The Pressure of Pads - Gel or Saddlecoth? - And More ...

Personal taste again? Many of the modern cloths and numnahs have very attractive piping and binding around the edges and lots of bling. This is no problem so long as the cloth is big enough so that at no time does the saddle come into contact with the piping at the back or, in the case of a numnah, around the sides. Often, this is okay, but when you get to the girth slots the piping runs under the girth, making an area of pressure that will be most uncomfortable. Please always check that this area is clear of additional edgings.

Many cloths have fastenings from the front of the pad to the Ds of the saddle – a much better option that having the tabs come from under the saddle and back to the girth straps. Once again, pressure. Some will say that with the fastening at the front of the saddle the cloth runs back under the saddle. Often the cause of this is the material that the cloth is made from, being very high or totally made from a synthetic material. Cotton, either pure cotton or a very high cotton content is what is needed but, of course these are more expensive. The bonus from this is that they will almost certainly have a nicer shape and sit so much better on the horse.

‘Gel’ pads are all the rage at the moment, with a bit of fluff around the back. Unless absolutely necessary to prevent excessive slippage please do not use them, especially on jumping horses. They grip the skin meaning that it can’t flow under the saddle, as happens with a more standard pad. Testing has shown a marked reduction of performance in the horse when using these, so weigh up your priorities. “Without this pad the saddle slips to an unacceptable extent. With it, it stays in place”. If that isn’t your reply, then don’t use it! Oh, and as a shock absorber? Most of the high pressures occur under the front part of the saddle and are fleeting with a well-fitting saddle. The pressure relief you believe you achieve may well be counteracted by the holding and pulling of the skin beneath it. THINK about what you are doing by using these products!

I could write a whole article on pads and numnahs here, but that might have to wait until another day.

Stirrup leathers. For your preference surely? Perhaps not. The fashion at the moment is for hide covered web which has the advantage of not being too thick, but heavy stirrup leather butt or buffalo leathers tend to be bulky and will put pressure through the recessed stirrup bar area into the horse’s sides. NOT what we are wanting.

Whilst we're on the subject of tack ...

Bits are now being thought about much more and there are some excellent bitting experts out there that you can consult. Do check their qualifications though. We have more than enough self-styled “experts” on many topics in the horse world, most without qualification or, more importantly, insurance.

Fashion is a great driver in the equestrian market and bits go in fads as much as anything that we use, but please take a moment to look into his mouth before deciding what to use. The width of the jaw, positioning of the teeth, size and thickness of the tongue and the shape of the roof of his mouth will all influence what he will find acceptable and what he will not. Perhaps you will need that qualified bitting expert.

These are just some of the many items that we use on our horses with little thought. Please consider every item that you use with or on your horse, study available research into the product and make your choices in an informed way and not because your pal Brenda or your trainer Richard uses this. Good, repeatable research using pressure testing, gait analysis and film can show you so much. Why not benefit from it?

Whilst you are here, do watch the short trailer below for my two-part video series specifically for  Riders and Trainers

Kay Hastilow’s Saddle Fitting Know How For Riders and Trainers is a two part video series, giving a fascinating, practical insight into saddles, correct fit and common problems.

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