At Ecogold, we design saddle pads that provide real solutions. Whether it’s preventing overheating, stopping saddle slippage, or ensuring optimal pressure distribution, our innovative designs help horses and riders perform at their best. But sometimes, the biggest challenges come from unique cases—like finding the perfect saddle pad for a high-wither horse.
In this series, we highlight real-life stories of horses in need and how an Ecogold saddle pad made a difference. Today, we’re featuring Jake, a 17.2-hand Percheron with exceptionally high withers.
Meet Jake: A Gentle Giant in Need of Support
Jake, a 17.2 hand Percheron and retired carriage horse, found his way to the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) in July 2021. At 20 years old, he’s a favorite among the Girl Scouts, especially in their Love, Hug & Groom program. But when it came to riding, his high withers posed a major challenge.
Sarah Triplett, the GSSJC Horse Trainer, struggled to find a saddle pad that worked.
“Any pads with extra back support didn’t offer clearance, or if it had room for the withers, it didn’t have any back support,” Sarah explained. “Ecogold’s Secure Western pad really solved both issues we were having fitting Jake.”
Why Ecogold’s Secure Saddle Pad is Perfect for High Withers
Jake is still in the process of building muscle, so he needed a pad that could adapt as he gained strength. Ecogold’s shimmable Secure Western pad was the perfect fit.
Jake is still working on building muscle, so Ecogold’s shimmable Western Secure pad will be able to grow with him. Foam shims allow the pad to be adjusted to his changing topline, which now has much needed support. The high wither contour of the Secure saddle pad gives him more than enough clearance to prevent rubs or discomfort.
Here’s how it helped:
Adjustable Foam Shims – The Secure pad allows for gradual adjustments to support Jake’s changing topline.
High-Wither Contour – The pad provides ample wither clearance, preventing rubs and discomfort.
Non-Slip Design – Ecogold’s Secure system keeps the saddle in place, even with a developing topline.
Now, Jake can comfortably participate in riding lessons as he continues to strengthen and adjust to his new home.
“So far, we love his Secure pad, and I’ve gotten the other trainer on board with Ecogold now that she’s ridden in it on a few different horses,” Sarah added. “It was exactly what we needed for Jake!”
Finding the Right Saddle Pad for Your High-Wither Horse
If you’re struggling to find a saddle pad that fits your high-wither horse, Ecogold has the solution. Our Secure and Flip Half Pad collections are designed to offer support, adjustability, and superior comfort for all horses—including those with unique conformation challenges.
Do you have a story about how an Ecogold saddle pad helped your horse? We’d love to hear from you! Share your experience with us and help more riders find the perfect saddle pad for their equine partners.
