Bakersfield Dressage
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home

Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Dressage Pads and Ponies

1/29/2014

 
If you ride a large warmblood, feel fee to head back over to Facebook or the next blog on your list. This post is for the riders of the smaller dressage horses out there; horses like Speedy G. At 15'1, he's on the larger size for an Arabian, and he's also well-boned. While he's well-proportioned for his breed, he's not sized like most of his competitors. I know we owners of petite dressage horses are few, but we face the same problem: tack that doesn't fit.

I've finally sorted out the bridle issue. My last bridle from SmartPak fit well, but the Micklem fits even better. I have a well fitting saddle and my halter, the Tekna, also fits well and performs great. A well proportioned saddle pad still eluded me.

A few years ago, I bought a rather pricey pad that fits great, but at $100 it was too expensive for daily schooling so I use it for shows only.
Picture
Nice pad, but pricey
Picture
Fits great!
Since I started riding dressage, I've searched high and low for a dressage pad that would fit Speedy's smaller stature; most are simply too large. Like this one.
Picture
Love this pad from Ventura CDS, but does it come in a small?
It covers him withers to hip and almost wraps around his tummy. Sydney gets to use this one.

Not being able to find a pad that fit, I resorted to all purpose pads. They're shorter along the top line and don't have such a long drop. Unfortunately, they aren't shaped quite right though.
Picture
Awkward ,,,
I even just decided to give up on a smaller pad and ordered this one. It works well for Sydney, but at 26" by 44", it simply dwarfed Speedy G. I had hoped it might work since Dressage Extensions has a coupon in its latest catalog for a "Buy Two Tuffrider Dressage Pads Get One Free," which is a steal as the pads are only $19.95 each. Alas, no.
Picture
Tuffrider "Lanyard" pad in chocolate
I just knew there had to be a pad that would fit my smaller horse so I started combing the catalogs, noting the dimensions of every pad I found. And then I found it; the perfect sized pad: the Rider's International Contoured Box Quilt Dressage Pad! It measures 23 ½" X 40". Most dressage pads are 26" long with a 44" or 46" drop.

My find got better and better though; they were on SALE at Dover! They're normally $33.99, but I was able to get them for $20.99 each. And since the pads were so cheap, I even sprang for monogramming. I am more than pleased with the pads. The monogramming is beautiful, the pads are of excellent quality, and best of all, they FIT!  I am tempted to order half a dozen of them and store them until needed.
Picture
Swoon …
The black pad has silver thread while the white pad has black thread. The "S" stands for my last name and Speedy's name. I love the monogram!
Picture
Nice, huh?!
And even though Speedy isn't sound yet, more on that in the days to come, he still got to try on his new clothes.
Picture
So much better, and I love how nicely contoured it is!
Picture
How cute is that?
Picture
Finally, an actual dressage pad.
Jessica @ The Georgia horse link
1/28/2014 11:37:35 pm

Glad to hear that you finally found a pad that fits. It's hard to find the perfect fit for our smaller guys, isn't it?

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/29/2014 10:22:59 am

It sure is. I have been looking for four years!!!! :0)

SprinklerBandits link
1/29/2014 12:18:44 am

I completely approve your obsession with a well-fitted pad. It is so much tidier and just completes the look. Those pads are lovely.

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/29/2014 10:23:49 am

I am taking that as a true compliment, SB. High praise indeed! :0)

Dom
1/29/2014 12:43:13 am

I had this problem when I was riding CP in the dressage shows. He was only 13.1hh and the saddle pad seemed to swallow him whole.

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/29/2014 10:25:22 am

I KNOW there are small horses and ponies out there which is why it perplexes me that the makers of dressage pads don't make a "cob sized pad. At 15' 1, Speedy's not THAT small. It must be even harder when you show an actual pony, like CP. What does everyone else do?

Lauren link
1/29/2014 01:01:01 am

Beautiful pads! I am shocked by how big most dressage pads are. They would dwarf my normal sized horse!

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/29/2014 10:26:40 am

I guess that most dressage horses are simply gigantic. When I show, all the horses seem "regular" sized, so I would like to know where they find their pads!

Carly
1/29/2014 01:17:21 am

I love how the monogram looks!

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/29/2014 10:29:19 am

(squeal) Me, too! I oohed and ahhed when I opened the package, and I never get like that. I really like these pads! :0)

Alanna
1/29/2014 02:16:44 am

That's awesome! They look great.

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/29/2014 10:29:43 am

Thanks! :0)

Tori link
1/29/2014 03:52:39 am

Very nice! Have you tried an Ecogold? They can also make them a special length for the shorties or tallies. Worth the money, best pads around.

