Could I use two saddle blankets instead of a saddle pad?
I am buying a western Wintec saddle tomorrow so today I bought two cheap saddle blankets. I plan to use them together, in place of a saddle pad. I know that if the saddle is really heavy, it could hurt my horses back without the extra padding of a saddle pad, but Wintec's are quite light, so I dont think it should be a problem. My horse also has no problems with her back, and she is not old, so I ont think her back should get hurt from no pad.
a saddle only hurts your horse if it is improperly fitted, regardless of the age of the animal or the weight of a saddle, which only becomes a concern if you ride like a sack of potatoes. a folded over 'Navajo' will work just fine. people use saddle pads because its simpler then the blankets or 'navajo' and cheeper to make then a woven 'navajo'. saddle pads don't tend to get wrinkles that you have to smooth out and ensure don't happen when the saddle is places on. so there are pros and cons to both. you don't need expensive gear, you just need well made gear and two well made saddle blankets will top a crappy made saddle pad anytime.
oh and 'Navajo' for some people that were born after 1990 and don't get the entire western dialect... speaks of the beautiful patterened and woven saddle blankets that cowboys used.
