Best Saddle Pad for...

[Rebels_Princess]

What is the best saddle pad for filling in a dip behind the shoulder just below the wither on your horse. It doesn't seem to matter how strong of a top line I get on my mare she always has this confirmation dip there. I'm trying to decide between something from Mattes (shims), Thinline (shims), or I just stumbled on something called a Skito Pad (shoulder bridge?).

[JET11]

ECOGOLD are the best/

[klmck63]

I love the Ogilvy (http://ogilvyequestrian.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=6&=SID#MOREINFO) ones. I find the memory foam kind of expands where it's need and contracts where it's not.

[jds]

I second the ECOGOLD. They have a pad where you can fill the shoulder cavity with a riser that attaches with velcro: http://www.ecogold.ca/en/products/hj522.php

[magnolia73]

I have the fleeceworks pad with front and rear shims. I did not realize how well it worked until I swapped out with a different pad. My back and my horse's back objected. The inserts are squishy, particularly the fronts, so really fill where they need to fill, and I think the shims absorb shock really well.

[lilacotti]

This is what I have found works for exactly what you described.

http://www.scruggsfarm.com/Impact-Gel-Bridge-Pad.html

[meupatdoes]

A saddle that fits, with gusseted shoulder panels deeply flocked.

It is a vicious cycle: the saddle doesn't fit, so the horse doesn't use the back, so the back atrophies more, so the saddle fits worse.

[Rebels_Princess]

A saddle that fits, with gusseted shoulder panels deeply flocked.

It is a vicious cycle: the saddle doesn't fit, so the horse doesn't use the back, so the back atrophies more, so the saddle fits worse.

I realize this but it just isn't a practical option for me, or anyone on a tight budget, to go out and buy a brand new saddle. The mare has been using herself very well as of late but still is not filling in this area. She isn't showing any signs of soreness, even though she is pretty long backed. There are just so many options out there and I'm not sure what actually would help.

[dwblover]

Roma ProTek Saddle Pad with Lift Front. VERY economical and extremely comfortable for the horse.

[mojo7777]

I've been trying different pads and spending $$ on this problem too, and from my experience, I have a suggestion... Go with the type of pad that you can adjust, with shims that you can layer as needed. Either Mattes or Thinline are this type. The Skito shoulder bridge pad sounded good, and was less expensive, but when I got it I found that the parts that fill in the wither hollows were too thick and actually tipped my saddle back, no way to reduce the thickness. My horse's topline has been filling in, and he does not need the correction as much as he did--if I had the type of pad that I could take out a layer or two then I would be able to adjust. Wish I could go back in time knowing what I know now about horsie and pads and save the money!

[JB]

Fleeceworks Perfect Balance pad
Mattes Correction pad
Skito

[hollyhorse2000]

I have Mattes correction pad (both half and full pads) and Thinline correction pads (both half and full pads) AND a saddle with gusseting to fill in her dips.

But the BEST pad by FAR is the Ecogold. I now have two. Can't recommend highly enough . . .

[mhill]

EquiFit offers a full line of T-Form Saddle Pads™, featuring T-Foam technology, EquiFit's T-Form Therapeutic Saddle Pads conform to the exact contour of your horse and saddle for a custom fit on every horse, every time. The lightweight pads disperse pressure points, maximize support and saddle stability and absorb 97% of shock and vibration under impact. T-Foam's open celled structure prevents overheating. T-Form Therapeutic Pads are ideal for horses with sore backs, ill-fitting saddles and for the prevention of sore backs.

http://equifit.net/products.asp?view=11&category=T-Form%20Saddle%20Pads


Thank you,
Melissa Hill
EquiFit, inc.

[feetofclay1678]

what ecogold pad do you use for filling in the hollow behind/below the withers? is it the wither pad? or something else entirely?

[jds]

the wither pad with the front attachments: http://www.ecogold.ca/en/products/hj522.php

there's a video on the dressage side: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AExXlkLg3Bw

[hollyhorse2000]

Ecogold has two options that are the equivalent of shimming in Mattes or thinline. One option are small, round pads that fit in the hollows (via Velcro) and the other option is more of a halfpad that runs the length of the saddle (also attaches via Velcro to the bottom/main pad). I ordered both for my horse, then sent back the small round pads as they were too much. I just use the halfpad on both the wither pad and the hunter pad. As I mentioned, I am a big fan!

[alteringwego]

mattes correction pad with shims