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Saddle Padding Tips
Proper Padding Observations
1.Place a thin layer of material (towel, plastic film) over the horses back. Place saddle uncinched on the material on horse.   1. Exercise the horse with saddle and padding in place until the horse sweats. Remove the saddle and pad and examine the area under the saddle for dry areas (indicative of insufficient padding).
2. Allow the horses head and neck to relax to the normal use height.   2. Examine the horses back for disoriented hair or wrinkled skin.
3. Check the clearance under the front of the saddle, allow two (2) inches (2 or 3 fingers) to the withers.   3. palpate the horses back for soreness (following 8 hours of rest).
4. Move to each side of the horse and gently but firmly pull on the sheet of material to locate any loose fitting spaces between the saddle and the horses back.   4. Observe the horses attitude during saddling and unsaddling. A poor attitude can be associated with anticipated or learned discomfort.
5. Purchase and use the proper pad consistent with the results of step #4.  

5. Reapply these tips every few weeks as the horse's age, weight and condition change.

6. Follow-up with the additional observations tips.