Hey there!
My riding career started when I was 9 years old. I mostly ride AQH's but I've ridden and worked with many different breeds. I've also worked with and shown a couple of green horses. I ride hunter jumpers and like to do a little dressage.
Do I really need a saddle pad? This is a question you may ask. It is true that saddle seat horses are often ridden without pads but it is also true that it can rub the skin of your horse raw. It is a good idea to figure out the right pad to suit your horse, your discipline, the occasion, and the workout. Use the chart below to help decide what pads to use. What you need may vary but below are what are normally highly suggested.
Regular Back: Summer Time: Jumping- medium weight shaped fleece pad Hacking- light/medium weight quilted baby pad Dressage- light/medium weight quilted dressage pad Winter Time: Jumping- thick all purpose pad + non slip pad Hacking- medium weight all purpose pad + shaped fleece pad Dressage- fleece or wool lined dressage pad Fall/spring: Jumping- breathable cotton pad + non slip pad Hacking- medium weight all purpose pad Dressage- medium weight dressage pad
Sensitive Back: Summer Time: Jumping- breathable cotton pad Hacking- light weight quilted baby pad + shaped fleece girth Dressage- medium weight dressage pad Winter Time: Jumping- medium weight all purpose + half pad/wither relief pad Hacking- thick all purpose pad + light weight shaped fleece pad Dressage- thick quilted dressage pad + light weight shaped fleece pad Spring/Fall: Jumping- light weight all purpose pad + half pad/with relief pad Hacking- thick all purpose pad Dressage- light weight dressage pad + medium weight shaped fleece pad
Showing: Regular back: Jumping/HUS- doubled faced shaped fleece pad Dressage- Light/medium weight dressage pad Sensitive Back: Jumping/HUS- light weight shaped fleece pad + half pad/wither relief pad Dressage- Thick quilted dressage pad
Don't forget! *To wash saddle pads frequently to remove dirt/hair/sweat *Only use completely dry pads, never damp *Use the girth and billet straps to prevent slipping
Not all horses naturally have a slow and flowing or fast and flat stride but with a little time and patientce you can teach your horse how to collect and extend his stride.
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