Prolite alternatives??!!

[colouredhat]

I am currently using a friends prolite pad on my new horse, I've got a wintec saddle and the med-narrow was too tight and the med slightly wide - but brilliant with the prolite.

I need to get myself one ... but they do seem quite expensive.

Are they worth the money?

Are the alternatives any good?

Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[sam1am]

Look up the zilco pad A fair bit cheaper, and identical!

 

[Welshie Squisher]

Prolite front + rear risers that offer adjustable padding are well worth the money, I use one myself with my ever changing young horses.
I didn't know Zilco did an alternative, I am going to take a look as I'd like another

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

My Prolite has lasted well

Used on different horses, with different saddles. Always retains its shape and depth.

 

[colouredhat]

sam1am do you mean something like this http://www.saddlery.biz/horse-clothing/numnahs-pads/riser-pads/zilco-eva-back-pad.html

???

I know that Wintec do an alternative too ??!!

 

[sam1am]

No, hang on il try find a link, it looks identical to the prelate except for the branding. Think it's called zilco gelite pad

 

[maggiesmum]

The enlightened equitation memory foam pad is fantastic, i've found it much better than the prolite.

 

[kerilli]

prolites are excellent, well worth the money. there are bargains on ebay sometimes. that white zilco pad is not 'identical' to a prolite, sorry.
in pressure testing with the Pliance system, prolites came top, I was told by a Master Saddler.

 

[sam1am]

This is it but usually waay cheaper! Can't find a link to Uk website. http://www.alpinesaddlery.co.nz/shop/saddle-cloths/zilco-deluxe-gelite-pad/

 

[sam1am]

Not talking about that zilco one kerilli.

 

[sam1am]

Found it!!
http://www.saddlery.biz/horse-clothing/numnahs-pads/gel-pads/zilco-gel-lite-front-lift-pad.html

 

[Mrs C]

I've got a shires front raiser which was less than half the price of a prolite

 

[miss_wilson]

I used to use a prolite, but my saddler said a sheepskin pad was better to use as has no edges... so less pressure points.
My saddle is slightly wide to allow my mare to fill out, i use a sheepskin pad and saddlecloth!

 

[domane]

Yesterday I bought a Prolite adjustable front riser to use as a temporary measure because my horse has been out of work for some weeks and lost loads of topline muscle. I have a Shires equivalent which I dug out to compare and I have to say that the Prolite does seem much better in terms of quality. The foam seems to have more "give" and I do think it justifies the additional expense.

(And that's a rare comment coming from me as I only work part-time so I'm usually on the lookout for economical equivalents! )

 

[LissyBear]

The Zilco ones are truly fab and offer many different styles to suit your horse.

Follow this link to see the full range, you will also be able to do a stockist search to find your nearest.

http://www.zilco.eu/categories/SCL

Miss_WIlson... They do a fantastic one which has a real sheepskin with gel on top and it is just LUSH!!

 

[Victoria25]

I use the aerolite combi riser on my ex racer as he has absolutely no topline and extremely high withers ... use it with the Thorowgood high wither saddle so the gullet can be widened as he builds up. He seems happy enough with it x

 

[sbloom]

I do a lot of remedial saddle fitting and only use Mattes correction pads - you add the shim system when ordering any of their pads and numnahs. Much more stable than memory foam, doesn't bottom out, much finer tuning possible with thin dense shims. You do need to think carefully about how to trim them etc, making sure there is no bulky edges under the seat, but it is well worth it.

They only come with a sheepskin lining and are pricier than Prolite, so not that much help really for the OP, but they are head and shoulders above anything else, and I have other even more experienced saddle fitter friends who agree.