At one time or another, every rider is confronted with a saddle pad that slips.
Saddle pads that shift sideways, slide forward or back, or bunch up can lead to discomfort or worse for the horse. Let’s look at some practical solutions to your saddle pad slippage problem.
Understanding the Causes of Saddle Pad Slippage
Slippage occurs for various reasons, such as poor saddle fit, poor saddle pad fit, or the pad improperly fitting the horse’s conformation. Another common culprit is the horse’s movement.
Image source: https://www.thesaddlebank.com/blog/why-is-my-saddle-pad-slipping-backwards-what-can-i-do-to-stop-this/
Poor Fitting Saddles
When the saddle doesn’t fit the horse properly, it can cause the pad to slip.
For instance, the pad will slip back when a saddle’s tree angle doesn’t match the angle of the horse’s withers and shoulders.
ThinLine designed their half pads to give riders an option to resolve minor fit problems such as this.
In the case of a mismatched tree angle, ThinLine enables riders to adjust a saddle’s fit by adding shims to its saddle pads. Shimming helps to better align the saddle to the horse’s withers and shoulders, eliminating the backward saddle pad slip.
For significant saddle fit issues, we recommend consulting a professional saddle fitter who can ensure that your saddle fits correctly.
Movement of the Horse
Another cause of slippage is the horse’s movement. The bigger the movement, the greater the chance the saddle pad will slip. The horse’s conformation can also play a role.
For example, a short-backed horse that’s a bit croup-high could experience forward slippage of the saddle and pad because of its slight downhill build. The push from the hindquarters, the forward motion, and the activity being performed, such as quick starts and stops or extensions to collection, push everything forward.
Additionally, the rider must be able to balance and follow the horse’s motion.
Many riders find sitting the trot challenging, so they grip excessively with their thighs and are tight in their hips, making the ride jarring. Riding this way can contribute to the saddle pad slippage problem, especially if the rider is behind the horse’s motion.
Again, ThinLine saddle pads and half pads can help correct this problem with their patented open-cell technology. This feature eliminates slippage by absorbing shock and reducing rider movement.
Saddle Pad Fit
Just like a saddle, the saddle pad should also fit the horse.
Let’s say you ride a 13-hand Welsh Cob dressage pony. Chances are the saddle you use when riding a 16.3 Dutch warmblood won’t fit the pony. The same holds for your saddle pad. The standard dressage square pad would probably be too big. The pad would hang long on the pony’s sides and extend too far back.
Saddle pads must also fit the horse’s (or pony’s) conformation. Some pads have straight toplines, while others are cut to accommodate unique conformational variations like prominent withers.
The Welsh Cob would benefit from a smaller, contoured pad that fits his smaller body and saddle rather than a larger pad that would most likely shift and bunch. When pads do that, they’re unsightly and uncomfortable for the horse.
ThinLine pads address these pad fitting issues by offering assorted English or Western contoured or fitted pads. We know that horses and saddles come in all shapes and sizes, and we aim to satisfy all equestrians.
Selecting the Right Saddle Pad
Choosing the correct saddle pad can significantly reduce the likelihood of slippage. There are several features to look for in a saddle pad that can help keep it in place.
Non-Slip Pads
Non-slip pads or anti-slip pads are designed with materials that grip both the saddle and the horse’s coat, preventing the pad from moving. These pads often have a rubberized or silicone underside that creates friction against the coat without damaging it.
Thinline non-slip Western Felt Liner Pad
Shock Absorption and Material
Saddle pads that offer shock absorption not only protect the horse’s back from the pressure of the saddle but also help reduce slippage. ThinLine’s patented foam material is extremely thin, conforms to the horse, and doesn’t compress, so it lasts for years.
Girth Loops and Straps
Girth loops or straps that attach to the saddle help to secure the pad in place. Make sure these are used correctly every time you ride.
Proper Placement and Adjustment
Even the best saddle pad won’t stay in place if it isn’t placed correctly. Proper placement and adjustment are important to preventing slippage.
Aligning the Pad
When putting the saddle pad on, make sure it is centered and straight. The pad should sit evenly on both sides of the horse, with the front edge slightly forward so it can be pulled back into the correct position.
Tightening the Girth
Once the pad and saddle are in place, it’s important to tighten the girth evenly. A loose girth will allow the saddle and pad to shift during the ride. Tighten the girth gradually, checking for slippage as you do.
Check During Riding
It’s a good idea to check the saddle pad during your ride, especially after a few minutes. If the pad has shifted, dismount and adjust it before continuing.
Adjust for Fit
If your pad consistently slips, you may need to adjust the fit of your saddle or use additional anti-slip pads. Saddle fit is highly important—if the saddle isn’t fitted properly, no pad will stay in place.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Proper care of your saddle pad and tack can also prevent slippage. A well-maintained pad will grip better and last longer.
Regular Cleaning
Dirt and sweat build-up can cause a saddle pad to become slippery. Wash your saddle pads regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain grip and shock absorption properties. Removing dirt and hair from your saddle and pad before and after each ride also helps.
Final Thoughts: Ensuring a Secure Saddle Pad
Preventing saddle pad slippage is not just about the saddle pad itself but involves a combination of proper saddle fit, pad choice, and tack.
Check your saddle and pad regularly to ensure they fit correctly, and adjust as needed.
By using the right equipment and following these tips, you can prevent saddle pad slippage and enjoy a more comfortable ride for you and your horse.