I have found my favorite AP paddle for summer time is a baker pad. It is so thin and lightweight and doesn’t slide around. Looking for something thats thin and light enough for those hot days but doesn’t slip. Ogilvy baby pad and BOT pads are just too thick when it’s so sunny and warm out. What are your absolute favorite summer saddle pads?
Sheepskin.
Mine too! Thin pad doesn’t necessarily mean its cooler. And sheepskin wicks away sweat and moisture so its pulled away from the horse’s back.
recommend any brands or style? I am only thinking of is a shaped saddle pad, is that what you guys mean
Check out Smartpak and search for sheepskin saddle pads, they have several. Mattes, Fleeceworks, Equine Comfort. I have owned Mattes (my favorite, great quality) and Fleeceworks which was beautiful but you have to treat it delicately when washing, it has a tendency after a while to lose some clumps of “fur.” After each ride, let it air dry and then brush with a stiff brush to keep it clean and you can go quite a while before washing. I found the Mattes pad to hold up extremely well to everyday use but I’m sure there are other popular brands that are available now. I haven’t ridden in several years so I’m not up to date.
I was always careful to only wash with products made especially for sheepskin, like Melp or Leather Therapy Wash. Gentle cycle, air dry. I know lots of people say you can wash it in regular laundry detergent but for what these pads cost I’m not taking any chances. Its only a few pennies more to buy a special product and if you take good care of it you don’t have to wash it too often so the Melp will last quite a while.
