Thinking I need a non-slip pad as I keep losing my square pad. I’ve never used one. Any opinions on them? How well do they work? Brand to buy, etc?
Thanks in advance!
Does your current pad have slots for the girth gullets and straps at front to the gullets? Does it have a shaped wither? I find my Lemieux jump pad stays stable whereas thinner cheaper pads don’t.
Myself I don’t really want layer of rubber under my saddle unless it’s need for cushioning and so I prefer to get a better quality cloth pad.
I bought the Ovation pads for my very broad-backed, square, mutton withered quarter horses. I learned about the Ovation pads from a riding school with a selection of square, mutton withered school ponies, the pads were invaluable, particularly with unbalanced beginners. My one QH is like trying to ride a greased sausage on a waxed paper saddle without the non slip; the Ovation pad is a big safety plus for him.
Also, I don’t find that the Ovation pads increase heat under the saddle or decrease sweating, but that’s just what I’ve observed on my two. The riding school actual cuts the full size pad in two pieces to make two pony size pads - seems to work well for them.
I agee with what you’re saying though - with a normally conformed horse and a well fitting saddle, you shouldn’t have that much pad slippage. It certainly isn’t an issue on my leased horse, and I don’t always use the girth keeper or the billet keeper.
My horse is a big mover with big shoulders so I’m really starting to notice it now that we’re in the outdoor. She’s also a bit overweight/round after time off from the barn being closed. The saddle seems to stay put but I have to get off and readjust the pad. Saddle is relatively new to me - super squishy wool flocked with a spring tree (don’t know if that gives any insight or not). I ride in just a square pad currently with a folded no-bow under the seat to shim the back up a little. I have a fitter checking things out this summer.
Since your saddle is staying put you could try getting some rubbery mesh drawer liner (try a dollar store) and putting a piece between your pad and your saddle. It’s very thin and being mesh it won’t hold the heat.
I did this for years with one of my horses. I should do it again as my summer pad is creeping back on my older horse.
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We use this as a pad:
I love it! It’s relatively inexpensive, and multi use (as you can see from the picture).
