What pad - shock absorbing

[dixie]

Hi,
I currently use a sheepskin numnah (Le Meiux) under my saddle, which whilst lovely is a pain to wash and more importantly dry.
I would like to get some type of shock absorbing pad, but it needs to be fairly thin so it doesn't alter the fitting of the saddle - I think even the Prolite might be a bit bulky by times I add a cloth as well.
I'm looking at the Acavallo twin sided gel numnah but haven't seen it in "real life".
Any suggestions or comments on the above please.

 

[dressage_diva]

I've just started using an acavello gel pad (very thin) under my saddle after recommendation from my saddler and my horse definitely seems much happier since I started using it - he's more forward and seem to have more lift in his trot work. I'm using it between my saddle and my Le Mieux saddlecloth.

 

[dixie]

Thanks.
Is that like one of these?
http://www.acavallo.com/products/shock-absorbing-gel-pads/non-slip-gel-pad/

or one of these (which I cant find on Acavallo's website)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152085823014?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[dressage_diva]

I actually got this one as that was just what my saddler had with her: http://www.horsehealth.co.uk/acaval...l/acavallo-just-gel-lambskin-half-pad-natural

 

[dixie]

Thanks. I like the look of that one.

 

[muddy_grey]

I have an acavallo too. I have the air release which is slightly thicker but still less than a prolite. I use mine between horde and saddle cloth. She is happier in it and I like the added non slip too

 

[McFluff]

I have the twin sided gel pad. It's quite thick - but does provide good cushioning. Keeps saddle very stable, but girth strap annoys me (the brown one has a rigid piece that is too narrow for my girth but then sits against her side which I don't like - the white one is better!). I've found a normal le mieux saddlecloth plus the thin gel pad (on your first link) works well - much thinner combination. I use the gel between saddlecloth and saddle (a friend uses same combo but with gel between horse and cloth). The le mieux saddlecloths stay in place and gel keeps saddle stable and provides some cushioning.

 

[dixie]

Ah thank you. Sounds like the twin sided will be too thick then.

 

[McFluff]

I'd say it was 1.5 - 2 cm thick - can check when I'm at the yard tonight.

 

[Trakehner92]

Another vote for the acavallo gel pads! I love mine!

 

[eggs]

I've got the Acavallo air release gel pad. Whilst it looks thick it hasn't altered the fit of my saddles and the saddler and I both noticed how much better all the horses moved when they had it on. I put it straight onto their back with a Le Mieux saddle cloth over. Previously I used a saddle cloth with a Le Mieux wool half pad.

 

[saddlesore]

I have the thin prolite pad, it's great 😊
https://www.throstlenestsaddlery.co.uk/prolite-gp-wide-thin-relief-pad-black.html

 

[nato]

Have heard good things about the Ogilvy pad!

 

[sbloom]

I would recommend Thinline for this, though their shim pad, like most except Mattes, isn't the best.