I was just talking to a Dover rep as I’m thinking about taking a saddle on a test ride and as we were discussing the issues I’m having with my saddle and its fit she asked if I tried a Mattes Spine Free type pad UNDER my regular pad. She said they were originally designed to go directly on the back to help with pressure, but most people are worried about them getting dirty and use them just for cushion. I thought they were just for cushion, but she says they do more than that if you put it directly on the back. I’m going to give it a try, why not! Has anyone else tried this??
Yeah I used my sheepskin halfpad directly on my horse’s back all the time. Skipped the saddle pad on top since I didn’t really see the point.
Only downfall to doing this is, obviously, your sheepskin gets a lot dirtier. However, I would just let it airdry well (flip it upside on top of your saddle) and then next time before I used it would brush it out with a little wire brush. Getting one in black or brown also helps you ignore the dirt stains 
I used to use a cut down Thinline under my regular pad. Only downside is that I think over time, being exposed to more sweat that way contributed to the pad breaking down and cracking/splitting. For fleece (or wool) wither relief half pads, I would ride in them with or without another pad underneath.
For a sheepskin pad, I think most of the benefit of the sheepskin is FOR it to be directly against the back… So yes, if I use a sheepskin half pad, it goes against the horse’s back, then a baby pad on top of that to keep my saddle flaps from getting (too) sweaty.
My Mattes pad goes directly on my horse’s back with a very thin baby pad on top of that. Have had the saddle fitter fit to that arrangement as my horse is very back sensitive. Have been doing this for years.
It’s supposed to go directly on the horses back otherwise it totally defeats the purpose of sheepskin.
Agree with above statements. I don’t think I could do 1/2 pad with regular pad on top, but more then one occasion, I’ve owned regular pads (AP & dressage) with sheepskin panels. Mattes makes them - I prefer the euro cut version. For dressage I had the Steffen Peter’s Pro Choice version.
I do show hunters in just a Fleeceworks half pad.
Yes. I use just a sheepskin half pad directly on my horse’s back, no pad on top or under. It does get dirty, but I wanted the benefits of sheepskin that come with it being against the horse’s back.
I understand the value of having the sheepskin directly against the horse’s back, I used to use mine alone (currently use square pad and Thinline). I can’t imagine putting a baby pad on top though and having it lie flat? Or are the people doing this using sheepskin half pads without the rolled edges? I tried Googling it but to no avail… could someone post a picture of this setup?
I use mine for the cushioning, so over a pad. I would like to use it directly against his skin, but for a combination of reasons - I got a killer deal on a sheepskin with thinline combo at WEG, horse sweats ALOT. Horse responded really well to the combo - and he is a pain about saddle fit. I have not switched to the pad directly against his skin. I would have to replace two pads - since I would need to be able to wash the sheepskin one occasionally, so I would have to get a sheepskin half pad and then a thinline pad, so have not done so yet.
I almost feel stupid that in over 20 years of riding, I have never heard the half pad directly on skin use before. The Dover rep I talked to directed me to look at pictures of Debbie Mcdonald and Brentina. I too am wondering if it would be ok to try mine under a baby pad but it has the rolled sides. It’s the Circuit one. My mare is sensitive, just had to get her a new saddle as my current one did not fit her at all, so she’s much happier, but I’m always interested in new things to try to tweak her to be even more comfortable. She is a pretty heavy sweater too.
Yes. Every time. My horse has sensitive skin so the whole reason I use sheepskin would be defeated if I put a cotton pad under it. I have several, and have mastered the art of washing them. I also know which brands hold up to that kind of abuse (ie, NOT Fleeceworks).
I DO use the cotton pad on top because my horse sweats like a monster and the square pad protects my saddle some from his sweaty mess.
We just use these ecogold pads most of the time, they are a little pricey but last a long time. Have a few designated to schooling at home. http://ecogold.ca/shop/coolfit-hunter-pad/
I tried it all last week and like the results. I have one mare who has quite the “dragon” reputation that was frankly well earned. So between a correctly fitting saddle and putting the sheep pad under the baby pad, mare went from dragon to kitten:) I think investing in another sheep type pad is in order though so I can always have a cleanish one to use.
For my one horse, I try to keep at least 3. That usually keeps me to only needing to wash them (which is a process) every two weeks. I’d prefer one or two more, though!
