[ChristineNJ]

Anyone use sheepskin saddle pads? Would you recommend them for a dressage saddle or all purpose saddle??

 

[MyBoyPuck]

Anyone use sheepskin saddle pads? Would you recommend them for a dressage saddle or all purpose saddle??

I wouldn't use anything else. I LOVE sheepskin. It lets the horse's back breath, provides a nice cushion and most importantly it does not slip. I am notorious for riding with a loose girth. Even after a short sprint up a hill, the saddle pad stays in place. I have nothing bad to say about sheepskin.

 

[luvmyperch]

I use a Fleeceworks sheepskin shaped pad for my close contact saddle and I LOVE it! It's super soft, breathable, never slips, and looks fantastic. It provides plenty of padding and I still feel him through the pad & saddle. Definately worth the investment!

 

[tealamutt]

I got a sheepskin half pad and Tanner loves it. He's often a bit backsore and from the second I started using it, he was swinging a lot more and no more bucks when I ask for canter. Totally worth the money, make sure you get a good one!

 

[Five Furlongs]

I own a fleeceworks half pad and its lovely. It looks really great and everything but I only really use it for shows, and sometimes not even then. I feel like having just one saddlepad is enough because you are closer to the horses back. Of course there are exceptions to this like if your horse has back problems or something along the lines of that. The closer you are to the horse the better is my opinion.

 

[~*~anebel~*~]

I don't use sheepskin because it pushes me away from the horse's back. With some horses with more of a sway to their back and a stiff stride, this can be a good thing, but for me and my horse it just provides a bigger launching pad.

 

[Hoofprints in the Sand]

They're great depending on the horse...but be careful. I started using mine on my stocky QH who has no withers, and it actually did more harm than good :-( It was too much cushion underneath the saddle and made a saddle that fit perfectly fine on her not fit at all. It ended up rubbing all the hair off on both sides under the panels!

I have since stopped using it and gone back to just a plain old AP saddle pad, and the hair is growing back now, no more rubbing. So definitley depends on the horse, some just don't need the extra cushion and it can actually cause fit issues with your saddle!

 

[starlinestables]

I agree with hoof prints. I was riding a boarder's arab mare and she had a giant fleeceworks pad. Round arab with no withers.. The saddle didn't fit well but it fit better with out the pad.

She was misbehaving for the boarder so I hopped on and as I ask for the canter she starts to rush. I ask for a circle with slight leg pressure as she tends to be overly sensitive.. she still over does it and the saddle slipped to the outside. I try to shake it over to the inside just as she decides to drop that inside should and OFF I go... onto my head.

If you have a narrow horse and a wide saddle it may help some as those things are HUGE. I like my thinline much better.

 

[Maire995]

Yes definatley but as hoof prints in the sand it depends on the horse but if the sheepskin pad doesnt work out try gel pads!

 

[HeartMyOTTB]

Yes definatley but as hoof prints in the sand it depends on the horse but if the sheepskin pad doesnt work out try gel pads!

I use a a half pad with my TB and I like it. He has very high withers so the half pad is great. His saddle still fits well with the pad also. Just make sure your pulling the pads up into the gullet.

I have a gel pad as well. I use the gel pad because my horse is a little cold back and it helps absorb shock on his back. Is that what you're looking into a half pad for? For his back? If so, go with the gel pad! If you are just looking for a fluffy pad to compliment the fit of your saddle, go with the half pad!

 

[ChristineNJ]

Thanks everyone. My saddle fits good so I think I may just stick with the regular pad or maybe go for the thinline one due to the fact that my horse has a cold back and will buck a little in the cold weather.

 

[my2geldings]

You know it really depends on the horse you use them on. It also depends what level of dressage you are doing. They are quite thick and can really interfer(sp??) with getting your aids across or getting a good feel for what you're doing. The way your tack fits will also be affected by it. In some cases it can really do more harm than good.

I love sheepskin. I bought all sorts of colors of sheepskin. Love it. I think it looks nicer, more comfortable. I love the look as well.

Use your own judgement.

 

[hindrenaline]

I agree with my2geldings, it really depends on your horses' sensitivity and needs. I use a Rhinegold saddle pad, it's all wool so great to use on a cold day but at the same time allows for close contact. I got mine at Stal Amani, they have interesting stuff and shipping is cheap. Good luck finding the perfect saddle pad for you and your horse!