Show ponies are notorious for having barrel-shaped ribs, flat backs, and minimal Withers. Conventional show saddles with fixed arch trees frequently rock forward or slip sideways on these broad back profiles, forcing riders to overtighten girths to keep the saddle centered.

A treeless turnout paddle solves this stability issue by conforming directly to the pony's natural back shape. Because the body of the paddle flexes across the spine and ribs, the entire bearing surface makes contact, spreading weight evenly and resisting rotation. The Syd Hill Oxley Turnout Paddle pairs this flexible fit with a three-billet girthing system, allowing precise girth placement to anchor the pad securely on round barrels.

Maintaining clearance over the spine is easily achieved by pairing the turnout paddle with a high-quality sheepskin or felt show pad. This combination delivers a stable, comfortable setup that lets the pony step out freely under saddle.

Explore specialized pony tack engineered for broad, hard-to-fit conformation in the main Syd Hill Pony Saddle Catalog.