Wool lined saddle pad still effective after multiple uses?

[bigbrownheavyhorse]

May be a bit of a silly question but when a wool underside on a saddle pad becomes compressed after several uses, does it still have the same shock absorbing qualities? How often would you replace them?

 

[CMcC]

You should be able to revive it by “grooming” it. Use a small sharp bristled brush, I had one for grooming a long haired cat and fluff it up after you have washed it.

 

[Ownedby4horses]

Yes, I would make sure it is washed properly (wool detergent) and “fluff” it gently with a brush.

 

[Red-1]

I have mine for years. Take them off and brush them after every use. Wash whenever a brush doesn't revive them, in wool wash, on a wool cycle.

Still look pretty much like new.

 

[bigbrownheavyhorse]

Thank you. Can I ask what brands you all use? I’m looking at the nuumed one or the lemiuex one at the moment, any opinions on those?

 

[sbloom]

Wool pads really don't absorb much shock at all, sheepskin do, but it's a different beast, most people don't realise they're different. Wool is more about immediate comfort for the skin, and wicking sweat, but sheepskin does both better. A wool lined pad like Nuumed (they don't DO sheepskin) isn't a bad product, and won't affect your saddle fit, but it can't do what sheepskin does. LeMieux have several options, I would check with your fitter which one they think you should have as they're different thicknesses, they're both decent products, I suspect Nuumed may be the only one that is UK made but I don't know that for sure, and it may not be important to you (the Mattes pads I stock are made in Poland after all!).

 

[Scotsbadboy]

I have a Balance saddle so use there pads which are wool underneath but i also have Nuumed (were the same until recently, Nuumed made the pads for Balance). They last for years and years and years. Wash with a wool specific fabric conditioner and when air dried (don't tumble dry) I use my horses tail brush as it has rubber tips, to gently brush/ fluff it back up.

Nuumed and Balance .. wouldnt touch lemiuex even if you paid me. Also buy cheap, buy twice is never a truer saying when you are buying pads. Quality over quantity any day for me.

 

[ester]

I've had wool and sheepskin ones, happy with either. Use a wide tooth dog comb for brushing.

 

[bigbrownheavyhorse]

Wool pads really don't absorb much shock at all, sheepskin do, but it's a different beast, most people don't realise they're different. Wool is more about immediate comfort for the skin, and wicking sweat, but sheepskin does both better. A wool lined pad like Nuumed (they don't DO sheepskin) isn't a bad product, and won't affect your saddle fit, but it can't do what sheepskin does. LeMieux have several options, I would check with your fitter which one they think you should have as they're different thicknesses, they're both decent products, I suspect Nuumed may be the only one that is UK made but I don't know that for sure, and it may not be important to you (the Mattes pads I stock are made in Poland after all!).

That’s really interesting actually, I didn’t know there was a difference! I’d definitely be looking for sheepskin then to ensure the most comfort for my horse.

 

[sbloom]

That’s really interesting actually, I didn’t know there was a difference! I’d definitely be looking for sheepskin then to ensure the most comfort for my horse.

Wool is shorn from the sheep and sewin into a fleecy backing. It loses its structural integrity, so loses its density, and tends to be shorter. If you swap from wool lined to a decent sheepskin you should have your saddle checked and adjusted as necessary.