Your exercise sheet preferences

[DD265]

I have a ride-on wool exercise sheet - it's gorgeous but it's slipping back (and we're only walking) and the girth loops are in totally the wrong place. I am debating getting the needle and thread out, or selling it and trying a smaller one (it is 5ft on a 14.2hh, but he takes a 4'9 exercise sheet usually and I couldn't get one so went bigger) or selling it and buying something different entirely. Then it's what do I replace it with?

Usually I like quarter sheets - but I like the fact that this is keeping his whole back warm, as I put it on as soon as I tie him in the yard. I'm probably reading too much into a coincidence, particularly as it was rather mild up until this weekend, but the last two hacks (the first time we've actually used it) he has been raring to go, whereas the previous ones not so much.

Does anybody have ride-on exercise sheets that don't slip, or ideas for how I can stop this one slipping? I've seen some people fold the front corner of the sheet up so it's tucked away under the girth, does this help?

 

[FfionWinnie]

I don't like the ones that go under the saddle. It's hard to make sure they aren't causing pressure points/ slipping back / changing saddle fit.

The competition style which go under the flaps are my preference. I have quarter sheets too. My horse is clipped out all year round and must be kept warm over her back/hind so I have lots of different ones. I like Eskadron, Rambo and Mark Todd.

 

[Woolly Hat n Wellies]

I have this one:

http://www.rideaway.co.uk/amigo-competition-fleece

Waterproof on top, fleecey underneath, and the reflective strips at the back are surprisingly effective. It has a gap for the saddle, goes under your legs, and has a Velcro fastening at the front. I've found it really comfy and it hasn't moved at all when my 15.2hh cob has been out in it. The only fault is that the sizing is a bit vague (small, medium, large, or extra large). Mine's in a large.

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Why don't you fold it back under the girth straps? Will see if I can find a picture.

I have both and don't mind either

 

[Enfys]

Traditional pure wool quarter sheets for me, I think I am alone in disliking these fitted sheets that fit like stable blankets, I think they are too restrictive especially when doing fast work.

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Like this? This is how I do all the ones that go.under the saddle.

 

[Tyssandi]

I have a ride-on wool exercise sheet - it's gorgeous but it's slipping back (and we're only walking) and the girth loops are in totally the wrong place. I am debating getting the needle and thread out, or selling it and trying a smaller one (it is 5ft on a 14.2hh, but he takes a 4'9 exercise sheet usually and I couldn't get one so went bigger) or selling it and buying something different entirely. Then it's what do I replace it with?

Usually I like quarter sheets - but I like the fact that this is keeping his whole back warm, as I put it on as soon as I tie him in the yard. I'm probably reading too much into a coincidence, particularly as it was rather mild up until this weekend, but the last two hacks (the first time we've actually used it) he has been raring to go, whereas the previous ones not so much.

Does anybody have ride-on exercise sheets that don't slip, or ideas for how I can stop this one slipping? I've seen some people fold the front corner of the sheet up so it's tucked away under the girth, does this help?

I much prefer the ride on ones as I find the others slip more than the under the saddle ones, I have both but I stick to the old school

 

[catkin]

I have the ones that have a hole for the saddle - however I do modify them slightly. Sew a piece of elastic from side to side of the hole just in front of the cantle. When this is placed over the saddle it holds the sheet in place and stops it sliding under the saddle panels at the back and stops draghts on the loins. you don't feel it riding, honest - had a lesson in one yesterday, no probs. The other thing I do is to put a 'proper' fillet string on (fancy plaited job) - they keep the corners down better than the rope type and stay knotted (found this out the hard way )

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I've got two: one is a waterproof cut-out-for-the-saddle type with no lining. Fits OK, but I don't like the style as find it too cumbersome.

Have another one made of pure fleece, by Equafleece. This is a quarter-sheet style one. It's OK to use on anything that isn't clipped too tight basically, but if you use it on a freshly clipped bum then the fleece grips the clipped coat, and sticks!, then pulls. Which must be really uncomfortable for the horse. I keep meaning to get some satin-type lining for it. But this style is much much easier to deal with on a treeless saddle, which is what I ride in, rather than a conventional treed saddle.

Tried a ride-on one just the once. Had to dismount to re-arrange the damn thing. So on e-bay it went. Glad to be rid.

 

[DD265]

Thanks all.

Catkin and SlightlyConfused - I'm going to have a go at combining your suggestions. I can put a strap at the front of the exercise sheet which goes from front to middle under the saddle flap. It won't interfere with my saddlecloth because that goes to the D-ring (or I'd have looked at straps from the exercise sheet to there). And I'll look to take up/away the front corner and move the girth loops to a better position - hopefully this will help the sheet to lie better under the saddle because at the moment the girth pulls it forwards as it slips back!

If I make a complete mess of it then I'll just have to go out for some retail therapy!

 

[Pie's mum]

Quarter sheets only here!
The ones that go under the saddle just ruck up from the action of his shoulder and pull back.
The ones with the cutout for the saddle just never seem to sit right on Pie and pull back.
He is a slightly odd shape though with a funny action behind, which I suspect contributes to this!

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Thanks all.

Catkin and SlightlyConfused - I'm going to have a go at combining your suggestions. I can put a strap at the front of the exercise sheet which goes from front to middle under the saddle flap. It won't interfere with my saddlecloth because that goes to the D-ring (or I'd have looked at straps from the exercise sheet to there). And I'll look to take up/away the front corner and move the girth loops to a better position - hopefully this will help the sheet to lie better under the saddle because at the moment the girth pulls it forwards as it slips back!

If I make a complete mess of it then I'll just have to go out for some retail therapy!

Make sure you put the fold under the girth straps, they will anchor it down when you ride.

 

[DD265]

Make sure you put the fold under the girth straps, they will anchor it down when you ride.

It's a dressage saddle so that might be easier said than done, but I will have a look!