[jazzyjumper]

since jazz has been out of regular schooling for a while due to his weight loss scare, he has lost some muscle as well, especially in his topline. hes finally at a point where hes gained enough back so i can SLOWLY start bringing him back into work. i want to start working him back undersaddle, but im worried about the way it will fit due to him lacking topline muscle. im pretty sure my saddle fit him pretty well before he went out of work, but i dont think it will now. should i get a saddle pad with shims to help with this?

and also, is there a cheaper alternative to mattes pads? they are the only english ones i could find that have shims.

[ARMwins]

i would love to help, or try to, but what are shims

[jazzyjumper]

they are the little inserts that some corrective pads have pockets for.
here is one by mattes: http://www.smartpakequine.com/produc...eCategory=true

[Dawn]

There are several types of english pads that utilize shims. I'm not sure of the prices attached to each one though. But I do know (well I'm pretty sure) that some are cheaper than mattes.

[jazzyjumper]

ok thanks, do you know where i could find the cheaper ones? thanks!

[Dawn]

Lol, I've been looking through sites ever since I posted that looking for the ones I've seen. And I can't find anything! I know they make them though. Because I've looked at some of them before.

[ARMwins]

you know, you might not even need shims, just *like* a beval theraputic might work. notice i said *like* because theyre 100$ at cheapest 0_0

[Lindsayanne]

Mattes shims aren't all they are cracked up to be, IMO. They are really really really thin pieces of really low density felt. I was not impressed.

I think this site offers an interesting alternative: http://www.american-flex.com/pads.htm shims (3/$12) that affix to any saddle pad using carpet tape (love that stuff) what a good idea for a temporary fix!

[DiamondRio]

I also agree that the mattes shims arent that great. The horse i am rehabbing i was riding in two half pads wtih a normal ap pad underneath that and that has been working quite fine.
I would first see if just a normal half pad would work for your situation. I personally LOVE fleeceworks I have about 5 in different colors.

[dixygirl]

Have-A-Heart Saddle Bridgepad System


Price: $34.95


Description:

Two layers of closed cell foam are contained within pockets that fall to either side of the horses spine; these are secured close by strips of velcro. Another strip of velcro is on the underside of the pad, down the center spine. We supply a matching strip of velcro loop fastening to be glued to the appropriate spot on the top of any other saddle pad. This permits the rider to attach the Have-a-Heart to the top side of any other saddle pad he or she may choose.

Our system permits you to custom fit the padding to the amount of dip in your horse’s back by removing a layer of cushioning. Developing and strengthening your horse’s back will assure many extra years of pain free riding.
http://www.gaitsofgold.net/component...er/Itemid,218/


I have the
Reinsman® Tacky Too Contour Swayback Saddle Pad

It is VERY thick. Maybe a bit too thick and also $86.oo. You can not customize the shape of the one i have either. If your horse does not have a deep dip, the cheaper Have a Heart above may be all you need.


Another option popular in Europe is the SUBER Pad

http://www.davidahnequine.co.uk/video.htm

Basically a cork bean bag pad that will PERFECTLY CUSTOM FIT and fill any voids between your horse's back and the saddle! It also has complete shock absorption and feels like a massage to the horse's back. Available in various patterns and styles.



I honestly think this is the best choice and best pad for all horses... albeit the most expensive.
http://www.davidahnequine.co.uk/index.htm