RSC PAD.. With No Additional Padding Used

We have found when horses won’t readily turn to the left or right, or change
leads in the front easily, it is usually because the horse experiences
discomfort when attempting these moves. After using the pad, the problem
usually disappears. Depending on the horse, it can take anywhere from one
to several rides before the horse realizes that it is comfortable to make these
moves. If you then switch back to your original pad, the problem returns. You
will notice this problem in many western disciplines including barrel racing,
reining & reined cowhorse.

Based on the horses that we evaluate for customers, being asymmetric in the
shoulders and withers is really common. A team roping horse used for
heading is a good example: The horse is consistently turning left while pulling
a load. The saddle tree is symmetric, the horse probably is not. This pad
helps balance the pressure on both sides of the withers. While I use the rope
horse as an example, asymmetry is certainly not exclusive to ropers.

Riders that have the problem of leaning forward while riding create more
pressure in the shoulder area. This problem could be caused by:

• A saddle that is wide

• A horse that is narrow

• A horse with taller hip than withers

• A novice rider

When using this pad, the rider will sit more erect. The pressure will be
distributed over a much larger area. He will be able to keep his feet and legs
under him and it will be easier to move his legs forward. You will notice this
problem in all western disciplines, with cutting being one of the disciplines
where this problem is easily noticed.

Pack horses being sensitive to weight can easily become sore around the
withers. One side of the horse may be supporting more weight than the other
side. This pad will relieve the pressure created by the uneven load.
 

The Ricotti Saddle Pad was conceived to promote better saddle fit when the saddle tree's front half is not fitting the horse very well.  When using your saddle repeatedly, you may experience this problem:

• with some horses and not others

• with a particular horse due to weight loss or gain from fitness level change

• with a particular horse over a long period of time. Your horse’s conformation changes as it ages while your saddle tree remains the same

• with a particular horse as it becomes asymmetric while the saddle tree remains symmetric

Whether your particular issue is short-term or long-term, it is important to correct the problem. Ignoring saddle fitting issues can lead to resistance, pain and even permanent damage of the horse.

Offering a solution, the Ricotti Saddle Pad is designed to give your horse the best in fit and comfort. 

Pad features include:

1. UltraCell foam insert shaped and positioned to help equalize weight on the load-bearing surface of saddle tree bars

2. Contoured top to easily conform to the horse's back, readily positioning pad in correct location for maximum benefit

3. Cutout over the horse's wither area allows extra relief for a saddle that is low in front and/or for a horse that is narrow and has exceptionally high withers.
   The Ricotti Pad also reduces and often eliminates problems created by
   a saddle tree that may be wider than your horse by distributing the weight over a larger surface area of the tree bars.
    

Why A Ricotti Pad?

Many times your Western saddle does not effectively match the contours of the horse's back, leading to pain, discomfort and uneasiness for your horse.

Have you noticed any of the following?

• dry spots, white hairs, or soreness in the wither area

• difficulty moving horse's front end quickly to right or left

• front of saddle angles downward into horse

• saddle shifts backward while riding

• saddle skirts behind the cantle are raised up off horse's back when no one is in the saddle

• when riding, you often step into stirrup to center your saddle

Most of the time when a saddle is causing your horse discomfort with any of the above issues, it is due to the saddle tree's front half not fitting the horse very well.  Because of this all-too-common problem, custom saddlemaker, Rick Ricotti, has created the Ricotti Saddle Pad. 

This pad is produced by Toklat Company and sold here at Ricotti Saddle Company, as well as better tack stores across the U. S. 
Please direct wholesale dealer inquiries to
Toklat, P.O. Box 488, Lake Oswego, OR 97034.  1-888-4-Toklat

Designed to promote better saddle fit, the Ricotti Saddle Pad features beveled Ultracell inserts, contoured back and wither relief cutout.