I “think” I had something resembling this years ago, that I used with an English saddle.
Has anyone ever used something like this with an A/P English before?
TIA 
(item gone)
[QUOTE=nasalberry;6719300]
I “think” I had something resembling this years ago, that I used with an English saddle.
Has anyone ever used something like this with an A/P English before?
TIA 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221166065014?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649[/QUOTE]
I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. I have always used barrel pads for training purposes. I’ve found that they definitely help save your horse’s back. I’m an equine massage therapist, and I see more sore backs from poor or non-existent saddle pads that I care to count.
I’ll usually tell my clients to switch to a thicker or better weight-distributing pad. Generally this suggestion is met with a look of horror and I’m informed that, “It won’t look good,” or, “My horse won’t be able to feel my subtle weight shifts.”
At that point, I always feel like informing them that I’ve seen them ride, and you’re better off if your horse can’t feel your “subtle” weight shifts. Or, your horse feels nothing but pain now, so…I’ve learned to keep these comments to myself, however. Also, if I suggest that their horse could benefit from some time off to let the soreness go away, the usual response is, “But I have a trial coming up. I have to keep riding him.”
Use the pad; your horse will be happier for it.
Liz
Thanks!
I have one of those pads in a square western pad, but they arent very thick. They do work well to reduce slippage though. I would recommend them under another pad.
if you REALLY want the best investment for your horse’s back, go to:
www.TheAlpacaHorse.com and buy one of their 100% organically produced hand-woven alpaca saddle blankets.And they are made entirely from New England raised alpaca fleece and hand-loomed in Connecticut. I have 2 of them and my dressage horse has never gone better !
The biggest problem I’ve had using barrel pads for English saddles is the sides generally don’t come down far enough to keep the saddle flaps from getting dirty and sweaty.
A friend has the brand of saddle pad linked in the OP and it’s a total POS. Not the same as the tacky-tack style pads sold by Weaver that have the black tacky stuff on the bottom only.
I have however used nicer barrel pads for everything - western, dressage and cutback saddles. I like the thick real wool felt ones, and also have some SMX pads that are nice.
[QUOTE=WildBlue;6720800]
The biggest problem I’ve had using barrel pads for English saddles is the sides generally don’t come down far enough to keep the saddle flaps from getting dirty and sweaty.[/QUOTE]
Two words: SADDLE SOAP !!
You can get Tacky Tack pads for English saddles https://www.4showhorsetack.com/product_info.php?products_id=881&osCsid=576al4d0jv1hnbk9nov9b7fnp4
[QUOTE=pook;6721190]
Two words: SADDLE SOAP !![/QUOTE]
Or a pad that fits the saddle better… I already ought to own stock in a saddle soap company. The barrel pad makes an excellent pet bed, though!
