Polypads

[crystalizzy]

Just wondered what people’s views on using a poly pad are? I’ve always used a sheepskin half pad but now that needs replacing I was thinking of alternatives.
I’m not into matchy matchy, just after a comfortable pad!

 

[marmalade76]

Nuumed are my fave, Polypads aren't a great shape (unless they've changed the design).

 

[Starzaan]

I wouldn’t use anything other than Nuumed. They’re wonderful, last for yonks, and are properly shaped. Especially the high wither clearance.

 

[LEC]

Tbh you would be better off with a thin saddle cloth and a very decent modern tech half pad if looking for comfort. The half pad then provides shock absorption and pressure distribution so more useful with a saddle that fits well.

 

[Equi]

Poly pads have their place, but a decent sheep’s wool is always better. I use a premier equine one, so all in one and less faffing about with two garments.

 

[Squeak]

I still like Polypads, they're tough and last for years and offer a bit more cushioning than just a thin saddle pad. However I do also agree with others that it could be worth looking at some other half pads too - depends what you're wanting to do and budget.

 

[Horseysheepy]

Half wool Premier Equine or nuumed's half wool, I wouldn't use anything else.

 

[Skib]

I bought nuumed for my share. YM specified.

 

[khalswitz]

I always liked polypads as a winter saddle cloth - when the horse drops weight a little the thicker cloth helps balance it. But I wouldn’t consider it like a decent sheepskin half pad.

 

[dogatemysalad]

Prefer sheepskin with good wither clearance. However, my polypad has been used as a dog bed for the car or travel for 20 years. Washes endlessly, dries quickly and dog hair just shakes off.

 

[crystalizzy]

Thankyou everyone, think I’ll stick to sheepskin and look into the nuumed ones.

 

[sbloom]

Polypads are only a hair thicker than regular numnahs, and will change the fit if you're using sheepskin, as will the woollen Nuumed pads. I have nothing against Nuumed and other wool fleece pads, but they don't last as long as people think - they don't realise how much they ball up the hair inside them ,usually at the back. It works its way into the knitted backing (which is where sheepskin is far superior) and it doesn't come out with brushing, you'd have to take the pad apart. These areas will cause real pressure points on the horse.

I like a Mattes half sheepskin lined pad (prefer to a half pad), or a really good hi tech half pad, current fave, as it utilises d3o, is https://www.facebook.com/lamortisseur.orange though I've no idea prices or shipping to the UK/internationally.

 

[splashgirl45]

My polypads are currently being used as dog beds as they are just the right size for my lurcher . I only used them on my loan horse as the owner insisted I use them , don’t think I would have used them otherwise

 

[Nocturnal]

Polypads are only a hair thicker than regular numnahs, and will change the fit if you're using sheepskin, as will the woollen Nuumed pads. I have nothing against Nuumed and other wool fleece pads, but they don't last as long as people think - they don't realise how much they ball up the hair inside them ,usually at the back. It works its way into the knitted backing (which is where sheepskin is far superior) and it doesn't come out with brushing, you'd have to take the pad apart. These areas will cause real pressure points on the horse.

I like a Mattes half sheepskin lined pad (prefer to a half pad), or a really good hi tech half pad, current fave, as it utilises d3o, is https://www.facebook.com/lamortisseur.orange though I've no idea prices or shipping to the UK/internationally.

Sadly the d3o one doesn’t ship to UK yet, though I’m told they’re working on it. I would guess they ship to anywhere in the EU.

 

[sbloom]

Thanks for finding out, hopefully they'll get it fixed soon...maybe I should take on as a distributor....

 

[palo1]

Bucking the trend slightly here! I've gone from sheepskin and wool with a thin line pad to a simple polypad and both of my horses are happier. One saddle is M2M and both are regularly checked by my lovely saddle fitter - on her advice I am using polypads. Previously she was recommending sheepskin and wool but they are not so hard wearing and eventually end up uneven - through use, natural degradation or other things! I hated all the maintenance too. I think whatever you use, it probably needs to be fitted with the numnah/pad. If that is done well, it's probably personal preference. I love how clean, light and easy polypads are and horses seem to approve too.

 

[Reacher]

Sadly the d3o one doesn’t ship to UK yet, though I’m told they’re working on it. I would guess they ship to anywhere in the EU.

I have an Invictus D3O half pad for sale (sorry for the plug). Open to offers

Pictures - Invictus half pad and shims for sale

Brown Invictus half pad and bag and shims for sale. Contains D3O shock absorbing foam. The D3O® protective layer with the patented intelligent molecular structure is at the heart of the pad. Highly recommended on the forum. The Invictus is no longer made and hard to find. Paid £100 second hand...

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