The WESTERN EQUALIZER PAD is ideal for high performance Western riding, with plates that equalize pressure so it can out perform pads three times as thick. This makes the saddle more stable, and puts the rider closer to the horse. It also means the saddle does not have to perfectly fit the horse, which many Western saddles do not, because they are built on solid trees that cannot be adjusted. Most Western saddle makers work on “average trees”, and some actually have a “narrow” fit and a “wide” fit. Australian saddles built on wood and steel trees can be shaped to fit any horse (if the shaping is performed by an expert) because it means taking the saddle completely apart and reshaping the steel bars. The standard WESTERN EQUALIZER PAD is 32” by 32” at it’s widest, and is lined with solid leather wear strips. The pad is ventilated, and the top leading edge is curved to put no pressure on the top of the withers. There are wide ventilating panels along the spine. The underside is 80% wool, and the top is solid neoprene. Custom sizes can be built. Call Colin at (818) 309-8125. He can custom build any plated pad in any size.