Why don't people use saddle pads?

[Jumperbabe]

I don't mean to be ignorant, but is there any reason why people don't use saddle pads? :confused:

I've seen several pictures of people riding their horses on NR without saddle pads, and I am a little amazed. Is it something that is just commonly done in the UK, or is it required in certain classes at shows?

Doesn't it cause pressure points on your horses back? And if your horse sweats at all doesn't it stain the leather? Or am I just missing it altogether and you actually have a pad underneath the saddle that is smaller than the saddle itself so the pad doesn't show?

Please clue me in!

[Cupcake]

Hey Jumperbabe. I've never heard of not using a saddle pad, don't think it would be wise to do so. I agree that the sweat would not be good at all for the leather and not to mention the rubbing it would cause on the horse.

There are a lot of saddle pads that are very small and can't be seen unless you look under the saddle. I'd like to know this as well, if indeed people do use just a saddle and not the pad underneath.

If you don't mind me asking, where are you located?

[vimto92]

I don't mean to be ignorant, but is there any reason why people don't use saddle pads? :confused:

I've seen several pictures of people riding their horses on NR without saddle pads, and I am a little amazed. Is it something that is just commonly done in the UK, or is it required in certain classes at shows?

Doesn't it cause pressure points on your horses back? And if your horse sweats at all doesn't it stain the leather? Or am I just missing it altogether and you actually have a pad underneath the saddle that is smaller than the saddle itself so the pad doesn't show?

Please clue me in!

No idea about the sweating aspect - but I think some showing classes require you not to wear a numnah/saddlecloth.

No, it won't cause pressure points. A correctly fitting saddle will be comfortable whether or not it has a saddlecloth underneath.

[Jumperbabe]

Hey Jumperbabe. I've never heard of not using a saddle pad, don't think it would be wise to do so. I agree that the sweat would not be good at all for the leather and not to mention the rubbing it would cause on the horse.

There are a lot of saddle pads that are very small and can't be seen unless you look under the saddle. I'd like to know this as well, if indeed people do use just a saddle and not the pad underneath.

If you don't mind me asking, where are you located?

USA, and maybe I don't get out enough but I've never seen anyone over here ride without one. ;) Most people I know (myself included) ride with at least two!

By pressure points I mean chafing. I would think the saddle rubbing right against the hair on a horses back would be a problem.

[Rea]

I'm no expert on showing but for some showing classes in the UK you dont use a saddle pad. Although in general everyday riding I can't see why you wouldnt use a pad, the saddle will get dirty,its so much easier to wash a saddle pad than a saddle. Also you loose the benefit of a saddle pad absorbing the sweat from the horses back.

In theory if your saddle fits it wont cause any rubbing or chaffing as it will be distrubuting weight evenly. I have a wow saddle for my horse with adjustable air panels, when my saddle fitter comes out to refit it I never use a saddle pad, which lets us create the best fit possible. Even after that I only have to use a thin cotton saddle pad so it doesnt interfere with the fit of the saddle.

[eventerbabe]

generally (i'm talking uk here ;)), a saddle is fitted without a pad underneath. If you go sticking a thick pad such as a polypad underneath it will knock out your saddle fit and could potentially cause discomfort to your horse. Fitters i've used have always fitted my saddles over the pads that i intend to use so such a problem doesn't happen.

[Wally]

Only use the thinnest cotton cloth you can find under a well, properly fitted saddle.

[Cochise]

Do you think I'm using a saddle pad here?

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/cheeksndebs/cheekridden3small.jpg

[Wally]

Looks like a discreet black one!

[molly34]

I'd always been taught if the saddle is good enough quality and fits properly, then you shouldn't need a pad - if you do use one, it should be as much for decoration and to keep a clean layer between saddle and horse as anything else, so it only needs to be a thin cotton thing.

If you do need any form of shims, risers or extensive padding, then you should probably be spending money on a new saddle, not the pads! (The exception being some treeless saddles which are designed to go with special pads).

[*Sez*]

My leather saddle is wool-flocked and when it was first fitted, my saddle fitter suggested I ride without a saddle cloth initially to help it to mold to my horse's back. As has been said, a properly fitted saddle shouldn't need anything under it - the main reason I use one is that firstly, my saddle is cold when it first goes on, and secondly, to keep the underside of my saddle from getting too sweaty and grimy.

