DIY Half Pad?

[7woHunter]

Hello,
I’ve recently been casually searching for a half pad, preferably sheepskin, but all I’m finding is ones upwards of $100, which I’d rather not pay for considering I don’t even have my own horse (I do like to use my own tack however). I came upon the idea that it could be cheaper to make my own half pad out of faux sheepskin and hopefully cut down some costs as well as have a fun project.

The only issue is with this DIY is where to begin and how to do it! I don’t have a half pad at my disposal so I can’t make a pattern based on that, does anyone have any ideas for what I can do for a pattern? I can’t go to the barn right now either, so it is almost kind of a hit and miss as far as shape unless I can come up with something.

As far as measurements, how long should the pad be? And how long should I make it if I’m going to add the faux sheepskin border on it? And also, what materials would be best for this, for both the faux sheepskin and the pad itself? Any information or recommendations would be very helpful!

And speaking of making your own pads, how could I make my own saddle pad? I don’t want to buy and I think making my own would be another fun idea; I could get creative with it. What materials would be good for this one? And how should I make both this one and the half pad? Would the faux sheepskin be a good idea?

Sorry about the long post! Any info or just ideas would be very helpful and appreciated!
Thank you!

[starhorse]

Can’t help you with making one, but for the cost of the materials, you might be able to get a real used one on e-bay or one of the Facebook used tack pages. I see them pretty regularly for under $75, simply because they aren’t sparkly white anymore

[Manahmanah]

http://m.ebay.com/sch/i.html?kw=sheepskin+half+pad&epp=24&pgn=1&fads=1&so=15

you can get them for around 50 bucks. The cost of materials is going to be at least that, you really arent going to save any money.

[Appsolute]

Roma ones are usually around $50. Not nearly as thick or nice as a spendy Mattes pad, but about as thick as you would get with synthetic fleece.

http://www.statelinetack.com/item/roma-sheepskin-half-pad-w-full-rolled-edges/E004261/

[poltroon]

Synthetic fleece is not the same as sheepskin. The wool has properties that a synthetic fiber just doesn’t. You can buy or make a synthetic pad but it’s not the same.

My experience is that the saddle pad makers have better access to quality fleece material than you can get - ie, any fleece you can buy in an ordinary fabric store will be more expensive and also less dense in the pile.

To save money, you might find a pad that you like at a secondhand tack store or perhaps on ebay. But, you can buy a new bottom of the line synthetic fleece pad for around $30.

Making a quilted type pad is a little more accessible in terms of a project.

[hunterrider23]

I don’t even think sheepskin is the best of the best in terms of half pads and I don’t ever even use my mattes.

[Lucassb]

There are tons of inexpensive half pads on Ebay. I just did a quick search and found pages of them, some around the $20-30 price point

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Equestrian-/3153/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=half+pad&_sop=15

[vxf111]

VTO is having their sale and they have choices that would ring in under $100 with the discount.

[jumper528]

Years ago, the “thing” to do was use a 1.5" thick piece of soft foam, purchased at a fabric shop. Some riders would even cut out an oval section for the withers (as modeled by many half pads). This is simply a ~2’x2.5" foam rectangle. Compared to the Equifit T-form (~$200) or the Beval Half Pad (~$200) this is not the most therapeutic option, but it does provide steady support, a non pinching material, and an unmatched economic value for schooling purposes.

[poltroon]

[QUOTE=jumper528;7333836]
Years ago, the “thing” to do was use a 1.5" thick piece of soft foam, purchased at a fabric shop. Some riders would even cut out an oval section for the withers (as modeled by many half pads). This is simply a ~2’x2.5" foam rectangle. Compared to the Equifit T-form (~$200) or the Beval Half Pad (~$200) this is not the most therapeutic option, but it does provide steady support, a non pinching material, and an unmatched economic value for schooling purposes.[/QUOTE]

I made a white terrycloth cover for mine, with a zipper. Very handy.

[redcowpony]

I made a half pad out of a 1/4" western felt pad liner. It cost maybe $25 and I cut it down to the size I wanted. I use it under an AP pad. Maybe eventually I’ll get a nice sheepskin but I really like how easy this one is to clean with a hose. I’m a bit lazy on cleaning. I also really like Skito pads because I had one made up custom for me; on first looks, it seems to be a regular half pad and is quite nice.

[Trixie]

If you can make one, I am in awe of your sewing skills. Seriously.