The Bareback Pad - Research

Recognising 'Mr F's dissaproval of the saddle I went on the hunt for bareback pads. 'Mr F' does have quite high withers so going without padding would mean discomfort for both me and him. 

I spent much time researching online because I wasn't quite sure if I should go bareback or not and discussed the pros and cons with various horse health professionals.

My gut insticts (those that I am learning to listen to instead of overthinking!) told me that I should go bareback, it seemed the only logical solution for our dilemma (zero budget, ill fitting saddle and horse that moves much better without saddle).

One of the jobs of a saddle is of course the weight distribution. It is a solid piece of equipment on the horses back and so your weight is spread over a larger area, meaning it won't create pressure points IF fitted correctly. With this in mind I of course wondered about weight recommendations in general.

It appears that, as rule, the ideal weight for a rider is about 10% of the horse's weight. My guess is that 'Mr F' weighs about 550 kg, and I weigh around 48 kg. That is less than 10% of his mass. Mind you, all my weight on a tiny point is still more than enough to create unwanted pressure.

However, the weight is just one point to consider. You can be light as a feather yet be a very heavy rider and a heavy rider can be a 'light' rider when they move with the horse. I have observed both so far.

And so, while researching on the bareback riding topic I came across many articles about saddles. What stuck out most was what I had already experienced myself: a saddle does need to fit the horse AND the rider. 

I have straight from the start had an issue with stirrups.  'Lillian' had to listen to my complaints plenty a time!  On some saddles I felt they were set back too much, on others they were set forward too much. Resulting in me not being able to find a natural balanced with stirrups. This often resulted in my knees would hurting after a while, especially if I was riding in a saddle with knee rolls. I also noticed that when it was cold weather, my toes would freeze no matter how many socks I put on, I can only connect this with lack of blood flow doe to the stirrups. I apparently have 'Raynod's Syndrome' (I call it 'temperamental blood vessels') which is most noticeable in winter. But overall I seem to be incompatible with stirrups, perhaps I have a strange body shape, I don't know.

There are many bareback pads out there and most of them are horrendous. What worried me was that many of them are fitted with stirrups. Not only is that dangerous as the pad will most likely slip, but  it will create pressure points puts on the horses back / shoulders. If you need stirrups, stick with a saddle so it can distribute your weight.

Many bareback pads are quite flimsy and of a flat shape. None of them seem to be suitable for 'Mr F's wither shape.

Being bi-lingual I also spent some time researching on German horse forums.   

Eventually I came across a maker called 'Barefoot' (from Belgium). They have various bareback pads and also treeless saddles in their range and they all look really well made. One of their pads was specifically designed for horses with high withers. They called it a 'Physio' pad. I liked the look of it and the fact that there is amble of padding can be removed, added, replaced or adjusted, depending on requirements. Together with the girth it comes to about £300.00, a sum that I could just about stomach.

I did a little further research on this pad and read various reviews on German riding forums. There wasn't anything negative said about it, in fact many riders had chosen this pad for similar reasons as mine and both them and their horses greatly enjoy it. 

It appears I have found a suitable pad. The order has been placed. 

Meanwhile 'Mr F' and I doodle around on the ground, go for walks and generally spend time together.

I enjoy the 'downtime' just as much as the riding time; both are equally important. I don't mind not riding for a week or so. It's a good opportunity to learn their means of communication as well and just to be part of their world.

Hopefully the pad arrives before the weekend.