I think some people also ride with saddle-shaped numnahs, which may not be as noticeable, especially if they're in black or brown and match the saddle. :)

[Cochise]

Looks like a discreet black one!

Yup, you're right! :D You can get neat little half sheepskin pads and stuff, too.

[chickyd444]

i was always told that if a saddle fits correctly you shouldnt need a pad any way, i only ride with a super dooper thin one, my saddle has a synthetic under neath any way with breathable flocking i believe, unlike the old saddle's with stinky sweat absorbing sheep wool , :)

[Wally]

Frances and I use saddle cloths for one reason and one reason only......because we are both too bone idle to clean the panels of saddles, why scrub when you have a washing machine??

[teddypony]

Most people do tend to ride with a saddle cloth in general riding, some showing classes prefer without (i think working hunter types i have seen without but i not too sure:o) Yes, i agree, a saddle should be a good fit without a saddle cloth underneath. I use a think cotton one for mine:)

[baileyboy]

like your comment molly34, how true!

[Kady A]

I'm also strongly agreeing with Molly34 - we have had a few demos from saddle fitters/manufacturers who ALL say if your saddle fits correctly you don't need a saddlecloth, numnah, sheepskin pad etc etc. I think too many people compensate for a badly fitting saddle by padding it out to death with half pads, riser pads, gel pads you name it.

[molly34]

That said, I do usually use saddlepads!

My treeless has a furry bottom (ooer) and like Wally I go for the easy-clean option! Its also an easy way to inject some more purple into our lives!!

[gordysgirl]

As others have said, I too have been taught only to use the thinnest of numnahs. Most people pad out if saddle doesn't fit quite right.

[eventerbabe]

no, that's not necessarily true. Sheepskin numnahs are really useful for comfort and sweat absorbancy. I fitted my youngsters saddle slightly wide to accomodate a suber pad to ensure even weight distribution on his back. Also means as he fills out we take away the pad and he's (limited) room to develop before we have to think of getting another saddle.

[showjumper-zoe]

If the saddle is fitted properly you don't need one, I just use thin ones, got wrong off saddle fitter for using big pads on top of them.

[Ginger Thing]

Jumperbabe - are you sure they're not using saddle-shaped numnahs, rather than what I would call a saddlecloth, and you might call a saddle pad? When I have a black numnah under a black saddle, it's barely visible in photos.

Agree with others - a well-fitted saddle should not need a numnah/cloth/pad, their only purpose is to absorb sweat and keep the saddle clean. However, I use sheepskin numnahs on one of my horses, and have fitted my saddles to allow for the extra thickness.

[Jumperbabe]

Jumperbabe - are you sure they're not using saddle-shaped numnahs, rather than what I would call a saddlecloth, and you might call a saddle pad? When I have a black numnah under a black saddle, it's barely visible in photos.

Agree with others - a well-fitted saddle should not need a numnah/cloth/pad, their only purpose is to absorb sweat and keep the saddle clean. However, I use sheepskin numnahs on one of my horses, and have fitted my saddles to allow for the extra thickness.

Thanks for your responses! I think I should also clarify that over here anything that goes under a saddle is referred to as a saddle pad so I think my question may have not been clear to some of you (you got it right Ginger Thing) and I'm not entirely sure what the distinction is between a numnah (although I’m pretty sure I know what you are talking about there)/cloth/pad/etc. I think it is awesome that many of you get to have people come out and fit your horses for saddles. I've only met a few very top trainers who can afford this, and they still all use saddle pad/numnahs/cloths/etc! The rest of us buy off the rack and do our best :)

I guess my only other question would be is if you buy a saddle that is fitted for your horse and you don't use any pads, etc. Then your horse loses muscle or changes shape in any way what do you do then? Do you get your saddle remade again so it will fit? And then again when your horse gets his muscle back? How many times do you do this? Most horses change lose and gain muscle/ fat throughout the year (sometimes just a little, sometimes a lot) and do you have margin for error if you have nothing between your saddle and your horses back?

Can anyone please explain? Thank you!

[teddypony]

I have just had this happen, boss has some muscle wastage, so saddle off to be reflocked and i have been advised to build the muscle back up and use a 'shock absorbing pad' (its shires) until the muscle is correct to support the saddle again:)

[baileyboy]

Some people chose a saddle that allows it to be altered if they have a horse that is prone to changing shape that way you always have the best fit you can.

