Saddleseat

[starkitten]

I was given a lanefox cutback saddle by a friend. I have never ridden in it yet, but I'm dying to give it a try(I will be supervised by a experienced horseperson since I am still a newbie with english riding ;) ). I know when you see saddleseat shows no saddle pad is used, but I thought it would be okay to use one. I was thinking a dressage type pad would work best since the saddle has longer flaps more like a dressage saddle.

Should I or shouldn't I - Any thoughts?

[WashingtonBay]

It would not hurt at all to use a pad under it, particularly a thin square pad. In fact, it'll keep your saddle cleaner. :)

[starkitten]

Thats what I was thinking too - I just wasn't sure how to get one that fit well - they don't seem to sell saddleseat saddle pads (at least not that I have found) :)

[Miracle Whip]

Ask mnhorsegal, she rides Saddleseat and might have some ideas or pointers.

[WashingtonBay]

I googled around a bit, and you're right. Many say that their dressage pad will work. I think the issue for making it look good will be getting one that goes pretty much straight down in front, as some of them are swept forward a little.

[cloedoll]

Definitely no harm in using one! :)

[WashingtonBay]

Second thoughts... the overall length down the spine of the pad may be important. Make sure it's long enough. Cutback saddles do run a little longer than dressage saddles do.

[fire1]

Oh I like saddle seat! Much different feeling, i'm sure you will enjoy it when you get used to it. At home we always used a pad with the saddle. It was a fleece pad like what is used in a regular english saddle. I don't see any reason why a dressage pad wouldn't work! Enjoy.

[starkitten]

I'll do a little measuring and make sure its long enough - thanks for the thoughts on this everyone :)

[natisha]

Any kind of pad could be used for just kicking around, I know someone who uses a western pad under hers at times. For showing they either use nothing or sometimes a small gel pad or foam pad that is not visible.
I personally cannot ride very well in a cut back as the stirrups are set too far forward , can't get my feet under me.

[gaited07]

National bridle shop has them. nationalbridleshop.com

Also Liberty Saddle Shop
http://www.saddleshop.com/eng/engset.htm

[Remali]

I used to ride saddleseat when I was a teenager (I'd fall out of those saddles now I bet, ha!), and I always used a saddle pad....keeps your saddle cleaner, and I always thought it was a little more comfy for the horse too.

[gaited07]

I used to ride saddleseat when I was a teenager (I'd fall out of those saddles now I bet, ha!), and I always used a saddle pad....keeps your saddle cleaner, and I always thought it was a little more comfy for the horse too.

Work outs/practice is ridden with a pad. In the show ring is just the saddle (unless the rules have changed since the stone age that I use to show in LOL!)

[starkitten]

Thanks for the links Gaited07 - I will take a look at those ;)

I hope I don't fall out of the thing Remali ;) I'm sure I probably will once or twice at least - LOL