[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Jennys is pretty old. But I took it and had work done on it when she got it, and they said it was still good. Jenny complains if she rides in it to long that it makes her left butt check hurt:)...LOL...why would that be, any particular reason? Her or the saddle:) the problem?

Becky

[HairOfTheDog]

When you turn it up-side down, are the two pads underneath really hard or are they fairly plyable still? And are they the same side-to-side?

With age those will harden harden, and you will want to consider that when choosing a pad. Compare to a new one when you are at the tack shop sometime. The new ones are built softer too. I used my old one with a foam cashell cushion under it, but other than the hardening and replacing the cinch and stirrup leathers a couple times, it'll last many more years. I only replaced it because it didn't fit Bay well.

Check the stiching where the cinch leathers connect frequently, because they will rot. Doesn't cost much to have them re-stiched.
If the saddle looks uniform, and she is only sore on one side, I might think she is maybe is sitting crooked or is built crooked ;~D

[AnAmericanMother]

If the stuffing of the pads on the saddle itself is not uneven or hardened with age, then it could be assymetry in the horse OR in the rider (or both).

Watch her going straight away from you at the walk and at the trot, watch particularly her spine and see if it is straight. She might also have stirrups not quite even or drop one hip out of habit. All those things should be visible from behind as she moves away.

I would try one of the new gel pads - I've found them very effective at preventing sore back in horses, they ought to prevent sore bottoms in humans. Another possibility is to get one of the sheepskin saddle covers - they fit over the cantle and buckle to the D rings in front.

Just FWIW.