Mattes Pads

[M'n'M]

Quick question aboutm Mattes pads - if you don't put any shims in the correctional Mattes pad, is it the same as the original Mattes? I know for a fact that the correctional Mattes without any shims in it works for my horse, so I was wondering if the original Mattes will do the same, as it is less expensive?

Thanks! Sorry if this is a confusing question...

P.S. I do dressage and I have a bay horse. Does it matter if I get a black or white Mattes pad? Is there a "correct" color?

 

[M'n'M]

anyone?

 

[sbloom]

Because of the pocket system the cotton part is slightly thicker - I suggest you "upgrade" the lining - from cotton to wool, or wool to sheepskin - to get the extra thickness. Or indeed opt for the correction system if it means you have a versatile pad for the future - obviously I don't know whether the one you've tried is yours or borrowed. They are brilliant tools for temporary saddle fixes, I won't use anything else on remedial fits.

There is no correct colour - white has become the overwhelming trend, but black is much more practical for every day use!

 

[Oliver12]

I have several Mattes platinum range sheepskin pads and also a Mattes platinum correctional pad. They are virtually the same in as far as thickness goes.

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

mattes platinum range is lovely and very good quality. the gold and silver ranges are definitely inferior to the platinum. but a correctional pad is no substitute for a correctly fitting saddle, though does ease the use of a particular saddle on a variety of horses.

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

and if you want quality sheepskin that lasts and washes well mattes is the way to go!! (IMO)

 

[sbloom]

mattes platinum range is lovely and very good quality. the gold and silver ranges are definitely inferior to the platinum. but a correctional pad is no substitute for a correctly fitting saddle, though does ease the use of a particular saddle on a variety of horses.

In my experience many horses only need a wool lining - silver (a short pile wool sewn into a knitted backing) works prefectly well for that, platinum (sheepskin) can be too bulky, can even occasionally cause stability issues (rare) and is way over most people's budgets. Wool is also easier care than sheepskin.

Sheepskin is a wonderful product, and Mattes' platinum quality really is the best sheepskin you can get, but realistically it is not for everyone.