockets on the top section of the pad to allow the addition of “shims” to the pad. Shims are additional inserts that make the half pad thicker to fill in gaps between the saddle and the horses back.
What is a Shimmable half pad?
Soft and breathable anti-slip pad for extra protection of withers and back. Shock absorbing half pad to distribute pressure evenly. Includes 8 shims to adjust saddle fit.
What size pad does my horse need?
Determining What Size Pad to Get: To determine the best size for your horse, measure the length of your saddle and add 2 to 3 inches to that length. Once under the saddle, your pad should show about 1-1.5″ of pad in the front and back of the saddle.
Are memory foam pads good for horses?
According to Jochen: ‘Memory foam pads increase pressure massively over the horse’s spine and nerve roots if there is not a minimum 4-inch gullet space for the spine along the length of the pad (preferably 6-8 inches in the front and 3-4 inches in the back to accommodate the spine and wither cap).
Can saddle pads be too big?
Yes, a saddle pad can be too big and that can cut off blood circulation to your horse and even cause fit issues or saddle pressure. Likewise, a very thick one with extra padding could cause the horse’s hind legs to move both the pad and the saddle forward.
How do you tell if your saddle pad fits your horse?
The saddle pad fit should leave enough space between the horse’s withers and the top of the pad so your fingers can fit underneath. The saddle pad should be centered on the horse’s back and placed over the withers to protect them from the saddle. Make sure the excess material is even all around the saddle.