Pad Suggestions

[Tara Wheeler <harpy@io.com>]

Hi all!

I just finished my first 18 mile CTR on my new horse.

I'm riding an Arab in an Orthoflex Patriot, which I had tested with one of
those gel-pack thingies for fit (and the fit was just fine, according to the
expert who did the fitting).

Anyhoo, the horse was sore in his whole back after this very aggressive,
very fast, very hilly ride in the mountains of Northwestern Arkansas
(Arkansas Traveler).

No dry spots and fine in the withers.

My mentor on the ride said that it was due to the horse traveling most of
the ride with his head up in the air and not knowing how to handle the
extreme hills (we're flatlanders).

I agree totally and will start conditioning immediately.

But I'm also wondering if I need a more shock absorbent pad than the wussy
booties on the Orthoflex.

Any suggestions?