Shires halfpad right or wrong????

[Juliameazza]

I was recently in Ireland and in the horseware tack shop I bought what I stupidly thought was a synthetic sheepskin halfpad ( if I can call it that way) for 22€.I've seen around now that sheepskin cost usually over 70€. I used it a few times over a numnah under the saddle but know I'm starting to think that's not what it's for. I'll post the link of the pad. Can I use it over the numnah for my horses comfort? Excuse my ignorance on the subject thanks very much Julia


http://www.shiresequestrian.co.uk/shop/product.php?productid=883&cat=705&page=1

 

[Pinkvboots]

It is a numnah you can use it on its own under a saddle you can put it directly on the back. Is that what you wanted to know?

 

[Juliameazza]

I wanted to know if I can use it over a numnah and under the saddle for extra comfort
Thanks

 

[poiuytrewq]

Yes that's right Its cheaper because its not real sheepskin

 

[LadyRascasse]

Most people put saddlecloth then half pad then saddle. You can do this with the one you linked however it will effect the fitting of you saddle and you shouldn't do it unless your saddler has advised you too.

 

[catkin]

Using it in the way you suggest is perfectly acceptable if it doesn't make the saddle fit too tight - it will act as a shimmy pad. Lots of people use one like this - your horse will soon tell you if they like it!

The reason sheepskin is often preferred over synthetics against the horse's skin is that it absorbs moisture when the horse gets sweaty in addition to the comfort/squishiness and it seems to conform to the horses shape well. As you've discovered it's also a lot more expensive (be careful with cheap sheepskin that is made from offcuts though - they can have seams that lie across the panels and rub badly).