Why Does My Horse Feel Uneven Under Saddle — and How Do I Fix It?

Why Does My Horse Feel Uneven Under Saddle — and How Do I Fix It?

If your horse feels one-sided, stiff in one direction, or resistant to bend and balance, you're not alone. Riders across all disciplines ask the same thing every day:

"Why does my horse feel uneven under saddle?"

Whether you're bringing a horse back from time off, starting a young one, or retraining an older mount, asymmetry is one of the most common challenges riders face. And it’s not just about training—it often comes down to how pressure is distributed across your horse’s back.

The Problem: One-Sidedness, Stiffness, and Imbalance

Horses, like humans, are not naturally symmetrical. Most horses develop muscle unevenly, favoring one shoulder or side. This causes:

Resistance to bend in one direction

Difficulty picking up a specific lead

Uneven contact or pressure under the rider’s seat

Sore spots, tension, or saddle shifting

Frustration for both horse and rider

Many riders spend months trying to fix these issues through training alone—but the root of the problem can lie underneath the saddle pad.

✅ The Solution: Mattes CORRECTION® Pads for Balance and Symmetry

The Mattes Correction® Pad System is specifically designed to support horses as they work through physical imbalance or uneven development.

• ✔️ Four shim pockets (two front, two rear) allow you to place felt shims exactly where your horse needs support

• ✔️ Shim just one side to correct left-right muscle differences

• ✔️ Adjust as your horse builds muscle—no permanent changes required

• ✔️ Improve straightness, relaxation, and contact from the base up

Mattes pads don’t just cushion your ride—they help your horse find symmetry and comfort that translates directly to better performance.

Real Riders. Real Results.

“My gelding was strong on the right and hollow on the left. I added a shim to the front left pocket and within days, his shoulder was lifting evenly. Total game changer.”
— Tanya M., Dressage Rider

“I use the Mattes pad on all my young horses. I can adjust pressure exactly where they need it—no guesswork, no soreness, just balance and progression.”
— James R., Professional Trainer

“My mare used to always drift to one side during transitions. A few small adjustments in the pad helped her find straightness. I won’t ride without it.”
— Kaitlyn S., Eventing Amateur

Bonus: Freedom from Pressure with SPINEFREE® Design

Mattes pads also feature the patented SPINEFREE® channel, which eliminates pressure over the spine and withers. This allows your horse to stretch, round, and lift through the back—vital for correcting long-standing imbalance and building topline strength.

No foam. No neoprene. Just breathable, natural materials like wool and POLY-FLEX® felt—designed to move with your horse, not against them.

Ready to Help Your Horse Move Evenly?

Mattes Correction Pads are available in S, M, L, and XL with or without luxurious lambskin trim. Each pad comes with 12 shims for fully customizable balance.

 Shop Mattes Pads Now