my student is losing her stirrups, because I’m evil. This will be more than 1 ride thing, and I’ve always wanted a bareback pad, so which is the best? I know thinline makes two and I’d love something that protects my horses back, but the purpose of the bareback pad is to be grippy and I’m not sure how grippy they are. Anyone suggest a good one?
The thin line one is really nice, but my favorite is this one. I use it more than my Thinline bareback pad. My butt has a tendency to glue itself to the Thinline if I wear my full seat breeches, I have to peel myself off when its hot. Doesn’t do it with this one.
http://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Best_Friend_Slip-Resistant_Bareback_Pad/descpage-BFSBP.html
I think I’m sold on this one since I’m the description it says it has an “oh shoot” handle! Hahaha
is it pretty thick and cushy?
My daughter has this one- it has good reviews and she likes it.
Keep an eye on the girth to keep it snug. I have never trusted them after seeing a couple of them slide sideways, even after a recent girth check. We went cheap, used a western cinch with a Latigo strap around a saddle blanket on the horse, to keep our pants clean. You could tighten it easily, didn’t seem to loosen even on longer rides. Some tihng to grab but didn’t rub you.
It is very thick and cushy and I have used it a high withered ASB and a super round witherless pony with no issues with moving.
@Ready To Riot - I bought the Best Friends pad for my very high withered TB. I love it. Thick and cushy for sure. Without it I feel like my horse’s back bone is going to cut me in half. With it I am secure and comfortable.
I have always liked the design and functionality of the Parelli pads. Never bought one myself, but the barn I rode at for years had plenty. Put on top of a thick western pad that had a channel for the spine and it was great for cruising around on the trail.
The thinline and the Christ sheepskin ones are the best IMO.
Thinline all the way. I have several other fancy ones and hardly use them.
i had this one - and the cheap metal fittings quickly rusted badly. I wouldn’t buy another.
No brainer for me - “Best Friend Comfort Plus Bareback Pad”. It’s a slightly different model than the ones mentioned above. The underside is semi-grippy stuff (can’t think of the word) that you can hose off when done and it won’t make your horse sweat like crazy. The seat part of it is oh so gloriously cushy and it also has a suede-like feeling so you really stay on easily. There are D rings on it to attach a water bottle holder or a grab strap. The girth is cushioned but has elastic which not many bareback pads have. Plus, the blue color is much prettier in person!
Another vote for the Thinline bareback pad, I have this one:
http://www.doversaddlery.com/thinline-cmfrtplus-barebck-pad/p/X1-19794/
Previously I’ve used a wool felt bareback pad and found I need extra padding but with the thinline, I don’t need any other pads with it.
