Saddle Sweet Spot pad

Why choose the Saddle Sweet Spot Pad?

Many saddles are too long for our horse’s backs!
When a long saddle is combined with a riders weight, pressure on sensitive areas may lead to discomfort for your horse and a poor riding experience.

The Saddle Sweet Spot Pad lifts your saddle away from these key areas:
● Scapula (shoulder blade)
● Wither (sensitive muscles)
● Lumbar vertebrae (which extend beyond the last rib)
ADDED to these benefits is the cushioning the pad offers without causing the saddle to roll.

They are long lasting, durable and do not require any maintenance or cleaning.

Our pads come in two shapes:
1. Dressage (suitable for dressage, jumping and pony club saddles)
2. Western (ideal for western, stock and half-breed saddles).

How to use the Saddle Sweet Spot Pad

Placement: Lay the pad over your existing saddle blanket, directly under the saddle. It forms a V shape, with the front sitting lower over the wither.
Adjustments: Use the Velcro strips to expand or contract the width of the panels, ensuring they provide enough space over your saddle blanket. They are not designed to put any pressure on the back.
Walk around your horse to ensure the pad sits evenly under the saddle, with the front of the pad positioned below the wither and the back resting evenly under the back of the saddle pads - closer to the spine than the front.

A series of Port Lewis Impression Pad results show there are no areas of increased pressure at the edges of the Saddle Sweet Spot pad where it transitions under the saddle.

For ponies you can customise Your Saddle Sweet Spot Pad

Step 1: Customizing the Pad

No Cutting Needed for Most Horses:

For most horses, the standard 33 cm length works perfectly, so trimming will not be necessary. However, it may be necessary to cut your pad down to fit a pony.

Trimming the Pad (If Necessary):

If your pony's back requires a shorter pad, use scissors to evenly trim the two back panels.
See step 2 for measuring the perfect fit.

Step 2: Measuring for the perfect fit

Mark the Scapula (Shoulder Blade):

Use household sticky tape to mark the back edge of the scapula.
You can find the scapula by feeling along the pony's shoulder blade with your fingers. Place a long vertical strip of tape just behind it.

Find where the last rib connects to the spine.

Look for where the hairlines come together in the area of the flank and mark a straight line up from this often called a drip line to the spine. Or find the third rib and run vertically up from there. Both should be the same line and will give you the area where the last rib connects to the spine. Place some tape down this line also.

Measure the Distance:

Using a measuring tape, measure the distance between the two tape strips, approximately 15 cm down from the spine.
This measurement will give you the length of your pony's weight-bearing area. Match this measurement on the top (shorter long edge) of your Saddle Sweet Spot Pad and cut your back pad panels accordingly.

Take a look at this video from an expert saddle fitter in the USA to see a demonstration of the mark-up

Customer Reviews

"Thanks for the prompt delivery of the Saddle Sweet Spot. It has resolved an issue I have been having with my 9 yo Oldenburg mare for years. I have tried every saddle in the barn, and then some, and she repeatedly would have a lump on her spine after a long trail ride. The lump was soft and didn't seem painful, and would disappear after a few hours. Ridden bareback, the lump would not appear.

Yesterday I took Ariel out for a rigorous 2-1/2 hour trail ride using your Saddle Sweet Spot. NO LUMP!! I am so pleased that this simple device has relieved the mare of whatever pressure was causing the lump. I've attached a picture so that you can see what no longer is a problem.

You're a clever equestrienne to have figured out how to make horses and riders happier."
- Gale

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