Gel Pads

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Joyous70

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Does anyone on here use an Acavallo gel pad or similar, I was considering getting one for my boy, who is very sensitive skinned.

Also posted in CR.
 
Just bought one this week but have only used it once, so can't really give you a definite yes or no yet. I bought it because I have a problem leg and find myself over compenstating by putting more weight on one side, so hoped the pad would help stablise the saddle when riding for long periods.
Used to have the limpet pad which, although, it did the job well, I prefer the
Avacallo because its very thin, flexible and has air holes.
Hopefully, someone else will have a better idea of how good they are.
 
Just bought a riser type one yesterday as my current riser slips under my saddle, will be trying it tonight so will let you know how good it is. I have also bought the gel tail wrap (same company and material) as I know other people that have one, and they are apparently fantastic at staying put even on the most difficult horses to keep a tail bandage on.
 
I've used a Gel Eze but much prefer the Aerborn which is thicker but I managed to get hold of a thin numnah with a pocket which works a treat. Most of mine are 'table-tops' by the way, although I did use it on a TBX as well. Someone will doubtless argue that it interferes with the saddle fit but the benefits outweigh that IMO and I've had some crap saddlers in the past so have learned a thing ot two:)
 
Thank you for the replies, and also the recommendation for horse health, that was the company where i had seen them.

I fancied the Acavallo one, because it is thin, and hopefully when my saddler has been my saddle should fit correctly, but due to a skin problem, my boy has a bald patch on his back, and i was hoping that the gel would help. :)
 
Tried mine out last night for the first time. It really did not budge at all, I did some SJ too just to check as that is when my riser would slip more from under the saddle. It also seemed to make my seat more comfy in canter. The only thing I found that may get sightly annoying is given their "stickiness" they really attract bits of shavings, horse hair, hay etc... onto them. However it is easy to hose it off and clean. All in all I would buy again.
 
I have one! Bought it in November; I used to have a sheepskin riser but had to stop using it as it made my saddle too mobile on my horse's back. The gel pad has been great - I have the one that is gel all over with sheepskin around the back and over the pommel - and it completely stops the saddle moving, both if I use it on top of my numnah or directly on her back. Would definitely recommend it! I agree they can be a pain to keep clean, but I've kept mine in a zip up bag since I bought it and it still looks like new, so as long as you take care of it, it will be fine!
 
im looking to get one of these too so i will watch with interest lol, do they still stay in place even when the horse has gotten sweaty? i know its a daft question :D
 
_MizElz_ Are they as effective when used over the top as a saddle cloth?

Cyberhorse - thanks, great to know they don't move, did you use just the gel pad or a saddle pad too??

and just out of interest for those of you that do use them, why do you have them, as i say my boy has a skin problem and a bald patch, so i thought it might help him out.
 
I had a normal square cotton numnah on, then the gel pad and my saddle (no half pad or anything). It stuck to both the numnah and the saddle.

Prior to this riser I used foam risers which had a raised bit in the middle to lock them into the saddle gullet so they did not slip sideways, however I found they slipped out the back. By the time I had finished jumping they usually had crept over the back edge of my numnah.

The Acavello after 30min last night had not moved at all. It also seemed to suit my horse better as I could sit deeper in the saddle in canter whilst jumping without him getting gassy (I would guess this is due to better weight distribution/shock absorbing properties of the material?)
 
Joyous - yes I would say they're just as effective on top of a saddlecloth - has to be very thin though. If anything, I prefer using it with a saddlecloth as it can get quite sticky if it's directly on her back, which doesn't look very comfy!
I use mine because my saddle was moving on get back and causing swellings on one side. Saddler checked it and said the fit is perfect - I think it's my dodgy back and one sided riding that are the root of the problem! He advised getting the pad, and I've been chuffed so far :)
 
i've had one for 3 years, used it on 2 horses mine is sheepskin on one side i got it from shires, i always use it between a saddle cloth/numnah and the saddle but it's in good condition and just last week my saddle fitter recommended it to go under my dressage saddle, after it's been checked if you saddle / cloth is still slipping try a net from iv horse about a tenner and also hard wearing
 
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