What Size Pad Does My Horse Need?

Determining What Size Pad to Get: To determine the best size for your horse, measure the length of your saddle and add 2 to 3 inches to that length. Once under the saddle, your pad should show about 1-1.5″ of pad in the front and back of the saddle.

What size is a full saddle pad?

A proper saddle pad should be 2 inches longer than the length of your saddle and 2 inches wider than the bottom of the skirts. An extra small size can range from 14 to 14.5 inches, a small size is 15 to 15.5 inches, a medium-sized pad is 16 inches to 16.5 inches, and a large-sized pad is 17.5 inches or even more.

How should a saddle pad fit?

The saddle pad fit should leave enough space between the horse’s withers and the top of the pad so your fingers can fit underneath. The saddle pad should be centered on the horse’s back and placed over the withers to protect them from the saddle. Make sure the excess material is even all around the saddle.

How do I know my saddle size?

Use a measuring tape and take it along your thigh bone, measuring from the end of your knee to the backside of your bottom. It’s better to go a size larger if in doubt. For Western riders the rule of thumb is that the English seat size is generally two inches larger than a Western saddle seat size.

Does my horse need a half pad?

Using a half pad can help to make the saddle fit your horse better as he grows and gets into shape. This can save you from having to buy new saddles frequently as he grows out of his old ones. Once your horse stops growing or gets back into shape, you may be able to ride him without the saddle pad.

What size saddle pad do I need for a 17 inch saddle?

If your saddle is 15 inches or larger, we recommend choosing a size Full saddle pad. If your saddle is smaller than 15 inches, we recommend choosing size Pony in jumping saddle pads and size Cob in dressage.

Are thicker saddle pads better?

Thicker pads appear to reduce the pressure on the horse’s back under the saddle, according to researchers.

How thick of a saddle pad should I get?

3/4” Thick Pad – An excellent all-around saddle pad for those that need a daily exercise training pad and may also need to throw a blanket over it for the show ring. 1″ Thick Pad – The best all-around use saddle pad recommended for trail riding, team penning, cutting, reining, and barrel racing.

What size saddle pad do I need for a 15 inch saddle?

the saddle flaps are long enough (especially on dressage pads) the seat is wide enough on shaped saddlepads or numnahs.
Choosing the right numnah or saddle pad for your saddle.

How do I choose a saddle pad for my horse?

Match the Horse’s Contours.
Matching the contours of the horse’s back as well as the contours of the underside of the saddle is vital to having a saddle pad that won’t apply pressure to the horse’s spine or withers. There are even pads available that are made specifically for high-withered or mutton-withered horses.

How do you know if a saddle pad fits?

Don’t choose a pad that will sit too close to your horse’s wither. You should be able to fit your fingers between the wither and the pad. It’s best to have your saddle and your saddle pad fitted at the same time if possible so that the pad is wide enough to accommodate the saddle.

What should I look for when buying a saddle pad?

Choose your saddle pad styles based on how your horse sweat, style of riding, and how much protection is needed. For trail riders, comfort for the horse and moisture-wicking are the most important criteria you’ll want to look for.

Is it better for a saddle to be too big or too small?

In general, it’s better to have a saddle a smidgen too big than a smidgen too small. (A smaller saddle may cause uncomfortable chafing.)

What size saddle do I need for a 15 hand horse?

English Saddle Size Chart

What size saddle do I need if im 5 7?

Sizing Chart

What is the 20% rule with horses?

The researchers found that an average adult light riding horse could comfortably carry about 20 percent of their ideal bodyweight. This result agrees with the value recommended by the Certified Horsemanship Association and the U.S. Cavalry Manuals of Horse Management published in 1920.

What is the 20% rule horse riding?

The 20% Rider Weight Rule
The 20% weight rule (ride and saddle) is a good starting point for considering how much weight a horse can safely carry. Generally, ponies will be able to carry a bit more than 20%. While tall horses will only be comfortable carrying a bit less.

What size person fits a 15 inch saddle?

Average adult: 15 inches. Large adult: 16 inches. Extra-large adult: 17 inches. Very large or tall – 18 to 20 inches.

Do I need a 15 or 16 saddle?

Under 16.5 inches — You probably need a 15-inch seat size in an English saddle. Between 16.5 and 18.5 inches — Look for a 16-inch saddle. Between 20 and 21.5 inches — Try a 17-inch saddle. Over 21.5 inches — Try an 18- or 19-inch seat size.

What does a 17.5 saddle mean?

A leg/seat measurement of 21.5-23 inches equals a 17.5-inch saddle. •A leg/seat measurement larger than 23 inches will fit an 18-inch or 19-inch saddle.

What saddle pad keeps a horse coolest?

wool saddle pad
In conclusion, the wool saddle pad is the best one to use to maintain the horse#s coolest core temperature and keep the horse from overheating and collapsing from exhaustion.