Conference noted::equitation

1599.0. "Saddle Pads to Prevent Chafing" by CARTUN::MISTOVICH () Tue Feb 11 1992 16:09

    I'm having a problem with Algiers that I haven't run into before with
    any other horse or with my saddle.  Since I started tightening the 
    girth enough to mount from the ground, he has been getting rub marks 
    in two patches under the cantle.  I tried using 2 pads; it helped a 
    little, but not a lot.  Then I tried using a liftback to re-balance 
    my weight more forward.  Again, that helped a little, but not enough.
    
    Since I've started doing a lot of sitting work (and also with his
    winter coat) the patches have gotten rubbed as badly as the blanket
    rubs he gets on his shoulders (one reason I don't blanket him)!  Has
    anyone run into this problem before?  Any suggestions?  His hair rubs
    out very easily -- last summer he ended up with large bald patches from
    itching his face on fences, trees and his stall!
    
    Mary

Mary,

You could try using a piece if silk between the horse and the pad.  I did that 
when my horse developed bumps under the saddle that I didn't want to become
irritated.  I used washable silk and just rinsed it out if it got sweaty or
soiled. It dries very quickly. The bumps have since disappeared.

I've also known people who use the same technique for blanket rubs - a swatch of
silk stitched over the offending area(s)

    Hmmmm....silk.  I'll give it a try.  Hopefully when his summer coat
    comes in we'll be able to keep it on!
    
    Thanks,
    Mary