recommend me a saddle pad

McNally

McNally

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 February 2009
Messages
1,579
Visit site
I like Poly pads but find them difficult to wash and dry- they always come out still grubby unless i do one at a time.

What offers good back protection whilst being easy care and also reasonably priced?
 
I've picked up a couple of thermatex pads off of eBay, got them really cheaply. Like polypads but much thinner & so wash easier.
 
I generally buy pads thinner than the poly pads, but one of my thicker pads looks great and washes fab. It is a caldene one - I think equestrian clearance had some the same they were selling off. I would say it is only about half the thickness of a poly pad, but it does not go thinner with time and washing.

Another option would be a standard numnah and then invest in a gel pad to put between the numnah and saddle. I would really recommend these as they are great for comfort for horse and rider. Acavallo are great and do not slip, I got mine from horsehealth. These are very easy to clean - hosepipe! and if they are a bit too clingy a soak in a bucket with a fabric softener sheet.
 
Last edited:
Good suggestions- Thankyou will do some googling now i have some brand names to try!

I do actually have a prolite in the shed which i "needed" years ago and never used maybe will dust it off!
 
I have one of the Hy Speed Comfort Pads, would highly recommend. Think I paid around £20, comes up lovely in the wash & is wearing really well compared to my old poly pad :)
 
If the saddle really is a good fit then I'd only recommend a thin cotton pad or if you want concussion absorption then wool fleece lined (like NuuMed) or sheepskin. There is only other pad I'd recommend as a fitter, not seen them in the flesh but another fitter I really respect rates them, and that's Thinline. Gel pads have been shown to cause heatspots, even allegedly to cause burns to the skin - one thing is true, the gel moves away from pressure which is not really want you want from a pad!

Prolite etc do slightly change the fit of a saddle, especially the narrower the horse when a thick pad will lift the front of the saddle slightly more than the back. Foam pads can also bounce and lead to other instabilities in saddle fit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top