Half Pads

[Edwy]

I am thinking of buying a half pad, but they are really expensive, and I wanted to see if any of you have them and like them. I have a good saddle, but even with all the fitting and adjustable bits it has it still dosen't fit right. We've been putting a towel in the front, with added layers there, to bring the front up. Today I borrowed a half pad and it felt really nice to ride with. They do have them with shims and I thought maybe I could use that instead of the towel. It certainly would look a lot better than a towel... Anyway, anyone have any experience with this?

[Peaches]

Lots

First off, I'd like to make the probably obvious point that ideally, you shouldn't pad out a saddle for the perfect fit unless as a temporary measure - and even then, only if the saddle is already too WIDE as otherwise you are narrowing the saddle...

Secondly...I have varying shimmable half pads - Mattes (lovely and thick, and wonderful quality stitching, quilting etc, but the sheepskin is a type which isn't silky imo which some don't like). Can get as normal pad, front raiser, back raiser, 4 pocket shim, 2 pocket shim...Also comes in a range of qualities of sheepskin.

Lemiuex - I have a pro-sorb half pad, which is merino sheepskin, and has a pocket running the length of the pad, each side of the spine. Lovely silky sheepskin, but not as thick as Mattes. Washes really well. I found the quilt marks quite easily is rubbed a bit though....

I also have a merino Roma full saddle cloth which is half lined with sheepskin. MUCH cheaper than the others, and comes without pockets, however I unpicked a line of stitching and replaced with velcro making 2 invisible pockets just like the other pads. Works great, cheaper option. Not washed yet. Thinner than mattes. Interestingly, absorbs sweat MUCH better than the other 2 pads from my experience so far....

HTH some... =]

[vimto92]

Hi Edwy, a half pad does sound like it would be a good idea and probably a lot comfier than a towel.

I know that in the US saddle fitting is of less importance than people in the UK believe and I have heard it is difficult to find saddle fitters. A former member of this forum lives in the states I believe, and wrote a saddle fitting essentials book which I feel would probably be of great interest to you. http://lorienstable.com/book/