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/29/2014 10:30:27 am

No, I haven't, but I'll Google them and see what they're like. Thanks for the tip!

Val
1/29/2014 05:21:30 am

I have had the same problem. Most dressage pads are too long and some caused rubs along his spine due to poor fit. It really erks me when a $50 pad turns out to be useless. I have some quilted ones from SmartPak that work much better for my 15.1 horse. ;)

I hope Speedy is doing better.

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/29/2014 10:32:51 am

Thanks, Val. Speedy is improving daily for which I am grateful. And yes, the pad issue stinks. I've sold, traded, and given away several pads because they've all been too big. I am keeping this particular pad bookmarked! :0)

KK Bochman
1/29/2014 07:37:58 am

Hi! I love your blog! I have a 14.1hh black gelding pony (Hawk) and I ride Intro Dressage - and I love dressing him, so this dressage pad issue has perplexed me for years. I will try the ones you recommend. I would also say that I ordered a custom made one (I think it was from Dover) that I love, though it's a little big. It's a Toklat I think.

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/29/2014 10:34:43 am

Hi, KK, and welcome!

I do like Toklat products, but they are definitely pricey. For my particular horse, this pad has the perfect dimensions. I hope I haven't caused a run on them as Dover might raise the price! :0)

lytha
1/29/2014 04:51:00 pm

the problem intensifies in germany - my fly mask says "shetland pony" size

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/29/2014 09:23:00 pm

I can totally see that! After all, if you produce lots of warmbloods, your idea of small, medium, and large would be different than if you raise Arabians. :0)


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
    Picture
    Photo by Lori Ovanessian

    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
    Picture
    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
    Picture
    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

    Picture
    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
    Picture
    My favorite breeches!
    Picture
    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
    Picture
    I love her stuff!
    Picture
    Watercolor Artist and Friend

    National Rider Awards

    Picture
    USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
    Picture
    USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
    Picture
    USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
    Picture
    USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

    State Rider Awards
    Picture
    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

    State Horse Awards
    Picture
    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
    Picture
    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

    Working Towards:

    CDS Sapphire Rider Award
    Third Level: 63.514%
    Third Level: 62.105%
    Fourth Level:
    Fourth Level:

    2023 Show Season

    Show Rating
    (***) CDS/USDF/USEF 
    (*) CDS
    (s) Schooling
    (c) Clinic
    (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic
    2023 Show Schedule
    TBD

    ​2023 Completed …
    Pending

    2023 Qualifying Scores 

    Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC)  
    Qualifying Training Level
    3 Scores/2 Judges/60%:
    Score 1:
    Score 2:
    Score 3:

    Archives
    ​By Topic

    All
    Abscess
    Art
    Arthritis
    Awards
    Books
    Cabin
    California Barn Life
    Captain Awesome
    CDL Class A License
    Centerlinescores
    Championships
    Chiropractor
    Clinics
    Clothing
    Cushing's Disease
    Defeating The Demon
    DIY
    Dogs
    Double Bridle
    Dressage On The Trail
    EHV-1
    Endurance Photos
    Farrier
    Find Your Joy
    First Level
    Fluphenazine
    Flying Changes
    Fourth Level
    Fox Hunting
    Freedom Feeder
    Frustration
    Gizmos
    Grooming
    Half Pass
    Headshaking
    Horse Maintenance
    Horses Are Expensive
    Horses Are Expensive 3.0
    Horses Are Expensive II
    Hunter/jumper Stuff
    Imperioso
    Introductory Level
    Izzys Leg
    Just For Fun
    Lessons With Chemaine
    Lessons With Lois
    Lessons With STC Dressage
    Local Stuff
    M.A.R.E.
    Memberships
    Micklem Bridle
    Mt. Self Doubt
    Musings
    My 5 Things
    My Horses
    Nesting
    On The Levels
    Photos
    Pivo Pod
    Platinum Performance
    Poles
    Polls
    Pulley Rein
    Raac
    Retirement?
    Rider Fitness
    Riding Figures
    Right Lead Canter
    Road ID
    Saddle Fitting
    Schooling
    Score Sheets
    Second Level
    Shopping
    Show Costs
    Showing
    Sitting Trot
    Sliding Side Reins
    Soldier
    Speedy's Leg
    Tack
    The Elephants
    The Jar
    The Warm Up Ring
    Third
    Third Level
    Tips From A Pro
    Toys
    Trailering
    Training
    Travel
    Ulcers
    Vet Care
    Video
    Videos
    Weird But True
    Year In Review


    Archives
    ​By Date

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011


Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home