Sheepskin or gel for pressure relief?

[Daphnelia]

I'm browsing for a girth sleeve and a headpiece, but not sure which is better for the job, gel (say prolite) or sheepskin. What do you all think?

 

[siennamum]

I've always sworn by Prolite, now I swear by good thick merino, love it!!

 

[Daphnelia]

lol - so sheepy skin?? Cool, one vote for that!

 

[Bossanova]

Got both prolites and sheepskin pads. Tbh, the sheepskin looks better but I do like prolites.It seems that, to be effective, the sheepskin needs to be fairly thick which isnt great for the fit of the saddle

 

[Flame_]

I've got both and the horses seem happy with either. Personally I don't like the sheepskin because it sits the saddle really high and you feel like you're hovering really high off the horse's back but I bought it because the saddler told me Pro-Lites are rubbish. I have gone back to using the Pro-Lite and my horse hasn't objected.

 

[YorkshireLass]

As far as pressure relief goes... there should not be pressure in the first place if the tack fits correctly!

If you are concerned about a girth galling, sheepskin is best because it wicks away moisture far better than any synthetic material. Clipped horses especialy apreciate it.

 

[Daphnelia]

If you had read my original post, you would know I was asking about a headpiece pad, as in comfort bridles, and a girth sleeve. My tack fits perfectly well thankyou

 

[Persephone]

I have a prolite gel pad which I use on top of a merino saddlecloth. I have close contact saddle and it has made no difference to the fit, as it was suggested by my saddler, but it has eliminated the heat bumps Star was getting on her back. I also use a prolite girth sleeve and a prolite noseband cushion. The prolite girth sleeve dries pretty quickly and has lasted much longer than my sheepskin one did. Just less fuss all round. She wears an Elevator bridle and as they come with a crank noseband I put a sleeve on the back of the noseband. However it is only a cavesson noseband and the prolite is just in case as she is so sensitive.

Jo x

 

[PapaFrita]

Oopsie. I thought you were talking about pads/numnahs too

In which case my personal preference is for merino sheepskin

Oh, hang on, I do like Heather Moffett's back saver pad too as it moulds beautifully

That's absolutely no help to you, is it?

 

[YorkshireLass]

[ QUOTE ]
My tack fits perfectly well thankyou

[/ QUOTE ]

Jolly good... if you don't need them and only want them for decoration, go for the most stylish ones.

 

[hussar]

Can't comment on the headpiece but definitely vote for sheepskin girth sleeves as they absorb so much moisture before they start to feel damp.

 

[Daphnelia]

Jubbly thanks everyone - have gone for sheepskin

xx