Do I really need a halfpad? Just for the perfect balance?
This is a very common question in the saddle fitting world. However, there is a common misconception that half pads are only used for poorly fitting saddles. The opposite is true. At ThinLine we believe that every saddle should fit perfectly and be comfortable for your horse. Halfpads are mainly used for shock absorption, not just as a solution for poorly fitting saddles. Below are some basic guidelines for fitting a saddle. However, fitting a saddle involves much more than this, but this gives an idea. We're not even talking about shape changes during riding and movement, weight impact, locomotion, and so on.
How can I ensure that my saddle fits better?
Whether it's a small adjustment in height, balance, padding one shoulder more than the other, solving a bridging problem or simply preventing saddle slippage, there is a ThinLine Saddle Fit Solution for all your saddle fitting needs.
View all benefits from ThinLine here: Why ThinLine?
What sets ThinLine apart from all others:
- Superior shock absorption of 95%
- Improvement of the horse's movement
- Reduces rider movement
- Keep your balance in the saddle
- Option to use shims
Saddle Fit Solutions – Why and when to use shims?
Shims are used to improve the fit of a saddle. We understand that horses can change shape monthly, so use our shims to help adjust for developing horses, rehabilitation horses, or when riding multiple horses in the same saddle. So in all these developments you can always balance your saddle correctly in any situation. Shims can provide solutions for:
- Seasonal changes in your horse's shape
- Trained horses in development
- Horses with high withers or high hindquarters
- Horses with a hollow back
- Horses with a painful back
- Professionals who ride a lot of horses
- Equestrian schools with a limited number of saddles to try on
- Kissing Spine Disease (KSD)
- And much more…
Our saddle pads and shims (made from the same great material as our saddle cloths) are designed by experienced saddle makers for English and Western saddles. A saddle fitting solution for every need! Every saddle pad on our website, except our Perfect Fit pad, has a pocket for shims to create a perfect saddle fit. Many top riders use ThinLine alone, without shims, to protect the horse's back and rider. Whenever you use a shim to correct or adjust a fit problem, be sure to check and recheck your saddle and shims regularly. If you use the shim to correct a saddle fit problem, the horse's muscles will recover and change shape.” - The book "The Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit” by Joyce Harman, DVM MRCVS. All our shims are made to create a perfect fit and can be trimmed to the exact size or you can follow the cut lines in the saddle pad. Our shims fit into a pocket available in every saddle pad. It can be used as:
- Full shim: to fully lift the saddle
- Front lift: to balance the saddle at the front
- Bridges: possible to cut exactly to size where bridging occurs.
- Rear lift: to balance the saddle at the rear
- Freedom with withers: Cut the top to create extra wither freedom (red zone in image)
What do Master Saddlers say about ThinLine and its saddle fitting solutions?
Many horses significantly improve their topline muscle tone by using ThinLine. Master saddlers like Cordia Person (CSF) teach saddle fitters how to use ThinLine for shiming. For custom saddles, saddle fitters such as Cordia often recommend the Perfect Fit Pad to protect the backs and ensure the saddles fit properly until the next inspection. ThinLine will not alter the fit of a custom saddle due to the density of the material. All ThinLine Halfpads come with a bag to add shims.
Saddle fitting solutions explained
Some common horse conformation issues and how to solve them related to saddle fit:
High or pointed withers Any ThinLine Western Shimmable path of English Shimmable Trail will solve your problem. Horses with very pointed withers often also have an hopen spot at the shoulder, which is often the cause of saddle fit problems. ThinLine Shimmable pads provide clearance for the withers and the withers. Add ThinLine Shims and your saddle will rest well on the withers with extra support for hollow areas.
Low Withers
Saddles tilt, rotate or slide forward? Non-Slip may be the first reason why you buy ThinLine, but the noticeable improvement in comfort for your horse is what will really make you happy. We recommend a ThinLine half pad without shims.
Swayback
Saddle fitting solutions for horses with a painful back
Vets recommend ThinLine
Often the cause of a poor saddle fit. Sore backs are one of the main reasons for horse health problems. Vets recommend ThinLine for horses with painful backs, both as a preventive measure and as part of their therapy. Burlington Equine Veterinary Services VT: Specializes in the treatment of KSD (Kissing Spine Disease) and other conditions, they command it ThinLine Basic Halfpad On. ThinLine has received praise from top riders, publications, surgeons, saddlers, veterinarians, chiropractors, equine massage therapists, and of course, horses and riders.
Some recommendations…
Peter Horobin / StrideFree Saddles
Peter Horobin / StrideFree Saddles is a strong believer of ThinLine as the best saddle pad available! In addition to the great saddles they make, every horse benefits from a ThinLine Saddle Pad in all disciplines! Check out their saddles here:StrideFree Saddles
Saddle Fit 4 Life
Schleese Saddlery, Canada's leading saddle manufacturer, is convinced that ThinLine does more for horses and supports ThinLine saddle pads around the world. Saddle Fit 4 Life.
Dover Saddlery
Dover Saddlery is so convinced that ThinLine does more for horses that they recommend the use of ThinLine, using the full sheepskin saddle pads. Protects every part of the saddle.
And above all, in addition to recommendations, people really speak! Check out our reviews here!
Easy and safe saddle fitting
All ThinLine saddle pads, except the Perfect Fit pads, have an opening in the middle of the bottom to easily slide in an insert.
Saddle fit Shims
Saddle Fit Inserts (also called shims) are made from our amazing shock absorbing foam and are constructed with a 45 degree edge to ensure there is never a pressure point. Sold in pairs. Stack inserts to increase lift. Once muscle tone improves, simply remove the insert and continue riding in your ThinLine saddle pad to protect your horse's back. Click here for the Shims.
The ThinLine Promise!
Regardless of your saddle fit problem, there is a ThinLine solution to the problem. We strive to have a solution for every saddle fit problem. From stirrup covers to seat protectors, reins, etc. With ThinLine on every saddle pad you can be sure that even if your saddle is custom made, it will provide you with the protection and comfort they need.