ruffled hair under saddle

Still searching for the right trail/western saddle for my horse. Borrowed a Tucker english style endurance saddle, one, if not the most comfortable saddle I have ridden in. Loved the rough out seat and flexible leg movement. My english quilted pad was not long enough so I used my 1/2" professional choice western saddlepad. Seemed to be wide enough except when he raised his head when he saw other horses (he has a nice low western headset). How tight are the front bars supposed to be when the head is raised?

When I got back after 3 hours of riding and took the saddle off, he had ruffled hair in the very front and the last third in the back. The middle was smooth but I wonder if the saddle was bridging. Do you think the saddle pad is wrong as I have ruffled hair using the same pad with some other saddles I have tried.

Should I invest in a different pad to try saddles out or does it not matater that much? Would a wool felt pad be better? Thanks to anyone who can help.

The saddlefitter I had recommended Crates or Reinman.

nexgen saddle pads are fantastic for fixing little problems like these. obviously if your saddle is a terrible fit then even a saddle blanket like this wont help but but if it is a small issue, they work wonders :) you can find some more information on them or even if they are stocked in your area and see what ya think :) ideally though your saddle fitter should be fitting your horse with the best saddle that fits everywhere

Is that one also a flex tree, garlicbunny? Ruffled hair sounds kind of like something scuffing it. I wonder of the flex trees flex or bow too much and if that's causing an up/down or maybe forward/back scrubbing motion from the saddle moving. I think Tucker makes Circle Y now. Maybe you're getting the same tree design and it just doesn't work? Also, There were some discussions on other boards where people felt that the flex trees were not suitable for riders who weigh more than 180-200 lbs.

Ruffled hairs are a sign of friction. If you were getting ruffled hairs (and your saddle wasn't slipping or anything like that) then the saddle doesn't fit or, if it does by chance fit, you need to invest in a saddle pad where you can properly shim it.
Flex trees are by far better for the horse. I have a flex tree saddle and love it. It's more comfortable for the horse than a static tree.

I agree that there is some scuffing going on. As for Tucker and Circle Y, I think it's the other way around, Circle Y bought/makes Tucker.

Thanks to all whom replied. I bought a new wool blend felt cutback contoured saddle pad and the scuffing went away on two of the saddles I tried. Amazing, and I had wanted to purchase a new pad for a while now. I got a Toklat brand @133.00 plus tax. I know am pretty sure I need at least a 6 3/4-7" gullet.... that is my next post...

Boy does that Nexgen pad look nice! Haven't seen one around here, maybe at the Eqine Affair next spring!

btw neither one of the two saddles i tried with the new and old pad are flex, I don't know if the Tucker is or not, she didn't say when she let me borrow it, but I am not going to consider a flex even though I am not at the weight limit, but have heard too many negatives to take that chance. I know it works for many of you though, just want to be safe as my husband is over the limit and he will be using my saddle when he rides my horse until he gets his own anyways..

Thanks again; you all have been so helpful!