Correct Pad Placement for Better Balance

Saddle Pad Adjustments for Horses in Marlborough

Your saddle pad affects how weight distributes across your horse's back and whether the spine stays clear during work. In Marlborough, riders often rotate between multiple horses or manage horses recovering from time off, and the wrong pad thickness or placement can create pressure where the saddle would otherwise fit well. Adjusting saddle pads involves repositioning the pad under the saddle, selecting appropriate shims or inserts, and ensuring the pad does not compress unevenly during a ride.

SaddleFit and Solutions evaluates pad fit alongside saddle placement, checking for bunching at the withers, uneven compression along the panels, or gaps that allow the saddle to shift. This service includes guidance on pad selection for horses with temporary asymmetry, sensitivity along the back, or those transitioning between conditioning programs. Proper pad placement supports saddle stability without adding unnecessary bulk that can interfere with close contact or communication through the seat.

Contact SaddleFit and Solutions to schedule a pad adjustment during your next fitting appointment in Marlborough.

How Pad Adjustments Affect Saddle Stability

The adjustment process starts with removing your current pad and observing how the saddle sits directly on the horse's back, then reintroducing the pad to see where it compresses, lifts, or shifts during movement. In Marlborough, SaddleFit and Solutions checks that the pad does not bridge across the spine, pull tight over the withers, or bunch under the rear panels where it can create localized pressure. Shims or inserts are positioned only where needed to level the saddle or add cushioning to sensitive areas.

After the adjustment, you will see the saddle remain centered during lateral work and transitions, and your horse will move without hollowing through the back or pinning the ears when you mount. The pad should sit smoothly under the saddle from front to back, with the spine channel staying open and visible throughout the ride.

Over-padding is a common mistake that lifts the saddle too far off the back and reduces stability, while under-padding can leave the horse without enough protection from concussive force. This service does not replace saddle adjustments when the tree itself no longer fits, but it does resolve issues caused by incorrect pad choice or placement in multi-horse barns where one saddle serves several animals.

Common Concerns About Pad Selection

Riders ask which pad materials work best for different horses, whether thicker pads solve fit problems, and how often pads should be replaced to maintain support.

What should I look for in a saddle pad?
Look for a pad that maintains spinal clearance, does not compress unevenly after repeated use, and matches the length and shape of your saddle panels. Materials like wool felt or synthetic blends with memory foam inserts offer different levels of cushioning and breathability.
How do I know if my pad is causing saddle movement?
If your saddle slides forward, backward, or to one side during riding despite correct girthing, the pad may be too slippery, too thick, or improperly positioned. You may also notice the pad bunching or folding under the saddle after dismounting.
Why is over-padding a problem?
Over-padding lifts the saddle away from the horse's back and reduces your ability to feel movement or maintain balance. It also makes the saddle less stable and can create rocking or bouncing that increases impact on the horse's spine.
When should I replace my saddle pad?
Replace your pad when it no longer springs back after compression, when the materials become hard or lumpy, or when sweat and dirt have degraded the fibers. SaddleFit and Solutions can assess pad condition during fitting appointments in Marlborough.
How does pad placement differ for asymmetrical horses?
For horses with one shoulder or hip weaker than the other, shims are placed under the lower side to level the saddle and prevent it from tipping. The placement is adjusted as the horse rebuilds symmetry through exercise or bodywork.

Riders in Marlborough managing multiple horses or seasonal conditioning changes benefit from understanding how pad selection and placement affect saddle performance, and this service clarifies what works for your specific situation. Reach out to SaddleFit and Solutions to include pad adjustments with your next service visit.