Half Pad Recommendations

[Pico_Banana]

My horse is susceptible to having sore back muscles despite a well-fitting saddle and correct riding. Part of it I think is that we had to slow down training for a bit and now are getting back to normal work. But in general she is just very sensitive so this could be good regardless. I am going to start a regular massage routine with her but am also considering trying one of the “shock absorbing” half pads to see if it might help. (Hey, if you believe all of the claims, it might even make me a better rider!)

So please tell me what you like and why. My only real criterion is that it has to be a thin one so as not to change the saddle fit substantially. Thanks in advance.

[samwoww7]

I like Thinline in general. I can’t say I can give solid proof of its effectiveness, but my horse seems to like the half pad and chin pad shrug

Back on track works well too. I haven’t purchased any animal products, but I love their human stuff! (I have terrible hand circulation, and their Reynaud’s gloves are the only things that keep my fingers warm at work)

[CanteringCarrot]

I have used Thinline and Prolite with the same results. Horse seemed impartial but did not get sore. Both pads were thin enough to not effect saddle fit.

I am currently using an Acavallo soft active gel pad and quite like it. It’s well ventilated, thin, and also helps the stability of my saddle. On this particular horse, his saddle can creep forward just due to his shape regardless of how well the saddle fits. It provides just enough cushion IMO. I used to think gel pads weren’t so good, but I’ve been using this one while my other two collect dust.

[Training_Cupid]

Thinline.

[LarkspurCO]

I prefer the Acavallo gel pads. They’re thin, lightweight, grippy, conform well, provide excellent shock absorption, and feel better to me than the basic Ultra Thinline half pad.

I never liked how the Thinline pad smashed down onto the withers.

Also suggest daily Vitamin E and magnesium.

[AnneKendal]

I can highly recommend the Exselle Half Pad with Wither Relief, couldn’t be happier with it! [h=1][/h]

[atr]

I’ve got a horse with a princess and the pea back too. I use the Thinline Trifecta, and he’s been very comfortable in it. I haven’t tried the Acavallo but it also looks like a valid option.

Echo Larkspur on the Vit E and Magnesium, and I’d also check hoof balance.

[ammyforlife]

Hopping over from the Hunter/Jumper forum, to say that I really like my Thinline half pad on sensitive backed horses. My very vocal, sensitive TB liked the Thinline more than anything else I tried, and neither of us felt that it altered the fit of his custom saddle. I have also ridden a couple other sensitive/cold-backed horses in it that seem to like it. I can also feel a difference in my back and I find it easier to sit the trot and canter when I use vs when I don’t. I can’t decide if sitting is easier because they are more through their backs or if its because of the shock absorption properties, but either way, I’m happy with it!

[pgtips15]

I really like the Thinline pad for my mare. She’s not a sensitive horse, but she’s coming back to jumping from a withers injury. The Thinline pad really freed up her shoulder in comparison to her previous Beval pad.

She’s really benefited from Masterson Method bodywork, on the massage side of things.

[ewells]

Just to give you some options I’m impressed with the Invictus Pad the technology in this pad is just amazing and the lady I knew with one just loved it her horse went really well in it. She noticed an improvement in her own comfort in her back with the Invictus.
http://invictus-equestrian.com/

And Just heard about the VIP (Very Important Pad) Company
http://veryimportantpad.com/

Both are thin the VIP looks super thin and well made products.

[Pico_Banana]

Thanks all. I was wondering if ThinLine was still a top choice and it seems like it is. I noticed that Acavallo has a new pad out that is supposed to be very thin – the piuma featherweight – and am interested in trying that too.

I have a ThinLine Trifecta already and may try that just as I have it on had already, although I think it will be too thick. Wish I could pull out just the thinline portion away from the quilted bottom!

Thanks also for the suggestions re supplements. She’s already on 5000 mg of Mg and 5000 IUs of Vit E. Am thinking of switching to MagRestore for a higher quality MG. Also just pulled a Vit E/Selenium test to see where her levels are. I haven’t tested her since I switched her from the water soluble Elevate to the powder over 6 months ago, so will be interested to see results.