[stormymay25]

I have never been that Tack smart until we had our 4 year old professionally trained just recently and now I am wanting to do everything right as far as the proper tack. I am looking at a Ride n Lite Orthopaedic Saddle Pad in Country Supply and was wondering how good this pad is and if I need an additional underpad. Need Help and Thank You in advance.

[HUS_WP_lovr]

If he is fit, has a good back, and his saddle fits properly he should do fine in a regular saddle pad.

[Lindsayanne]

What the heck is "memory felt"?! I like how they claim how wonderful it is, but don't even attempt to explain what it is or how it works. I'd spend my money on a pad made by a manufacturer with a better reputation for top quality.

If your saddle doesn't fit well, no pad is going to fix it- and if your saddle does fit well, you shouldn't need a super-special pad.

[stormymay25]

With a zillion pads to choose from, any suggestions without paying the high dollars. He does not have high withers, he is 5 years old and a good back.

[dixygirl]

Originally Posted by Lindsayanne

if your saddle does fit well, you shouldn't need a super-special pad.

For a horse with a swayback or an older horse they may need shimming or extra shock absorption more than a saddle provides. My girl has a dip in her back and no saddle will conform to that curve so the swayback pad balances the weight so there would not be pressure points on the front and back with no support in the middle. Old horses benefit from neoprene that prevents too much jarring to their aging skeletal system.

That pad you are mentioning looks good
http://www.horse.com/Western-Tack/Sa...Pad-WIR29.html

I have one with the Tacky Too texture. That is an anti slip texture so the saddle doesn't slide as much. The felt is supposed to keep the horse's perspiration dry and the horse feeling cool. I also like the antibacterial / anti fungal properties in the textiles. If you can afford it, i say treat yourself and your horse to it. I have the
Reinsman® Tacky Too Contour Swayback Saddle Pad which is similar but shaped for my horse's dipped back...and MY HORSE LOVES IT!!!.

One day I put on a regular thin neoprene pad instead that she used to use and she actually bit it with her mouth and threw it on the ground