VIP pad - worth it?

[SpotsandBays]

Anybody used one? Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
Specifically I’m just interested in the shock absorption/comfort side of things. Did you notice any difference in your horse or your own comfort? Currently I ride with a prolite thin underneath my saddle (shims removed as not needed, so basically just a 5mm layer of foam), but I know that the tech has moved on a lot since prolite started!

 

[TheMule]

It didn’t score that highly on the recent David Martin test. Equitex and Ogilvy were the best tested.

 

[ApolloStorm]

I use one, I like it, horse prefers to be ridden in it than without it.
Bought on physio recommendation as normal “gel” pads are a no no. And this doesn’t affect the saddle fit like some of the thicker pads.
But it’s not magic!

 

[SpotsandBays]

Both out of my range (really not a fan of the equitex either tbh) and I’m thinking they’d change the fit of the saddle as they’re both pretty thick?

 

[SpotsandBays]

Thanks @ApolloStorm . Not looking for a miracle cure for anything, just thinking of comfort of the horse

 

[Pippity]

My horse definitely prefers with it to without it. That said, I'm not sure she prefers it enough to be worth the price. I won mine.

 

[SEL]

I've got one. Got for the Appy who was cold backed but I now use it for both ponies and baby cob is definitely better with it on.

If you want to have a ride in it I can pop it over one day - need it back though

 

[SEL]

I've got an equitex as well. Might be a bit small for you but I don't use it so you're welcome to try it.

 

[ycbm]

Have they made a bigger one yet? I bought it but I sent it back because it would not fit the bearing surface of my saddle. They were promising a bigger one but the last time I looked it didn't exist.
.

 

[magicmoments]

I bought one second hand after recommendation by physio. Not sure I've noticed a difference to be fair, but can't do any harm, so have continued to use it.

 

[SpotsandBays]

@Pippity oh winner! Yeah the price puts me off abit but they’ve got a discount on at the moment so thinking that maybe I just bite the bullet?

 

[SpotsandBays]

Have they made a bigger one yet? I bought it but I sent it back because it would not fit the bearing surface of my saddle. They were promising a bigger one but the last time I looked it didn't exist.
.

VIP XL/Wide — VIP Equestrian

The same unique properties as the Original but bigger! Wider at the tree points and longer. Suitable for large 18+’ English saddles and all styles of Western. Available in Gold only.

www.vip-equestrian.com

Big enough?

 

[SpotsandBays]

Thank you @SEL ! The prices of equitex make my eyes water

 

[Ossy2]

Had one and sold it, prefer sheep skin TBH

 

[GinaGeo]

I have one gathering dust in my tack room wasn’t that keen and horse wasn’t either. I probably ought to sell it

 

[Ceriann]

I use mine and I prefer riding with it. My mare isn’t a fan of sheepskin etc and it’s thin enough it doesn’t change the fit of the saddle. Recommended by my saddler who isn’t one to recommend fads etc

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Sbloom recommends one on here but I can't remember the name of it for the life of me at the moment

 

[ycbm]

VIP XL/Wide — VIP Equestrian

The same unique properties as the Original but bigger! Wider at the tree points and longer. Suitable for large 18+’ English saddles and all styles of Western. Available in Gold only.

www.vip-equestrian.com

Big enough?

Yes, but happy with sheepskin now

 

[saddlesore]

I have a blue one I’d sell if you were interested. I never use it tbh.

 

[black and brown]

I sold mine in the end. I found it to be heavy and difficult to fit comfortably under the saddle as it wasn't big enough. For the amount of money they cost I wouldn't recommend one, sorry!

 

[lme]

We have one. No good for high withers but flatter withered horse likes it.

 

[oldie48]

My horse liked it and when she was pts I sold it easily, so there's a good secondhand market if it doesn't suit.

 

[Sossigpoker]

I use a Nuumed wool pad with Prolite integrated plus memory foam and my cob goes well in it.

 

[Fluffypiglet]

I use mine and I prefer riding with it. My mare isn’t a fan of sheepskin etc and it’s thin enough it doesn’t change the fit of the saddle. Recommended by my saddler who isn’t one to recommend fads etc

This! Although I didn’t entirely get on with it as my horse has very high withers so I found it difficult to get it sitting well. My absolute princess of a horse definitely liked the VIP but decided that he liked the eye wateringly expensive Equitex even more. Definitely do something to make thing more comfy according to my horse (who is in a wow saddle cos it’s more comfy than flocking…. )

horse did not like plain nuumed (very nice saddle cloths imo) nor sheepskin.

eta and he hated the thin line pad I tried and not fussed about prolite thanks very much.

 

[SEL]

@Pippity oh winner! Yeah the price puts me off abit but they’ve got a discount on at the moment so thinking that maybe I just bite the bullet?

You'll be able to sell it on if it doesn't work, but I've never had a horse dislike the VIP just some who didn't seem bothered by it.

 

[JCW]

We have one. No good for high withers but flatter withered horse likes it.

well that answers why my horse didn’t like it and my daughter’s seemed to.

 

[Dontforgetaboutme]

I won mine, it doesn’t affect fit as squishes down but it’s a bit of a faff to put on. My pony size fits a 16.5” saddle