From: Dana
Dear Jessica, this probably sounds really dumb, but I'm really starting to worry about this problem I have with my saddle pads. I just started riding English about a year ago, and I've had this problem since I started. My saddle pads just keep shifting back under the saddle until there isn't any saddle pad in front of the saddle. I keep having to get off and pull them back forwards. Why is this happening and what can I do about it? My saddle is a Collegiate and my trainer says it fits my horse. It's just this pad problem that really bugs me. How can I make my saddle pads stay in place? I use quilted mostly cotton pads if that helps you. Some of them are the shape of the saddle and some are square ones but they all do the same thing. Please help me Jessica!
Dana
Hi Dana!
First, be sure that your pad is big enough. A too-small pad will tend to work back under the edge of the saddle as you ride.
Second, be sure that your pad is pulled up into the saddle gullet -- a pad that sits down on top of the horse's withers will eventually dig into the withers, work back, or both.
Third, quilted cotton pads are very nice, but be sure that they are SHAPED along the top! Your horse's back isn't straight and flat, and the top of your saddle pad shouldn't be straight and flat either. The pad should rise at the front, to accomodate the horse's withers, and it should rise a little at the back, to fit the rise in the horse's back. When you try to put a completely straight piece of material on a curved surface, it isn't going to stay in place as well as a piece of material with curves that correspond to the surface. Shaped pads cost a little more because they use a bit more material, but they are worth the extra money.
Shaped or "high-wither" pads are becoming more popular and easier to find -- and they are also becoming less expensive. Most tack stores carry these or can order them for you. If you know how to sew, you can make your own -- buy ONE good one that fits your horse well, and use it as a template.
Some horses have very thin withers, others have almost no withers at all. In both these cases, pads can work their way back under the saddle. The best solutions I've found for this problem are shaped saddle pads, and shaped saddle pads that incorporate an extra piece of padding just at the withers.
Finally, be sure that your saddle is in the right place on your horse's back! If the saddle is too far forward, the movement of your horse's shoulders will push the pad back underneath the saddle. When you saddle your horse, put the saddle on top of the pad and place them both well forward on the horse's withers, then push them back into place. When the saddle is in place, it will not interfere with the horse's shoulders, the center of the seat will be the lowest point (stand back and look at it from the side), and there will be room for you to put your hand between your horse's elbow and the front edge of the girth. Your horse will be grateful! His hair will be smooth under the saddle and pad, and his shoulders will be free to move. And the pad will be much more likely to stay in place. ;-)
Jessica
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