[Pink's lady]

The US love their pads! Every single horse I rode over there had their saddle padded up!

I suspect it's a lot to do with the lack of saddle fitting, so any old saddle is used (as long as it's comfortable for the rider:rolleyes: ) and a pad is put under it in the hope it makes it better:eek: The condition of some of the horses backs whom I rode was just horrible:( (I refused to get on two of them).

I also wonder how much the breeds of horse have to do with it. Over there all I really saw was QH, TB and warmbloods and variations on that theme. They all have a very similar back shape. Saddles were orginally designed for that kind of 'riding horse' Over here we have loads of cobs, who's backs aren't designed for saddles (they're for pulling heavy things!) and they causes problems with saddle fit.

Over here our 'numnahs' and 'saddle clothes' are just thin bits of material that soak up sweat and keep the saddle clean. There are plenty of 'pads' (or wedges) avalible but generally their saddles fit without.

As for changing shape, some people do, others don't realise the importance.

I have my saddles fitted when the horses are at their fattest or fittest, so they are as wide as they will ever be. I then use various different pads to keep the saddle fitting as they loose weight or muscle. Then take them off again as they regain weight.

There are plenty of people in the UK who have not the first clue about saddles (there's a thread about it at the moment!) and will happily continue using the same saddle all year around, depsite it being two sizes too narrow as little Blackie blows up like a balloon on summer grass:rolleyes:

[Cupcake]

This is a great thread, where I am you would never ever not wear a saddle blanket. At PC at ARC you'd be told to put one on immediately. I much rather washing the saddle blanket after I ride than my saddle.

[Jumperbabe]

The US love their pads! Every single horse I rode over there had their saddle padded up!

I suspect it's a lot to do with the lack of saddle fitting, so any old saddle is used (as long as it's comfortable for the rider:rolleyes: ) and a pad is put under it in the hope it makes it better:eek: The condition of some of the horses backs whom I rode was just horrible:( (I refused to get on two of them).

I also wonder how much the breeds of horse have to do with it. Over there all I really saw was QH, TB and warmbloods and variations on that theme. They all have a very similar back shape. Saddles were orginally designed for that kind of 'riding horse' Over here we have loads of cobs, who's backs aren't designed for saddles (they're for pulling heavy things!) and they causes problems with saddle fit.

Over here our 'numnahs' and 'saddle clothes' are just thin bits of material that soak up sweat and keep the saddle clean. There are plenty of 'pads' (or wedges) avalible but generally their saddles fit without.

As for changing shape, some people do, others don't realise the importance.

I have my saddles fitted when the horses are at their fattest or fittest, so they are as wide as they will ever be. I then use various different pads to keep the saddle fitting as they loose weight or muscle. Then take them off again as they regain weight.

There are plenty of people in the UK who have not the first clue about saddles (there's a thread about it at the moment!) and will happily continue using the same saddle all year around, depsite it being two sizes too narrow as little Blackie blows up like a balloon on summer grass:rolleyes:

Haha...I didn't know using lots of pads was unique to US riders :rolleyes:. You made some very good points Pink Lady, I think most people over here try their best to find a saddle that fits their horse but very few people can afford to spend several thousands of dollars on custom saddles. Especially if it's suitable with pads. So far my horse hasn't complained, and I think I'll stick to my two pads :p

[Rea]

The saddle I own has air bags in the panels instead of the traditional wool flocking. My old mare would change shape constantly with putting weight on and off, and changing muscle hence why I bough this saddle. My saddle fitter would come out anything from once a month to every 6 months depending on when I needed her just to change the air in the panels and adjust the width of the saddle if needed.

It can be expensive to keep a saddle that fits your horse well. Very few saddles can be adjusted as much as the one I own. Most people do pad and shim saddles to made do as it can often be expensive having to buy and sell saddles all the time.

[wildponies]

My Saddles have been fitted without saddlecloths/numnahs underneath. I only use thin cloths under my saddle.

[justsampson]

I have to say (living in the US) that I have never seen anyone not use a pad here. I live in the midwest and when I lived on the east coast, we had saddle fitters located everywhere. But in the middle of the nation (St. Louis), the closest one was 6 hours away... I have a shark looking TB that strives on having a custom fitted saddle, but with no one close, pads are our best friend. If we had someone close, I could have his fitted, but we have to deal with what we've got. We ride in a square pad with a sheepskin wither pad... I wish I had a saddle fitter here.... :)