Panels or Western Skirt

Panels for Ghost saddles - and can work for other saddles with loop-side velcro underneath. Price is for a pair of panels or the complete western skirt with integrated panels.
New option - XL velcro opening panels, great for those really wide horses, but may also provide more stability for slab sided horses. (NOT available - or needed - with Thick insert option) Panels for 16" seat run just over 20", for 17" seat is about 21", for 18" is a bit over 22". Important - the XL panels are 7" wide so you need to make sure your pad structure supports that! See more details below.

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Seat size * Seat size is measured English. Subtract 2" for Western.
Panel Style *
Panel Width (for velcro opening panels only) *
Panel thickness *
Select if other than standard black *
Enter material/color for western skirt
Additional comments

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I stock mostly velcro opening panels for seat sizes 17" and 18" but can order the others and do have a couple of the closed panels available.

I prefer the velcro opening panels because that makes it easy to shim for rider balance, but the closed panels do have a neat look.

Most people use the standard panel thickness which is a thin layer of formo(a stiff material), a layer of 2cm foam with excellent weight distribution and response-time properties which remain at all operation temps, and a single layer of a softer, shape-forming foam.

The thin panels don't have any of the soft foam and are best for riders under 120lbs or who prefer a bareback pad feel (and reduce stirrup use accordingly) or who use a fairly substantial treeless pad and need to reduce thickness. These have to be custom ordered in most cases.

The thick panels have a second layer of the soft foam and are recommended only for riders over 185lbs or those over 175 competing in endurance. But I rarely advise this as the standard panels are sufficient for my 225# test subject to easily maintain spine clearance with consistent trotting. The extra soft foam really just makes more material to squish and therefore you have to re-check your girth tightness more often.

It's possible to modify the panel inserts with the velcro opening panels, not with the closed panels so choose accordingly. We carry rider balancing shims that go inside the velcro opening panels and now have wedge shims in a velcro pocket to go between the closed panel and the base. Or you can order either version with a built in wedge, if you know your horse is downhill where the saddle sits.

NEW! The western skirt has been redesigned to have incorporated panels for a slimmer, closer contact feel. It comes with the Western saddle, but can also be added to the Florac, Quevis, and Quilty models for a western look.
Rave reviews for this option - "Had my first ride today and OMG it felt so good! Horse was comfy and she moved out really well. I never liked the velcro panels as I felt like I was hovering over the horse. The western panel/conversion distributes everything well without losing the close contact feel. Winner winner! Thanks for your help! The sheepskin seat cover is comfy too! -Gabe"

Even Newer! The new XL (wider panels) are great both on those tabletop horses, but also to add stability to narrow horses. But they must be paired with pads designed for a wider pocket/insert. The XL panels ONLY come with 1 layer of the soft foam since rider weight is already distributed over a bigger area.

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Saddle base

Replacement base - includes girth rigging, but not panels

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Pommel bolster

Can affect the rider's pelvis tilt, refines the twist, and slightly deepens the seat. It goes under the front of the seat, with the wide side toward the pommel and the pointy side toward the rider. It can be moved forward/back for a greater effect.
Riders who have a low pelvic floor may not like the bolster. For those who are looking at the product to tilt the pelvis, one of the other rider balancing aids will have a great effect without discomfort.
To install, release the velcro under the front center of the seat, then tug the seat back over the front dees. Place the bolster and press the seat back into position, making sure all is still symmetrical. Replace the front velcro tab and push the seat back over the front dees. This last part can be difficult, especially when the saddle is new - to make it easier, pull some twine or a shoelace through the dee to give you more leverage.

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Panel shims

Beveled wool felt shaped to fit the front of the Ghost panel. Two pieces per side, use the bigger one alone for a 1/4" lift, both together for a 1/2" lift. You can also shim one side more than the other if your horse has a bigger shoulder (shim the smaller shoulder).
To install, turn your saddle upside down on a level surface. Remove one panel only and open the velcro tab. Push one or both shims to the very front of the panel, close the velcro and reattach to the bottom of the saddle, using the stitch line of the base for positioning while comparing to the panel still in place. Repeat for the other panel.

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Ghost Saddle Pads - short flap

Ghost makes an extremely nice pad, especially for the very reasonable price. Many people buy these for other saddles including BMSS, Freeform, and even treed saddles. Bottom material options include sympanova (a soft rubber, easy to clean, breathable), black, brown or white wool blend, and an amazing medicinal sheepskin. I recommend 1cm inserts with sheepskin unless rider is over 185, and for other bottom materials unless over 165 or horse's spine is well protected.
Add embroidery with your horse or barn name for extra fun!
I keep mostly black with various bottom materials in stock. Others will have to be ordered from Italy.

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