Sheepskin pads

[Hackback]

Having done a bit of research (mainly on this forum) I know I would like a half lined sheepskin pad without the furry bit at the back. Question is, do I need one at all.

I've entered my first endurance ride on the young horse in July and am hoping we will be getting out and about more and more over the summer, so I thought something to cushion the saddle a bit and absorb sweat might be beneficial for him.

But if the saddle is properly fitted do I need one? Horse is 5 and changing shape with increased workload. I thought my saddle was comfy when I was doing less hacking, but am finding it not particularly comfortable going downhill, especially on longer rides.

I have next saddle check/refit at the end of June when we're back from holiday so would need to get a pad before then if I was going to get one.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I would ask in endurance groups for recommendations, I don’t know (m)any who would use sheepskin but most use a washable wicking pad, many types available, with and without grip.
When you say saddle is uncomfortable downhill, is that for you and might you be wanting a seat saver?

 

[Hackback]

Yes uncomfortable for me I have considered a seat saver but was going to wait until after the saddle check in case it just needs rebalancing.

Thanks for the advice about the pad. Trouble is if I ask for recommendations I'll get a dozen different answers! It was more about whether I need a special pad.

 

[planete]

From personal experience I would go for sheepskin or at least wool. Look at Pioneer endurance, they have various types of endurance numnahs.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

From personal experience I would go for sheepskin or at least wool. Look at Pioneer endurance, they have various types of endurance numnahs.

The PE spacer numnahs are excellent

 

[Hackback]

Thank you. I should have been clearer though, I'm not looking for a specific endurance pad (we're not going to be doing any long distance rides just yet) so ideally I just need an understated brown numnah that will also work for the other stuff I take him to - stressless dressage, local shows etc. I just thought a sheepie might help protect his back for the longer hacks.

Just had great fun on a site that sells mattes designing my own, but it says there's a 6 week lead time ..

 

[Barklands]

Have you had a look at courtlea? Often can get second hand, a worker cut should fit a GP saddle unless you want to splash out and get bespoke made

 

[sbloom]

Mattes, tons of shapes, cuts, sizes and finishes, all made to order. I highly recommend a sheepskin half lining, and no trim is more versatile as it does take up length and may mean going up a size to have space for the saddle. The front trim can be useful if there's space, it helps stabilise saddle and pad together. It wicks sweat and keeps the back cool, and is used in endurance and by long riders (ie day after day expedition riding).

 

[Hackback]

Mattes, tons of shapes, cuts, sizes and finishes, all made to order. I highly recommend a sheepskin half lining, and no trim is more versatile as it does take up length and may mean going up a size to have space for the saddle. The front trim can be useful if there's space, it helps stabilise saddle and pad together. It wicks sweat and keeps the back cool, and is used in endurance and by long riders (ie day after day expedition riding).

Thank you. I like the idea of the front trim stabilising the set up but now I'm not sure whether I should go for the cob size as I had planned or the full. Saddle is 16.5 inches. I think I'll go for the full.

 

[Hackback]

Have you had a look at courtlea? Often can get second hand, a worker cut should fit a GP saddle unless you want to splash out and get bespoke made

Thank you - I have looked at them before, a whole ago now, but I couldn't remember the name!

 

[Hackback]

Oh wow I just found a cob sized half lined mattes pad on Ebay for £27! I've bought it to try before I decide what size to get. And I'll have it in time for the saddle fitting. Result..

 

[sbloom]

Thank you. I like the idea of the front trim stabilising the set up but now I'm not sure whether I should go for the cob size as I had planned or the full. Saddle is 16.5 inches. I think I'll go for the full.

For the saddles I've fitted over the years medium size was plenty for a 16.5, even with front trim. They do vary, I recommend putting your saddle onto a numnah on the horse, or over the back of a sofa, and measure the space it takes up on the pad, the easiest way.