I spent most of last year riding bareback while searching for a saddle that fit my horse. I did that…but here’s the problem: I miss bareback. I feel almost disconnected in a saddle now. It’s weird. Anyway, now I’m on the hunt for a bareback pad. I borrowed a parelli bareback pad and it was ok. I liked the suede, but it wasn’t contoured and is way overpriced imo. Since I spent all that money on a saddle only 5 months ago, hubby is not going to be happy if I spend much on a bareback pad. The problem is, all the ones I’ve found under $100 look like they suck. Either they have straps way too far forward and/or running right over the top of the pad, creating a narrow pressure point once the pad is girthed up. Or the pad just looks flimsy, not grippy enough, etc.
I want GRIP. It’s enough of a workout to balance, I don’t like to have to worry about slipping. I’ve only tried the suede pad, so I’m now sure how synthetic suede, fleece, etc. compare. I also want something that is going to protect my horse’s back and won’t cause any bad pressure points once the girth is tightened. I also REALLY prefer to be able to use my own girth, rather than the flimsy little ones that seem to come with most of them.
So far, the best looking ones I’ve found in a reasonable price range are:
https://hilason.com/hilason-natural-horsemanship-leather-bareback-english-treeless-horse-saddle-pad.html (WITH THE STIRRUPS REMOVED!!! I would never use a bareback pad with stirrups.)
and
https://naturalequipment.com.au/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=961:838ae9c66a668f6accd1d14b737b1610 (It looks like it would be about $114 shipped to the US)
There seem to be a lot of really neat options outside the US, but are rather expensive, or don’t ship here. sigh. Are there any amazing bareback pads available for around $100 that I’ve missed? TIA!
