How to easily correct your saddle balance

These uniquely shaped Wintec Half Riser Comfort Pads allow you or your saddle fitter to achieve lift under the saddle where it is needed most, without adding bulk where it is needed least.

“I used the front half riser pad at a saddle fitting and thought it was fantastic. The shape of these comfort pads is exceptional; they are beautifully tapered and neatly fit under the saddle. The pads are so well designed, they do not create thickness where it is not wanted and I am really excited that they are now available!” – Saddle fitter.

These pads are ideal for use in saddles where balance adjustments cannot easily be made within the saddle panel itself, such as in foam filled panels or when a traditional flock panel cannot easily be re-flocked. The Wintec Half Riser Comfort Pads are anatomically shaped with moulded tabs designed to be easily secured into the chamber of the saddle.

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STEP 1: Selecting the correct riser

It’s always recommended that you seek ongoing professional advice on saddle fit and any required adjustments to meet the unique needs of you and your horse. In order to check the balance of your saddle, it is important that your saddle is positioned correctly, and that your horse is standing square on level ground before ensuring that the deepest part of the saddle seat is central and level.

Where the saddle is not level, you may require an additional lift at the front, or the rear of your saddle to restore perfect balance. Wintec Half Riser Comfort Pads are available in front and rear, and in two depths to enable you, or your saddle fitter to select the correct riser to achieve the optimum amount of lift to ensure your saddle is in balance.

STEP 2: Positioning the Comfort Pad Correctly

Begin by resting your saddle upside down in your lap or on a soft surface to avoid causing any damage.

Once the saddle is upside down, position the Wintec Half Riser Comfort Pad along the chamber of the saddle where the lift is required i.e. front or rear (rear shown in step 3).

“My horse has a very high wither so I’ve always struggled to get a truly perfect saddle fit. In the past I’ve been using a sheepskin half pad but never really thought it was doing a proper job in lifting the whole saddle up through the chamber. When I tried the 6 mm front riser on it just fitted into all the right places, I couldn’t believe it. The half riser pad sat perfectly into my horses deep wither pockets, right where I needed the extra lift. I’m thrilled with the result, it’s a perfect fit, it’s a great product.”Wintec Saddles customer

STEP 3: Securing the tabs

Once the riser is in the correct place, gently tuck the tabs into the chamber between the panel and the tree to ensure the riser is secured.

STEP 4: Placement and removal

To eliminate any potential pressure points, the Wintec Half Riser Comfort Pad must extend beyond the saddle panel.

Saddle fitting will usually be performed without a saddle cloth to enable the saddle fitter to better assess the fit of the saddle. Once the fitting assessment is complete we always recommend that a saddle cloth should be used beneath the Wintec Half Riser Comfort Pad and your horse’s back.

When removing the Wintec Half Riser Comfort Pad from the chamber, care should always be taken to ensure the tabs are released first before the pad is removed. To avoid undue wear and tear frequent removal is not advised.