PolyPads?

[Trifein]

Today we had to saddler out for a routine check up and my gelding has a CC saddle and he said since this sits quite low (but still fits perfect!) we should invest in a Sheepskin Half-Pad but he said a PolyPad would do the trick too.

Opinions please? I really like the look of PolyPads and I'm considering getting a doubler thickness or plus one thickness. I've heard they're only a temporary solution for a saddle that fits too wide?

Please put me on the right track.
I also like the look of the Rambo Reversible Pads and PE Buster Pads Reversible too. Experiences with any of these?

Or can anyone suggest a nice thick saddle pad?

 

[Shysmum]

I love Polypads (please don't throw stones at me folks), but only the Classic, not the doublers - they really are very thick, too thick, imho, and they change the saddle dynamics way too much.

I have been happily hoovering my polypads before putting them in the washing machine tonight, and after years of use, they come out like new. Am i very sad ? Ooo and I covet a hi vis yellow one..

 

[Trifein]

I love Polypads (please don't throw stones at me folks), but only the Classic, not the doublers - they really are very thick, too thick, imho, and they change the saddle dynamics way too much.

I have been happily hoovering my polypads before putting them in the washing machine tonight, and after years of use, they come out like new. Am i very sad ? Ooo and I covet a hi vis yellow one..

So just the Single layers are not the Plus One and Doubler is better?
I'd like to to act somewhat like a half-pad like the saddler suggested. So to give it a bit of padding. That why I was thinking Plus One was best but do you think the Single would do the trick?
Thanks

 

[Shysmum]

I actually got advice from my saddler when I got the saddle fitted - I went for the thinnest version - is that the classic ? I then went and bought the double, but it was a bit like using thick card, and I needed to go up a girth size

 

[Keenjean]

I've got some plus ones, I either use them or a half pad and saddlecloth. I quite like them!

 

[igglepop]

My horse loves it he really goes better in it, saddle is fitted fine but he just likes the polypad.

 

[Chestersmummy]

I've just taken delivery of my personalised made to order classic polypad! In fact I might put it on the boy later when we go for a hack

 

[Abbeygale]

I got a PE pad a little while ago and have to say I was pretty impressed. .

 

[Shay]

Although I do have a couple of poly pads - and they absolutely have thier uses! - I am of the school that would only use them as a temporary fix.

I'm also slightly confused by the advice that you have been given to use a half pad or a poly pad. Don't they do different things?

We have been advised to use a sheepskin half pad when jumping over 1.10 as the angle of the body and stress on landing is greater so the half pad absorbs any shock and any posible tiny movement of the saddle. Because it only sits under the very upper part of the saddle it won't alter the fit or the contact from the riders legs at all. Otherwise we use only a thin numnah.

In contrast a poly pad sits under the whole saddle offering great padding for any lumps and bumps, shape changes etc. But it does change the width of the saddle at the shoulder and is an addtional layer between the rider's legs and the horse. Because it isn't secured in any way they can also slip if they're not positioned correctly - or of the horse / rider is really one sided.

Might it be worth checking with the saddler what his advice was intended to achieve?

 

[Oberon]

I've been using Polypads for many years - had the same one for 12 years so far. Even used it under a treeless.

When it's done being a saddle pad, it will retire into life as a dog bed.

 

[Copperpot]

I went through a polypad phase!! Am in a sheepskin phase now so my dog is on his second polypad bed He loves them!

 

[Dandycandy]

I agree with shysmum! I only really use polly pads! Definately the classic only. The double ones are too thick and no good at all!! Change fit of the saddle pinch and slip about. I have no problem using 2 classic poly pads in one go though. So I've always wondered why the double is no good!! For value for money. They last years and go in the washer no nother!

 

[pines of rome]

After buying expensive sheepskin numnahs and numed saddle cloths, I find that my boy is happiest in his old single polypad!

 

[Herpesas]

In contrast a poly pad sits under the whole saddle offering great padding for any lumps and bumps, shape changes etc. But it does change the width of the saddle at the shoulder and is an addtional layer between the rider's legs and the horse.

I thought this too but don't Polypad do a half numnah? Could the saddler be referring to one of these?

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Polypad doubler will alter the width of the saddle making it narrower, so if yours fits that's not a good idea. I don't know how thick a plus one is, but a classic is thicker than a bog standard thin numnah. You can get designs where there's more polypad under the saddle and less under the legs, but they do feel thicker than a standard thin numnah under the saddle flaps, though that doesn't bother me. I think polypads are great and they last for years. They don't suit all horse/saddle/rider combinations though, as previously mentioned they can slip if they don't suit.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Dandy candy your two classic polypads are maybe old and flattened?

 

[Patterdale]

Oberon I totally agree!

 

[NativePonyLover]

Ive never considered polypads before, but seeing so many people have raved about them I am tempted to try one - especially if they last for years! My Amigo pad is beginning to look tatty after about four months

I have a non-withered, roly poly native - has anyone experienced slipping with a polypad and this type of pony?

 

[Oberon]

Now with the invention of the internet - when I come to buy a new one....I can have whatever colour I want AND have it embroidered

Oh the luxury of modern times

I like the fluorescent one that you can reverse to a black one - how cool is that