Slippy Saddle ..... sheepskin saddle saver or acavello gel out?

C

canteron

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 October 2008
Messages
4,150
Location
Cloud Cockoo Land
Visit site
My saddle has changed from synthetic suede to slippy leather. As the horse seems to like the saddle, I think I need to have a saddle saver (I already have gripped riding tights!).
In this frosty weather I quite fancy a sheepskin pad, but does it actually stop you slipping as well as being comfortable, or does it have to be an acavello type?
Experiences please!
 
I have a synthetic seat saver on a synthetic saddle. It's very comfortable and I feel much more secure than previously. Washable and dries easily as apposed to a real sheepskin and doesn't clump up. I think it a le mieux, sorry without going to the yard to check I can't say for sure.
 
Dave's Mam said:
Proper sheepskin is quite grippy, I love mine, but they're rubbish if you get caught in the rain. It's like a big sponge!
Click to expand...
I have had both Acavallo (gel out) and a sheepskin. I had the Acavallo for a while and it was pretty good - super grippy and of course waterproof, but then I bought a Mattes sheepskin one cheap online. That was a gamechanger - SO comfy. And grippy. But as @Dave's Mam says, if I'm about to set off on a long ride and think it might rain, I would wear my waterproof riding skirt or I'd end up with a very soggy bum.

It's not quite what you're asking but as an aside, real sheepskin is the kindest thing I've found if saddles are at all inclined to rub your lady parts. Obviously they won't fix a saddle that doesn't fit you but they do seem to absorb some pressure and result in extra comfort. I would thoroughly recommend Mattes if you can find one secondhand. It's good quality sheepskin which IMO does make a difference.
 
I've always used sheepskin on my western saddles, lovely and warm and soft. I now have a Heather Moffat on my Smart saddle, which is also very comfy but it;s hard to attach it tight enough so that the pad itself doesn't move around a bit on the saddle.
 
HopOnTrot said:
Heather Moffett, they’re memory foam and suede, I’ve always had one and ended up buying one for my daughter as she used to slip out of her Wintec when she was tiny.
Click to expand...
Yes! Ive had all the above and whilst I like the gel out ones. I prefer my Heather Moffett one. You can also often pick them up cheap now. My current one was new in sale after much searching but have previously got one from ebay for peanuts.

Just one to note with the gel in seat savers, the gel is showing on the underside and I was told could mark my saddle. I cut a bit of cotton fabric and put it between saddle and seat saver and that worked well. I'd have been gutted had I not been warned and it did damage the saddle seat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top