If you look through most equine catalogs, you will find numerous saddle pads amongst the natural horse products listed. Pads and blankets alike offering many benefits to horse and rider alike. So, you ask yourself….how do I choose?
Check out the August/September 2009 issue of Holistic Horse for an article by theresa Gagnon about choosing the right pad.
Saddle pads and blankets used to be few in variety. But now, there are so many different types, makes, styles to fit every riding discipline out there. With so many choices, it can be quite overwhelming to the owner.
When deciding on a pad, your first consideration should be your specific needs…..
- Are you trying to change or correct the fit of your saddle?
- Does your horse have sore spots or back problems that you are trying to address?
- Are you looking for a specific design or look?
- What are the needs of the specific discipline you are involved in?
Some things to remember are saddle fit can only be corrected with a pad if the tree is too wide or the horse has uneven muscling. If the tree is too narrow, a new saddle is the answer. Adding more padding to a too narrow tree is kinda like trying to correct a pair of your shoes that are too small by adding another pair of socks….not gonna work and will only make things tighter!
Other issues in question to consider will be back problems, a slippery saddle, saddle or riding style, chosen discipline and then materials and tecnology that are out there.
Go to www.holistichorse.com to read more about this subject or subscribe to this natural horse care magazine.
Along with keeping in the state of natural with your horses, remember that natural hoof trimming and natural horse products all contribute to your success with the whole horse.
A successful ride comes from having a happy horse to start with!
Posted by Nancy Fredrick
